Clinical Practice

Conduct Guidelines

As a teacher candidate, you are both a student and a professional. You are also a representative of the University of Rhode Island and the College of Education. Present yourself in a professional and respectful manner at all times. When in doubt, follow the lead of your classroom teacher and all school policies. You are considered a guest in the school and must abide by teacher, school, and district policies at all times.

Dress Professionally

  • Note the dress code of the teachers in your building and dress accordingly
  • YES: slacks, saris, longer skirts, sweaters, blouse, collared button-down shirt, dashikis, longer shorts, kippahs, hijabs, closed toed shoes.
  • NO: anything with holes in it, flip flops, hats, tank tops, anything with negative messages/images or that could be distracting to students

Keep Relationships Professional and School Based

  • Do not initiate or have contact with your students or their families outside of the school environment.
  • Do not share social media contact information,  personal email or phone numbers.
  • Do not give your students anything that is not provided by the school or approved by your classroom teacher such as snacks, money, books, school supplies, stickers, etc.

Honor Privacy

  • Always honor student privacy unless the student has told you that he/she may be in harm or harming others.
  • Never share your personal business with the students.
  • Do not use your cell phone or iPad during class, unless it is part of a lesson.

Communicate Often and Early

  • If you will not attend your school on an expected day, contact your university supervisor, university instructor, and clinical educator before the start of the school day.
  • Identify your clinical educator’s preferred mode of communication i.e. text, phone call, email.
  • Familiarize yourself with your district’s policies related to teacher absences and communication. Your clinical educator should be able to share this with you.
  • Prompt communication with your teacher and school can often solve issues before they become problems.