Professional Conduct

During field experiences and Supervised Teaching, Dominican expects Teacher Candidates' conduct and actions to be carried out professionally and ethically. Teacher Candidates represent Dominican University’s teacher preparation programs and as such, are expected to exhibit professional conduct and demeanor at all times at their school sites as reflected by TPE 6. If conflicts occur, Teacher Candidates should work to resolve issues in a non-confrontational manner, with the guidance of supervisors and the seminar leader. The goal is to establish collaborative relationships with all school colleagues.

The following guidelines will help make each Teacher Candidate more successful:

Maintain a balance between personal and professional roles.
Communicate with, and relate well to parents, students, staff, and community members.
Be an active listener.
Actively support colleagues and contribute to department or program goals.
Follow district and school policies and procedures.
Contribute to a positive school culture.
Participate in school activities.
Treat everyone fairly and respectfully.
Act as a positive role model for students and colleagues.
Respond productively to constructive criticism.
Exhibit the work habits of a professional teacher --- responsible, reliable, punctual, keeping agreements, and taking initiative.
Be aware of and follow school policies regarding discipline, field trips, fire drills, injuries and emergencies.
Dress professionally.
Become familiar with the school and district forms, procedures, and files and use them as appropriate.
Be prompt to school and department meetings. When you cannot be at a meeting, tell the administrator ahead of time and ask someone to take notes for you.
If you need to be absent, notify your supervisor (Directing Teachers, Program Director, and University Supervisor, as applicable) with the dates. Leave a detailed written plan.
When you have an issue or a situation that needs the administrator’s attention, find out the proper procedure for handling the concern and follow it. Seek advice from others at the school before you act.
Set goals for your own professional development and take actions toward meeting those goals.

Communication

Communicate with others in a responsible and sensitive manner. Use non-confrontational language when making requests or clarifications, such as:

“It would help me if …”

“Would it work for you if …”

“I’m noticing that …”

“It is my understanding that …”

“Could you tell me more about …?”

Use discretion. Your students and their families have a right to privacy. Only share information with those who need to know to help you solve a problem or understand an issue better. Treat student and colleague information confidentially and respectfully. Work out problems or conflicts non-confrontationally. Be direct, but be sensitive to the other person’s feelings. If someone has a problem with you, listen first and respond if necessary.