Practice Teaching and BeyondProfessional Conduct and

Deportment

Presented by Dr. Barbara OlmstedAssociate Dean, Schulich School of Education

First Impressions are Lasting Ones

Agenda• Practicum Schedule

• Practicum Placement Information Released• Faculty Advisor Meetings

• WSIB/Digital Recording Form

• Professionalism

Practicum Schedule…page 6

 2015•January: 19, 26February:  2, 9, 23March: 2, 9, 23, 305 Consecutive Days: April 23, 27, 28, 29, 30/2015*Adjustments to these final dates will be allowed for academic conflicts only.

When are placements released?• Why didn’t I get a placement?

• Should I attend the Faculty Advisor Meeting?

January 12, 2015

Faculty Advisor Meetings

WSIB/Digital Recording FormPersonal Safety in Practicum / Digital Professionalism:

Your signature at the bottom of this form indicates your understanding and acceptance of the outlined conditions.

Unauthorized Use of Digital Recordings•Awareness of school’s computer policies and guidelines for electronic communications•Discretion in personal website content•Be aware of social media and its possible implications

WSIB Insurance Program Form

•WSIB coverage while on practicum•Contact the Practicum Office immediately with any injury received on placement

Professionalism

What is it?

A level of excellence / competence that is expected of a professional

What defines a True Teaching Professional?

Puts customer satisfaction first Expert & specialized knowledge in teaching Excellent practical/communication skills High quality work is in evidence – doing more than is

expected High standard of professional ethics – behaviour &

activities related to teaching your clients Sharing knowledge and expertise Praising your peers not yourself Positive attitude even when times are tough

SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government

Role of the Associate Teacher Teacher Candidates must contact their Associate

Teacher prior to their first day of practicum

Initial contact should be by phone

If Associate is busy – ask for a better time to reach Associate

Follow up with any messages left at the school

Note: Many schools have online websites showing their daily schedules

SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government

1st Day of School Report to main office 30 minutes before school starts (start time

obtained from mentor)

Introduce yourself to the office administration & state why you are in the school

Request the classroom location for your Associate Teacher

Find your Associate Teacher and introduce yourself

Show your enthusiasm!

SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government

1st Day of School cont’d..

Review the Associate Teacher support package with your Associate – which will include a Practicum Handbook

Practicum Responsibilities: Page 7

Expectations: Page 10

Ask the Associate Teacher if there are any particular activities she/he would like you to do

SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government

First Impressions Count Make an effort to get to know the names of the students by

circulating in the class during seat work, assisting students, talking with students at the start/end of recess or out on the playground as you are supervising

Show your commitment to teaching by actively participating in the classroom and school community

Bring a lunch with you and have lunch in the staff room, mingle & talk with other teachers

SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government

Nervousness is normalTake time each day to make observation notes in your

Practicum Binder (recess, lunch, prep period)Stay after classes as long as your AT needs you

Minimum of 30 minutes after school is expected

Punctuality• Contact your school prior to going to find out when the school

day begins.

• TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE UPON ENTERING THE SCHOOL.

• Upon arrival, introduce yourself at the school office. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before classes begin and to remain at school at least 30 minutes after the formal end of the school day.

• On subsequent days, follow the lead of your Associate Teacher.

• Always be in the teaching area prior to the arrival of students (e.g. after recess or lunch, or when periods are scheduled to begin in high schools).

• Call the Associate Teacher, Faculty Advisor and the Practicum Office if you are absent from your placement.

SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government

Dress

• On your first day, dress in business attire.

• On subsequent days, dress appropriately for the individual school environment.

• Exceptions in dress could include Phys. Ed., field trips, the paint centre, etc.

SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government

Language/Deportment

• Listen attentively and be respectful at all times when at your host school.

• Strive to provide a positive model of oral and written language.

• Use gender inclusive language and avoid the use of slang.

• You are a visitor – do not be drawn into school conflicts.

SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government

Staffroom Talk• The staffroom is a public place.

• Do not be drawn into criticizing other teachers or the administration.

• Frame discussions of student issues positively, with a focus on improving your own teaching practice.

SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government

Confidential Information Confidential information is not to be shared beyond the

professional context.

This includes:

i) your informal observations about students

ii) information from student records such as OSRs, IEPs, and report cards

iii) information relating to home and family background

iv) information relating to medical conditions

v) information shared informally by teachers

SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government

Student Safety• Refer any request to release a student from the classroom to

your associate teacher.

• You cannot legally assume the responsibilities of a certified teacher:

– Yard duty alone

– Occasional teaching (supply)

– Teaching alone in your Associate’s classroom

SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government

Beyond the First Week

• During your practicum, be prepared with your lesson plans. If you know you will be absent, you must provide plans to your associate.

• If you are scheduled to teach a lesson, it is your professional responsibility to be prepared to do so.

• Absenteeism during practicum could result in assignment of additional teaching time.

• Avoid scheduling appointments during your practice teaching blocks.

• Professional behaviour at all times during practicum.

SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government

Professional Problems

If you encounter serious personal or professional problems with which you feel you cannot cope, please feel free to contact:

Faculty Advisor

Practicum Officerdeanneo@nipissingu.ca (519) 752-1524 x7502

Additional InformationFor additional information, please see:

• Nipissing University’s Practicum Handbook 2014-15

http://www.nipissingu.ca/departments/brantford/practicum/Pages/Teacher-Candidate-Handbook.aspx

• The “Foundations of Professional Practice” (Ontario College of Teachers)http://www.oct.ca/publications/PDF/memos/0508_2005_e.pdf

Keys to Success

Be respectful to students, staff, admin, parents

Don’t forget to smile

Be enthusiastic, energetic & willing

Be punctual

Dress professionally

Learn student names

Questions?

Social Media• Facebook: Be aware of your presence on it both as a

student/teacher; reconsider pictures and message boards from an admin/parent perspective. Do not respond to invitations from your students.

• Limit student internet contact to board/school approved uses.

• Do not post pictures of your students on Facebook

Ontario College of Teachers : Professional Advisory – Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government

http://www.oct.ca/resources/advisories/use-of-electronic-communication-and-social-media

Social Media

Presented by the

Brantford Police Services

SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government