TPS3703/102/0/2024 APPENDIX A- LETTER TO THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL RE: REQUEST FOR PERMISSION TO CONDUCT TEACHING PRACTICE This letter serves as a request for your school to host UNISA students during their teaching practice period. According to policy, all B.Ed., PGCE and Diploma students should be afforded an opportunity to integrate the theory they learn in their modules with actual classroom practice in schools. This authentic form of experience is imperative in their professional journey of becoming teachers. As a result, student teachers are expected to immense themselves fully in the culture of the school by following all internal school processes, procedures and policies. We therefore ask you to support student teachers placed at your school by ensuring that they get the appropriate guidance and support from the teachers and mentor teachers allocated to them. Student/s that you will host for teaching practice: Name of Student Student No. Year/ Module Level TP Dates No of Days Yours in service Prof MJ Taole Acting Manager: Teaching Practice Office Principal’s Signature School Stamp School Name: ________________________________ Email Address: ______________________________ 21 TPS3703/102/0/2024 APPENDIX B- TO THE SCHOOL BASED MENTOR TEACHER Dear Sir/Madam The University of South Africa requests that you take our B Ed/PGCE student teacher(s) for teaching practice under your guidance. The university places great importance on the practical experiences our students gain during their teaching practice, and it is through dedicated mentors like you that we can provide a comprehensive and enriching learning environment for our aspiring teachers. The student's teaching practice period is five weeks for BED students and ten weeks for PGCE students. Please orientate the student(s) regarding the following issues: - Policies about classroom and school management, school rules, procedures, and discipline - Teacher’s schedule and subject matter to be taught. - Choosing textbooks, resource materials, and teaching methods to be used - Seating arrangements – personal space for the student teacher(s). - Everyday daily class routines and extracurricular activities offered by the school. - Expectations of what the student teacher(s) is/are to do while in your classroom. - Creating an inclusive learning environment - Set time aside for reflection, guidance, and discussion of the performance and progress of the student. - Ensure that the student teacher cultivates positive attitudes towards teaching and education at school. - Provide constructive feedback to the student teacher. - Serve as a role model for the student teacher. - Provides the university and the principal with a sincere, honest, detailed, and valuable assessment of the student teacher that is in his/her best interest; and We thank you in advance for the support and mentoring you will provide our students during their teaching practice at your school. We look forward to continued collaboration between UNISA and your school as we strive to prepare the next generation of teachers. Do not hesitate to reach out with any feedback or suggestions regarding our teacher education programme. Yours sincerely Prof MJ Taole Acting Teaching Practice Manager Email: taolemj@unisa.ac.za 23 TPS3703/102/0/2024 APPENDIX C - MY LEARNING CONTRACT WITH THE SCHOOL I ------------------------------------------------------ [student teacher name & Student number], understand and agree to adhere to the policies, guidelines, and expectations set forth by ----------------------------------------------------------------- [School Name]. I am committed to upholding the professional standards and ethical considerations associated with teaching. This includes, but is not limited to: I will always conduct myself in a professional manner, respecting the school's code of conduct and dress code. I will diligently prepare and plan for each lesson, adhering to the curriculum and any guidelines provided by the school. I will actively participate in collaborative activities and meetings with school staff, sharing insights and contributing positively to the school community. I will employ effective classroom management techniques to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. I am open to feedback from mentor teachers and school administrators and will actively seek opportunities for professional growth. I will respect the confidentiality of student information and other sensitive matters related to the school community. I will adhere to the school's schedule, arriving punctually and maintaining regular attendance throughout the teaching practice period. I shall inform the school of any reason for absence as soon as possible. I understand that I must be at the school for FIVE weeks. I shall not leave the school during school hours without permission. I understand that any breach of these commitments may result in the termination of my teaching practice placement. ………………………………. STUDENT TEACHER ……………………………….. MENTOR TEACHER DATE: ………………………… School Stamp 25 TPS3703/102/0/2024 APPENDIX D - INDEMNITY FORM Please note that all students on teaching practice are required to sign the standard Unisa indemnity form below. For the purposes of this form, teaching practice is considered a “field trip”. The copy of the completed indemnity must be submitted to the school principal and another copy must be emailed to: policytech@unisa.ac.za RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT DISCLAIMER CLAUSE I agree that the University of South Africa, its agents, officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and representatives (hereafter referred to as “UNISA”), are not responsible for any death, illness, injury, loss or damage of any kind sustained by any person or student while I am participating in the field trip and all related activities, caused in any manner. DESCRIPTION OF RISKS I acknowledge that I am aware of the possible risks, dangers and hazards associated with participating in the field trip and all related activities of the trip, including the possible risk of severe or fatal injury to others or myself. These risks include, but are not limited to: TRAVEL: the risks associated with travel and all related activities including transport by public or private motor vehicle, buses, aircraft and so forth, WEATHER: any injury, illness, death, loss or damage resulting from exposure to weather elements; PHYSICAL: physical injuries such as muscular injuries, bruises, scrapes, cuts, sprains, dislocations, broken bones, and head, facial or dental injuries which might result from an accidental injury; illness resulting from food poisoning or parasites: and the possibilities of physical confrontations whether caused by myself or some other person or persons which result in injuries and/or death. I accept and assume all such risks, dangers and hazards and the possibility of personal injury, death, permanent disability, damage to property or losses as a result thereof. RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY In consideration of UNISA allowing me to participate in the field trip and all related activities, I agree as follows; 1. TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS that I have or may have against UNISA, and their members, officers, employees, students, agents and independent contractors as a result of my participation in the field trip and all related activities; 2. TO RELEASE UNISA from any and all liability from any loss, damage, injury or expense that I may suffer, or that my next of kin may suffer as a result of my participation in the field trip and all related activities due to any cause; 3. TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS UNISA from any and all liability for any damage including consequential damages to the property of UNISA, or personal injury to, any third party, resulting from my participation in the field trip and all related activities; 4. IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT, I am not relying on any oral or written representations or statements made by UNISA other than what is set forth in this agreement. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS AGREEMENT, I have executed this agreement voluntarily, and that this agreement is binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, representatives and myself. Full names Surname Signed this and ID number Emergency contact Signature day of___________________, 20___________, at __________________. …………………………..………………… Signature of person or Student 27
