Expectations for Student Teachers

The Human Resources Director and Student Teacher Coordinator will come visit you in your school towards the beginning of your placement.

You are responsible for becoming familiar with district and school policies and practices and work in a manner consistent with them. You are expected to become thoroughly acquainted with classroom facilities and learn the procedures used by the cooperating teacher.

You are responsible for knowing and implementing approved district and school curriculum during your student teaching experience. In addition, you are expected to return any school materials including textbooks, resource materials, and student records on or before the last day of student teaching. Student teachers are permitted to use TSD online resources under the direct supervision of their cooperating teacher.

Assume the role of a teacher in relationships with the students and in all areas of conduct both at school and in the community. You are expected to observe confidentiality with regards to student files and information.

You are expected to look and behave like a teacher. It is important to be well groomed and dressed in a manner that would be appropriate for a teacher in the assigned school and subject area. Clothes that are sloppy, overly casual, or inappropriate can distract students and result in negative attitudes. A good rule is to wear clothes considered "business casual."

You are expected to maintain the same working hours and holiday schedule as your cooperating teacher. You are expected to inform the school and your cooperating teacher, in advance, of anticipated absences, or as early as possible on the day that an emergency arises. The same consideration applies to unavoidable tardiness. In most cases, your college/university supervisor will make a determination as to whether or not any absences will need to be made up later.

If you are not familiar with the school and community, you need to become acquainted. In addition, you should avoid unfavorable criticism of the school, the cooperating teacher, the students, and the community.

Understanding how time is allocated and utilized is an important part of the student teaching experience. Study your cooperating teacher's techniques of classroom management to note how the presentation of new material is paced and to become acquainted with students. You are also encouraged to visit other classrooms to observe other teachers during your first few weeks of student teaching. Your cooperating teacher should assist you with making arrangements to observe other teachers.

All student teachers have questions and experience some challenges. The first step in answering your questions or resolving a concern is to have open dialogue with your cooperating teacher or university/program supervisor. You are expected to make time available for conferences with your cooperating teacher and university/program supervisor to not only discuss questions or concerns, but also to evaluate your professional and personal growth as an educator.

Diligent preparation and reflective evaluation are keys to improving your teaching performance. Beginning teachers need to plan carefully and specifically in order to have successful lessons. Your lesson plans should be in writing and approved by your cooperating teacher. Analyze each lesson taught to determine how it might be improved and seek suggestions for improvement from your cooperating teacher.

The cooperating teacher is ultimately responsible for the welfare of students. When there is a difference of opinion as to how something should be done, you should comply with the wishes of your cooperating teacher.

Simply doing what is asked is not enough for a successful student teaching experience. You should volunteer to assist with any task being done by your cooperating teacher, or to help individual students when involved with only part of the class.

A teacher's role extends beyond the classroom. It is expected that you will assist with, or in some instances assume, any duties assigned to your cooperating teacher. You should attend all faculty meetings, in-service workshops, grade level or departmental planning sessions and parent-teacher conferences.

The principal should approve, well in advance, any activities which are not routine, such as field trips, outside speakers, parties, etc. This approval should be obtained through your cooperating teacher.

Student teachers in TSD are subject to the same legal processes in cases of negligence or misconduct as are regular teachers. If the student teacher demonstrates unethical or unprofessional behavior or fails to meet the pre-established requirements, student teaching can be terminated. A representative from the cooperating school, the program supervisor, and TSD Human Resources will make this decision. The termination of student teaching can be requested by the cooperating school, the college/university/program, or TSD Human Resources.

You are expected to attend any student teaching meetings or seminars hosted by TSD as well as those scheduled by your college/university or teacher preparation program.

Qualifying student teachers may apply for a 1 year sub license, which allows you to sub for your cooperating teacher ONLY on an as needed basis (and get paid!). Approval from your university will need to be acquired before this takes place.