Professionalism in Teaching
Professionalism may mean many different things in the school setting. It is reflected in one's attire and interactions with students, teachers and school staff, and parents. Although school districts may vary in some of their expectations, students representing La Roche University are expected to present themselves in a professional manner at all times during the student teaching experience. You have devoted a great deal of time and hard work to becoming an excellent teacher, so you should make wise choices about your professional conduct.
Professionalism in Dress and Appearance
While you are student teaching, you are a guest in the school and a representative of La Roche University. As such you should use good judgment in selecting clothing for the classroom. In most cases, men will be required to wear a shirt with a collar and a tie. Women should wear dress pants, skirts or dresses that are appropriate for the classroom. Clothes that are too short or revealing in any way are not appropriate choices when working in schools. Neatness is always required.
All teacher candidates should remember that jeans and sneakers or athletic shoes are not considered professional and will be deemed unacceptable in student teaching (unless it is the day of an outdoor field trip and your cooperating teacher has made the recommendation). All teacher candidates need to be aware that items that may be acceptable in the college setting are unacceptable in the classroom. When in doubt about your clothing choice, you should err on the side of caution and select a different outfit.
In addition to clothing, professionalism in dress and appearance also includes appropriate personal grooming. Neatness is important and students are advised to strive to regularly present themselves in a neat and well-groomed way. Visible body piercing and tattoos may be a statement of your individuality and style, but are a distraction in a classroom. Students should keep in mind that school personnel (including your Cooperating Teacher and school administrators) have the right to expect you to be more conservative and remove or cover such adornments. Failure to do so could result in the school requesting that your placement in their classroom be terminated due to the distracting nature of your appearance or non-compliance with its or the Department’s school dress code. It is advised that teacher candidates consider this before the first visit to the classroom and attempt to maintain a professional image throughout your experience. Teacher candidates should keep in mind that as teachers you are role models. The personal choices you make regarding your appearance may affect the perceptions of others and your professional future.
Professionalism of Behavior
Your behavior says a great deal about not only you as a teacher, but also you as a person. Your students, their parents, other teachers and school personnel will view and form opinions regarding your professionalism based not only on the way you dress and speak, but also the way you act. As a teacher, you have the responsibility of always considering your actions so that you offer appropriate and mature behavior for your students to model. You have both an educational and ethical responsibility to your students. All teacher candidates should review the section of this handbook devoted to ethical behavior and strive to always influence the students with whom you work in a most favorable and positive way.
You are to remember that you are a guest within the school in which you are placed. Be thoughtful and appreciative of the opportunity given to you by the Principal and her/his representatives, Cooperating Teacher, and other faculty. Show your gratitude through what you say and how you conduct yourself. Maintain a professional demeanor. The quality of your performance not only determines your future but impacts the students with whom you work, their parents, the faculty, and the school as a part of the greater community. It also impacts the college professionals working with you. You are expected to assume responsibility and expend the amount of time and effort it takes to do the job well.
You are to obtain and carefully read copies of the school’s handbooks for students, parents, and faculty. Pay particular attention to topics related to student safety, such as supervision, discipline, child abuse, medications, first aid, illness,/injury, blood-borne pathogens, health services, and emergency procedures.
You are expected to be alert and not allow yourself to be placed into a position of reporting information about a student that either contradicts information previously issued by the Cooperating Teacher or information about which the Cooperating Teacher is unaware. Refrain from commenting on any student without the Cooperating Teacher being present.
You are NEVER to release information about a student to a third party (one who is not the student’s parent or guardian). Refer any request from a third party to the Cooperating Teacher or the principal.
You are expected to refrain from forming hasty judgments about those things you observe or hear without having all the pertinent information needed for sound decision making.
You are expected to establish and maintain positive, cooperative working relationships with all school faculty and staff. Learn their names, smile, be friendly, and thank them often for their help.
You are expected to give top priority to students’ safety, professionalism (Code of Professional Practice and Conduct), and avoid behavior that publicly humiliates, embarrasses, or injures students.
You are expected to avoid encouraging or pursuing “social relationships” with students, faculty, or parents. Keep things on a professional level. Remember also, that you are not a counselor. Refer any information that a student shares of a personal matter to the Cooperating Teacher.
You are expected to seek out opportunities to learn about instructional programs (Special Ed. ELL, Gifted Program, etc.) different from your placement, request to sit in on an IEP meeting, grade level meetings, school advisory council or instructional innovation team meetings.
You are expected to ask for directions whenever you are in doubt about a situation. Don’t put yourself out on a limb because you’re too embarrassed, afraid, or proud to ask.
You are to complete all teaching responsibilities, such as grading papers or recording grades, in a timely manner.
Professionalism in Language
Throughout the Teacher Preparation Program at La Roche University, you have been encouraged to use Standard English, avoid colloquialisms, and slang so as to sound professional and serve as a model for the children you instruct. The school district and college expect you to maintain professional habits of speech and use of language at all times.
Professionalism and Ethical Obligations
It is vital that Student Teachers understand ethical obligations relating to the students, the school district, the university, and the profession. In addition to learning the art and science of teaching, Student Teachers must learn and observe professional ethics. A teacher’s conduct must be above reproach at ALL TIMES in order to act as a positive role model for students.
Student Teachers should be guided by the Pennsylvania Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators.
Signed Statement of Understanding Form
After you have read the entire Student Teaching Handbook, and have asked your University Supervisor any questions about the student teaching requirements, you will complete and sign the Statement of Understanding Form. This statement acknowledges your commitment to professionalism as a Student Teacher. The completed form will become part of your student teaching file.