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The Clinical Teaching program is a cooperative relationship between the University of North Texas, cooperating school districts, cooperating teachers, and the clinical teacher.  The expected outcome of clinical teaching is that the clinical teacher demonstrates the expected knowledge, skills, and dispositions required to be recommended for certification. Occasionally, there are circumstances that warrant the termination of the clinical teaching experience.  

Termination may be initiated by the clinical teacher, the school district, or the University of North Texas.  When such action is deemed necessary, reasons may include, but are not limited to any of the following: 

REASONS FOR TERMINATION

  1. Mutual consent and agreement for termination by the clinical teacher, cooperating teacher, and/or university supervisor for reasons of illness, injury, or other unforeseen factors.
  2. Failure by the clinical teacher to demonstrate/provide required evidence of potential for success as a teacher.
  3. Failure by the clinical teacher to abide by the policies of:  The Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators, the Texas Education Agency, the State Board for Educator Certification, the University of North Texas, the cooperating school, and/or the cooperating school district, rules governing educator preparation, UNT, policies the cooperating school, or cooperating school district.
  4. Unprofessional conduct towards the host school faculty/administration and/or students/parents.

PROCEDURES FOR TERMINATION (for Reasons 2-4)

The following procedures are required for termination of the clinical teaching assignment:

  1. The clinical teacher shall be informed by the cooperating teacher and/or university supervisor/cadre coordinator of any unsatisfactory performance. (See Stage One Intervention) This shall be done through a written evaluation from the university supervisor, a joint conference between all three, and/or written documentation of any infractions of performance, school policy or professionalism. Verbal suggestions should be documented in writing.
  2. When it is evident that a clinical teacher does not follow through with prescribed verbal and written suggestions for improvement, a formal Growth Plan shall be initiated by the Director of Clinical Practice in coordination with the university supervisor/cadre coordinator and/or cooperating teacher and discussed in a conference with the candidate.  The Growth Plan must be signed by the candidate, the university supervisor/cadre coordinator and/or the Director of Clinical Practice or the Associate Dean for Educator preparation. 
  3. Within one‐week following the Growth Plan conference, the clinical teacher, cooperating teacher, university supervisor/cadre coordinator, and/or Director of Clinical Practice will confer regarding candidate progress. Scheduled follow-up meetings with the candidate will be conducted.
  4. If expected progress has not been demonstrated, a formal Probation Contract may then be executed, with a clear time limit for compliance.  A copy will be submitted to the candidate, the school principal, and to the Admission, Review, and Retention (ARR) Committee by the Director of Clinical Practice. 
  5. The university supervisor/cadre coordinator, ARR Chair, or student may request that the Director of Clinical Practice conduct an observation and evaluation.  A conference of all parties will follow.
  6. When the clinical teacher is placed on a probation contract and re-evaluation indicates unfavorable progress, the clinical teacher will meet with the Director of Clinical Practice and/or the ARR Chair and/or the Associate Dean for Educator Preparation to discuss possible options.  Options are considered on a case-by-case basis. Some options that may be considered include the following:
    1. Withdrawal from clinical teaching, with the option to reapply for clinical teaching.
    2. Withdrawalfrom clinical teaching, with the decision to transfer to another college within the University to pursue a different degree.  (Withdrawal will be allowed only if it is prior to the end of the drop date for the semester.)
    3. Termination of clinical teaching with a failing grade.  The final termination decision is made by the appropriate ARR Committee following official ARR procedures/policies.
  7. If the clinical teacher is to be terminated from the Clinical Teaching assignment, he/she/they will be given a letter stating the decision, the reasons for the termination, and whether or not an opportunity to reapply for clinical teaching at a later date will be permitted.  This letter is generated by the Director of Clinical Practice and approved by the Associate Dean for Educator Preparation before dissemination.
  8. The final decision to terminate a clinical teacher is the responsibility of the ARR Committee and/or Associate Dean for Educator Preparation.  This decision will be based upon documentation from the school principal, cooperating teacher, university supervisor/cadre coordinator, and/or the clinical teacher. 
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