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UNT EPP Stages of Intervention

The clinical teacher, cooperating teacher and field supervisor should work collaboratively and be involved in the stages of intervention. Part of learning is being given an opportunity to work out the solution to correct one's own mistakes without overreacting. However, concerns and problems begin to persist or form a pattern, respond sooner rather than later. Documentation, even before determining the most appropriate response is important.  Record specific observed behaviors that indicate a cause for concern, especially about a candidate's potential for program completion and/or success as a teacher.  It may be difficult to recall the specifics later. Infractions of school, district, university, or Texas Education Agency policies/guidelines or applicable laws may warrant the skipping of certain Stages of Intervention.

Stage One Intervention: Informal

  • The first step should be to meet privately with the candidate to address the issue honestly.
  • Be specific about naming the observed behavior/s and explaining your concerns about how the behavior may/does impact the clinical teacher's potential to be successful.
  • Listen to understand the clinical teacher's perspective.
  • Suggest solutions and specific steps, strategies, behaviors he/she/they can take to improve.
  • Follow up to discuss progress.
  • Document the concerns, suggestions made, and observed progress.

Stage Two Intervention: Growth Plan

  • If problems persist, a written Growth Plan should be completed.  If a Growth Plan is warranted, contact the UNT Director of Clinical Practice to initiate and implement the Growth Plan.
  • Once the Growth Plan is complete, the Director of Clinical Practice will schedule a meeting with the candidate to review the Growth Plan and obtain necessary signatures.
  • Copies should be provided for the clinical teacher, the cooperating teacher, and the field supervisor.
  • Meet again on the designated date/s to review progress.

Stage Three Intervention: Probation Contract

  • In situations where no resolution to issues is reached, and/or the clinical teacher fails to respond to the Growth Plan, a Probation Contract may be required.
  • A Probation Contract cannot be initiated or implemented without the involvement of the Director of Clinical Practice.
  • Contact the Director of Clinical Practice and provide all written documentation. The Director of Clinical Practice will then initiate the Probation Contract process.

 

Stage Four Intervention: Suspension of or Termination from Clinical Practice

CAUSES FOR SUSPENSION FROM AND/OR TERMINATION OF CLINICAL TEACHING PLACEMENT

  • If a student is removed for reasons other than self-initiated termination of participation in clinical practice, he/she/they will automatically receive a grade of “NP” (No Pass) for one or both clinical teaching courses.  A candidate may or may not be permitted to repeat a failed course.

 

  • In addition to all UNT policies and codes governing students, UNT teacher candidates are held to all policies and rules in the Clinical Teaching Handbook and to the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators as printed in the Texas Administrative Code.
  • Clinical Teachers/Teacher Candidate shall also comply with state regulations, written local school board policies, and other applicable state and federal laws. The College of Education will remove students from their field placement assignments if the university determines that the student has violated such policies and procedures.
  • A clinical teacher may also be removed at the request of the school district. A School District representative will notify UNT of any teacher candidate conduct that violates the policies of the School District or the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators. In the event a teacher candidate is to be suspended or dismissed from any placement, the School District will follow the Procedures for Suspension and termination in this Handbook and consult with UNT before finalizing such action, unless immediate removal is required by law.
  • The candidate may also request termination of the Clinical Practice experience for medical or personal reasons. In these instances, the Change in Status Agreement Form is not considered a disciplinary measure.
  • Other than the clinical teacher, only the Director of Clinical Practice or the Associate Dean for Educator Preparation can initiate a Suspension or Change in Status Agreement.