Practice Teaching and Beyond…
Professional Conduct and
Deportment
…First Impressions are Lasting Ones
Professionalism
What is it?
A level of excellence / competence that is
expected of a professional
Teacher Professionalism & the
Ontario College of Teachers
 Under the Teaching Profession Act, “…every student in a teachers’
college or in a college of education in Ontario is an associate member of
the Federation.”
 As such, it is expected that all Teacher Candidates conform to the
responsibilities and duties of a teaching professional.
 Teacher Candidates should carefully read and demonstrate the Ethical
Standards and Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession.
 Standards have been developed by the Ontario College of Teachers
(OCT) to guide the quality of instruction in Ontario schools and to
promote excellence in the interactions between teachers, pupils and
school communities.
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
What defines a True Teaching
Professional?
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Puts customer satisfaction first
Expert & specialized knowledge in teaching
Excellent practical/communication skills
High quality work is in evidence – doing more than is expected
High standard of professional ethics – behaviour & activities
related to teaching your clients
 Sharing knowledge and expertise
 Praising your peers not yourself
 Positive attitude even when times are tough
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
Contacting Your Associate Teacher
 Teacher Candidates must contact their Associate
Teacher prior to their first day of practicum
 Initial contact should be by phone
 If Associate is busy – ask for a better time to reach
Associate
 Follow up with any messages left at the school
 Note: Many schools have online websites showing their
daily schedules
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
st
1
Day of School
 Report to main office 30 minutes before school starts (start time
obtained from mentor)
 Introduce yourself to the office administration & state why you are in the
school
 Request the classroom location for your Associate Teacher
 Find your Associate Teacher and introduce yourself
Show your enthusiasm!
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
st
1
Day of School cont’d..
 Review the Practicum Handbook with your Associate Teacher
 Practicum Responsibilities: Page 7
 Expectations: Page 10
 Ask the Associate Teacher if there are any particular activities
she/he would like you to do
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
First Impressions Count
 Make an effort to get to know the names of the students by circulating in
the class during seat work, assisting students, talking with students at the
start/end of recess or out on the playground as you are supervising
 Show your commitment to teaching by actively participating in the
classroom and school community
 Bring a lunch with you and have lunch in the staff room, mingle & talk with
other teachers
Nervousness is normal. Take time each day to make observation
notes in your Practicum Binder (recess, lunch, prep period)
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
Punctuality
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Contact your school prior to going to find out when the school day begins
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TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE UPON ENTERING THE SCHOOL
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Upon arrival, introduce yourself at the school office. Plan to arrive at least a ½
an hour before classes begin and to remain at school at least 30 minutes
after the formal end of the school day.
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On subsequent days, follow the lead of your Associate Teacher. Stay as long
as he/she needs you. Minimum of 30 minutes after school is expected.
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Always be in the teaching area prior to the arrival of students (e.g. after
recess or lunch, or when periods are scheduled to begin in high schools).
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Call the Associate Teacher, Faculty Advisor and the Practicum Office if you
are absent from your placement.
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See page 8 of the Practicum Handbook
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
Attendance
 See page 8 of the Practicum Handbook
 Call the Associate Teacher and the Practicum Office if you are
absent from your placement
 Prepare the lessons as planned and provide for the Associate
Teacher before classes begin, if absent
 Must reschedule absent days in consultation with Associate
Teacher
 Medical certificate is required for any absence of two days or more
 Participate in Professional Development Days as appropriate
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
Dress
 On your first day, dress in business attire.
 On subsequent days, dress appropriately for the
individual school environment.
 Exceptions in dress could include Phys. Ed., field trips,
the paint centre, etc.
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
Language/Deportment
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Listen attentively and be respectful at all times when at your host school.
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Strive to provide a positive model of oral and written language.
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Be polite at all times.
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Use gender inclusive language and avoid the use of slang.
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You are a visitor – do not be drawn into school conflicts.
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Avoid gossip and/or making inappropriate statements about students or staff
both inside and outside of the school
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Be aware of school rules (e.g., cell phones, security procedures, attendance,
Health & Safety procedures)
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
Staffroom Talk
• Remember: the staffroom is a public place.
• Do not be drawn into criticizing other teachers or the administration.
• Frame discussions of student issues positively, with a focus on
improving your own teaching practice.
• “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
Confidential Information
Confidential information is not to be shared
beyond the professional context.
This includes:
i)
your informal observations about students
ii)
information from student records such as OSRs, IEPs, and
report cards
iii)
information relating to home and family background
iv)
information relating to medical conditions
v)
information shared informally by teachers
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
Student Safety
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Refer any request to release a student from the classroom to your associate
teacher.
You cannot legally assume the responsibilities of a certified teacher
 Yard duty alone
 Occasional teaching (supply)
 Teaching alone in your Associate’s classroom
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Protocol for dealing with severe allergies (e.g. storage of epi-pens)
Familiarity with School’s Policy Handbook/Student Agenda
Personal Safety: See Work/Education Placement Agreement Form on page 3
o
of the Practicum Handbook
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
Social Media
 Facebook: Be aware of your presence on it both as a
student/teacher; reconsider pictures and message boards from an
admin/parent perspective. Do not respond to invitations from your
students.
 Limit student internet contact to board/school approved uses
 Do not post pictures of your students on Facebook
 Ontario College of Teachers : Professional Advisory – Use of
Electronic Communication and Social Media
http://www.oct.ca/resources/advisories/use-of-electronic-communicationand-social-media
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
Beyond the First Week
 During your practicum, be prepared with your lesson plans. If you
know you will be absent, you must provide plans to your associate.
 If you are scheduled to teach a lesson, it is your professional
responsibility to be prepared to do so.
 Absenteeism during practicum could result in assignment of
additional teaching time.
 Avoid scheduling appointments during your practice teaching blocks.
 Professional behaviour at all times.
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
Professional Responsibilities
 Teacher Candidates:
 Police Vulnerable Sector Check
 Transportation
 Attendance
 Practicum Binder
 Lesson Planning
 Complete Reflections
 Course-related Assignments
 Collaborate with Mentor
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
Professional Responsibilities
 Know practicum expectations and review them with the Associate
Teacher (page 10 of Practicum Handbook)
 Practicum Schedule
 Consists of 10 Mondays during January, February and March
 Final week of placement
 April, 2013
 Note: Refer to the Practicum Handbook for Practicum calendar
and dates (page 6 of Practicum Handbook)
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
Practicum Expectations
• See page 10 in the Practicum Handbook
• Year 1 Expectations are as follows:
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Observe Associate Teacher and write observations
Maintain a Practicum Teaching Binder with ongoing observations, and written reflections for all lessons
Assist with small groups and regular classroom routines
Conduct a classroom routine by the end of January, or after completing 3 practicum teaching days (e.g.,
planned directions or questions), and complete written reflections following these activities.
Be actively involved with students in activities such as working with small groups, readings stories, playing
games, leading opening exercises and other varied activities
Plan the first lesson with one grade, if in a combined grade class
Co-plan and co-teach one lesson with Mentor, or Associate Teacher’s assistance by the end of January, or
after complete 4 practicum teaching days
Continue to work with Mentor and Associate Teacher to develop co-taught lessons
Continue to teach one lesson per week as appropriate
Teach one lesson per day during the 5 consecutive teaching days in April
Provide ongoing assistance and program support in the remaining class time
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
Mentorship
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See page 14 in the Practicum Handbook
Each Novice will be placed with a Mentor from an upper year of the
program (Year 2 or 3)
The pairs will ideally be placed within the same classroom if not in the
same school
Work cooperatively with Mentor and Associate Teacher (co-plan and coteach)
Communicate regularly and uphold confidentiality
Foster a positive relationship with mentor: Provide feedback and
reflections to the mentor based on observations (constructive criticism)
Demonstrate a positive attitude
SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government
Professional Concerns
If you encounter serious personal or professional concerns with
which you require assistance, please feel free to contact:
The Practicum Office
519-752-1524 ext. 7503
Room 201, 50 Wellington Street
Deanne Osborne: deanneo@nipissingu.ca
Jamie McGinnis: jamiem@nipissingu.ca
Professional Resources
 For additional information, please see:
 Nipissing University’s Practicum Handbook 2013-2014
http://www.nipissingu.ca/departments/brantford/practicum/Pages/Teacher-CandidateHandbook.aspx
 The “Foundations of Professional Practice” (Ontario College of
Teachers)
http://www.oct.ca/publications/PDF/memos/0508_2005_e.pdf
Keys to Success
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Be respectful to students, staff, admin, parents
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Don’t forget to smile
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Be enthusiastic, energetic & willing
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Be punctual
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Dress professionally
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Learn student names
Questions?