Block B Teacher Candidate Expectations

Your role:

• Your first responsibility is to students in the district classroom/s to which you are assigned. Their safety, health, social and emotional well-being, and academic achievement should guide your decision-making every day.
• You are still a student and a learner, but you will be expected to act as a beginning professional educator at all times.
• As a guest in your host school (either in virtual or actual learning spaces) act accordingly.
• Your cooperating teacher, Cadre Coordinator, instructors and school-based colleagues are there to help you become the best possible teacher you can. Be open and responsive to their feedback, input, and ideas.

Responsibility to your students:

• You are a model for your students and they will regard you as another teacher.
• Everything you say and do conveys a message about who you are and what is important to you. Be aware of your role as a preservice teacher and self-aware as you work in classrooms.
• Learn students’ names, how to pronounce them, and pronounce them correctly. If uncertain, ask the student to help you. Never substitute a “nickname” for what the student has asked to be called.
• Contribute actively to a positive classroom and school culture.
• Establish and maintain high expectations for yourself and your students.
• Teach the whole student; recognize and be responsive to their social-emotional needs.
• Be prepared. Know your content, have a plan, and teach to the best of your ability at every opportunity.
• State your expectations in ways students can understand and ensure students understand them.
• When a student acts in unexpected ways, respond, don’t react. Stay in the solution by identifying the inappropriate behavior, listening to the student explain the cause, clarify (as needed) why the behavior did not meet expectations, and identify specific steps the student can take to rectify the situation and to do better.
• Establish relationships grounded in mutual respect and professionalism with everyone.
• The use of ANY technology or social media must be approved by your cooperating teacher and be for instructional purposes only.

Responsibility to the host school/your cooperating teacher:

1. Be discreet with any confidential information you are privileged to. Know all FERPA and COPPA laws. Along with meeting legal and policy guidelines for privacy, before you share any information, THINK about what you plan to say and whether you have reason to:

Is it True?

Is it Helpful?

Is it Important?

Is it Necessary?

Is it Kind?

2. Policies. Know and act in accordance with all school policies and procedures. Ask for a copy of district policies.
3. Professionalism. Establish professional relationships with school personnel (administrators, faculty, support staff), students and parents.
4. Schedule. Keep the same daily schedule as your cooperating teacher. Report to school on time and remain on campus throughout the designated school day.
5. Communicate Absences. Notify the school office, your cooperating teacher, and your cadre coordinator as soon as possible if absence due to illness is necessary.
6. Attire. Wear appropriate professional attire in compliance with school policy dress code.
7. Cell Phone. Your cell phone should be turned off and out of sight during class unless it is being used for instruction-related purposes.
8. Food and drinks (other than water) should not be consumed in the classroom unless part of a class activity.
9. Get engaged! What can you do to assist? What are the strengths and skills you bring that can support your cooperating teacher and students?  Say “Yes” to every opportunity offered. Participate in non-academic events to get to know the community and to see students outside the classroom.
10. Plan. Schedule dedicated time with your cooperating teacher to discuss your Collaborative Progress Log, ask questions, help plan for instructional activities, and ask for advice.
11. Be proactive about addressing your concerns and goals.
12. Learn. As permitted, attend any school-wide professional development, faculty meetings, student development meetings, sports events, club meetings, etc.

Responsibility to your Cadre Coordinator

• Submit by agreed-upon means, before or by Sunday afternoon, your weekly schedule showing when you will be teaching the following week.
• Notify your cadre coordinator immediately when changes occur to this schedule.
• Notify your cadre coordinator and cooperating teacher if absence due to illness is necessary.
• Welcome constructive suggestions and incorporate them in subsequent planning and teaching.
• Contact your cadre coordinator with questions or concerns.
• Attend all seminars/meetings.