Student Teachers are expected to be present all day every day, follow the school district’s calendar, and attend school district in-service days. Student Teachers are not permitted to observe the University's fall or spring breaks. Student Teachers are expected to arrive at the school and to leave the school in accordance with their Cooperating Teacher’s schedule, and to comply consistently with the school’s schedule of professional duty hours for teachers. Student Teachers will complete a daily log of their arrival and departure times to the school building, which will be signed and verified by the Cooperating Teacher each week.
An unexpected absence due to illness or a family emergency of more than 2 days must be made up. Failure to attend the required amount of days means that the university cannot recommend a Student Teacher for certification unless the days are made up. If, in the University’s judgment, the Student Teacher demonstrates an unwillingness to accept professional responsibility, he/she will be withdrawn from student teaching and will receive no credit. The Record of Attendance Form must be completed and submitted to the University Supervisor at the end of each student teaching placement. This form must be signed by the Cooperating Teacher and the University Supervisor.
*****In those rare instances that require an absence or late arrival, the Student Teacher is expected to notify the school, the Cooperating Teacher, and the University Supervisor. The Student Teacher should follow the school’s established procedures in notifying the school of an absence or late arrival. Such notice should always be done in advance of the time teachers are expected to report to school. University Supervisors should be notified immediately of a late arrival or absence. *****
In addition to the weeks of student teaching, Student Teachers are required to attend on-campus seminars and events. The schedule will be announced at the beginning of each semester.
Attendance During School District Work Stoppages or Emergencies
The Education Department will make every effort to identify those school districts facing a work stoppage in any given year. Student Teachers will not be assigned to those districts. In the event that an unforeseeable work stoppage occurs, these actions should be taken:
All Student Teachers affected by the stoppage will report to the LRC Education Department by 9:00 am the first day of the work stoppage. The Student Teacher will be reassigned to another placement as soon as possible. Until the placement is confirmed, the Student Teacher will report to the LRU Education Department each day to complete assignments.
SAMPLE assignments are:
Make arrangements to return to a field placement site for observation and other appropriate activities (volunteering, tutoring).
Research the replacement assignment and prepare a profile of the district.
If a second placement has already been confirmed, then the second placement may begin after the college confirms this arrangement with the school.
Cautionary Note:
The declaration of a work stoppage, no matter what the length, is a very serious matter for all concerned. Work stoppages and contract negotiations of any nature are volatile issues. Student Teachers are advised to refrain from engaging in any discussion with any school district employee about the subject. Significant tensions may arise among teachers, administrators, parents, and board members and lines drawn and redrawn overnight. Maintaining a professional demeanor at all times is the most appropriate action for all Student Teachers.