Dispositions

Professional Commitment and Responsibility

The Candidate:

• Maintains confidentiality as appropriate
• Is enthusiastic towards teaching and learning
• Understands and complies with laws and policies at the local/Provincial level
• Is prepared and punctual
• Discusses issues and concerns in professional manner
• Accepts critical feedback in a professional manner

Professional relationships

The Candidate:

• Maintains high expectations for self and others
• Considers diverse opinions and perspectives
• Recognizes & promotes diversity of individuals /groups
• Acts compassionately towards others
• Is patient and flexible
• Collaborates with peers and supports their development

Critical Thinking/Reflective Practice

The Candidate:

• Is able to think critically and effectively solve problems
• Openly discusses concerns  in a professional manner
• Accepts critical feedback in a professional manner
• Seeks and accepts help when needed
• Reflects upon his/her professional practice
• Sets goals for continuous improvement
• Evaluates attainment of professional goals

Professional Appearance Conduct

The Successful Candidate

• Wears neat, tailored clothing in accordance with standards set for teachers; no flip flops or shorts
• Does not expose midriff / tattoos
• Has well groomed hair, neatly trimmed beard
• Shows no body piercings
• Does not chew gum in the classroom
• Does not use cell phones, text messaging, email, computer games, or earphones for personal use in classroom
• Blocks personal  websites from students
• Uses instructional websites responsibly and in accordance with NU Academic Integrity Policy.

** Research shows that it only takes 6 seconds or less for someone to make a decision about what type of person you are and if you would make a good fit for future employment.**

Teacher Candidate Responsibilities

TO HOST SCHOOL

• Follow school calendar & building  schedule
• Follow school policies (e.g. check in/out at office, attend meetings and staff development, pre-school & after school responsibilities.)  Ask for exceptions only in an emergency
• Adhere to school standards of behavior including professional dress
• Be punctual
• Contribute to extracurricular life of the school

TO ASSOCIATE TEACHER

• Be on time and prepared to work
• Deliver/review Student Teaching packet
• Decide with Associate Teacher how far in advance to submit lesson plans (a day? several days?)
• Write lesson plans for each lesson and submit for review/approval prior to teaching
• Consult on Supervisor observation dates
• Report absences as soon as possible
• Confer regularly regarding professional progress and/or concerns on such matters as discipline and rapport with students

TO N.U. SUPERVISOR

• Forward schedule and directions to school (1st week)
• Consult on observation dates
• Report absences as soon as possible
• Type lesson plan for observation
• Have a daily planner accessible to Field Supervisor
• Participate in peer sharing at the Supervisor’s Meetings
• Submit teaching evaluations in a timely fashion to NU
• Promptly inform N.U. Supervisor of concerns regarding the placement

** First Placement Submit Final  Student Teaching Report by due date to Seminar Instructor.
**Second Placement Submit Final Student Teaching Report to Professional Seminar Instructor on last day of Seminar.

TO SELF

• Make Student Teaching your first priority.  Be prepared to commit the time and effort necessary for success.
• Be professional:
  Extend basic courtesy and respect toward school administrators, teachers, staff, students and the school community
  Refrain from making unfavorable remarks about the host school, the university program, and/or the community
  Keep student information confidential

• Strive to teach effectively with dedication & enthusiasm
• Become involved in extra-curricular activities
• Become knowledgeable of current issues such as violence prevention, child abuse, sexual harassment
• Set goals and reflect on progress