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, longer skirts, sweaters, longer shorts, 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 have any contact with any of your students or their families outside of the school environment.
Do not share social media contact information, 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.

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.