Teacher Candidates
Roles & Responsibilities

The Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education requires that Teacher Candidates carry out their professional duties in accordance with the expectations of members of the profession as outlined in the Standards of Practice and Ethical Standards. Please see information regarding the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession and Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession on the Ontario College of Teachers website. 

Failure to comply with any of these standards may result in:

• Ineligibility for Field Experience; 

• Immediate withdrawal from the Field Experience; and/or 

• Immediate withdrawal from the Bachelor of Education program. 

This is in accordance with Ontario Tech University’s Conduct and Professional Suitability Policy. The Teacher Candidate is considered an associate member of the Ontario Teachers’ Federation and must therefore act in accordance with the Teaching Profession Act. 

Candidates must consistently demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of the BEd program, including coursework, interactions with others, and as guests in schools and classrooms.

The Teacher Candidate will: 

• Read and be familiar with the Field Experience guidelines;

• Review the assessment criteria for the Field Experience and consider their use as a form of self-assessment;

• Become familiar with the host school to gain understanding of the school culture, expectations, and procedures;

• Follow school board, school, and Ontario Tech policies, as well as class routines;

• Be prompt, punctual and reliable;

• Show initiative;

• Demonstrate a professional attitude by observing the school’s dress code, maintaining confidentiality, and cooperating with all school personnel;

• Submit appropriate forms to the Associate Teacher and the Practicum Office as required;

• Understand that cell phones or any other electronic devices are to be used during classroom time for instructional/professional purposes only;

• Be aware that participation in negative conversations about Ontario Tech University, Associate Teachers, or any other member of the school community is considered unprofessional behaviour (see: OTF Guidelines Regarding Harassment Complaints That Arise During Practicum Placements).

If an Associate Teacher is absent during a Field Experience day, the school must follow its normal procedures with respect to on-calls and/or obtaining an occasional teacher. Teacher Candidates may NOT be hired as occasional teachers, nor may they act as occasional teachers while in the Bachelor of Education program unless: 

1. 1. They hold a Transitional Teaching Certificate from the Ontario College of Teachers, and 

   2. Have approval from their Foundations Instructor 

There is a maximum of 5 days that a Teacher Candidate may be employed as an Occasional Teacher while in their third and final Field Experience and these days must be in the same grade/subject as the Field Experience.