Should I be left alone in my classroom?
It is unrealistic to think that you will never be left alone in the classroom.  If this occurs it is a policy that another teacher or administrator be available to you for emergencies.  See policy regarding the mentor teacher leaving the room on page 69.

What if a child gets hurt while I am in charge of the classroom?
 If a child is injured when you are teaching without the presence of your mentor teacher, the primary issue is determining  negligence on your part.  The courts have generally used the standard of exercising reasonable care.  Additionally, although parents may have given permission, and signed a form releasing the teacher or teacher intern from liability, if reasonable care has not been exercised, you may still be held liable.

Should I be left alone with students for activities such as recess, cafeteria duty or such large group activities?
It is not recommended that you assume the responsibility for supervision of large groups of students.  At least one other teacher or administrator should be present during these times.

Do I have to report suspected child abuse?
In most states, teachers are responsible by law for reporting suspected child abuse.  As a teacher intern, you must report any suspected child abuse to your mentor teacher.  Physical Abuse, Neglect, Sexual Abuse, and Emotional Abuse are some of the major categories of child abuse about which you should be aware.

What if I suspect that a student is carrying or concealing drugs or weapons on school property?
The United States courts have generally upheld the right of a school to conduct searches and seizures.  If you should suspect a student of carrying an illegal weapon, drugs, obscene materials, etc. you should report it to your mentor teacher, and be sure you find out what this school's policy is in regards to search and seizure.  Under no circumstances should you take on the responsibility of searching a locker or seizing illegal  paraphernalia.

Can I transport students in my car?
The standard response to this question is no.  However, under unusual circumstances or to ensure the safety of a student a teacher/teacher intern may be asked to transport a student. This should only be done under the direction of the school administrator.

What is my responsibility to administer first aid?
Generally, we strongly suggest that you never administer first aid unless it is a serious emergency.  Where time permits, call upon your mentor teacher to decide what is appropriate.   You should know what to do in case of extreme bleeding, choking, unconsciousness, etc. We strongly recommend that all teacher interns learn how to administer lifesaving techniques such as CPR and first aid.

What if I am asked to give medications to a child?
Teachers and teacher interns are not responsible for issuing medication to students.  There are times when it is essential, however and this is usually done in the office or health room  with the written consent of the parent.

What are my rights should I need to physically defend myself or a student?
There are situations which arise when a teacher is threatened by a student, where two students physically endanger each other, or where a student is "out of control".  Every nonaggressive means should be made to intervene.  You must not let anger prevail and let yourself get out of control as well.  The courts have generally upheld a teacher's right to protect themselves, other students or school property when compelled to do so, and without using extreme force.  Threats against your person should always be taken seriously and reported to the proper authorities.  Find out the exact policy in your school system.

What should I do if I feel that the school is implementing practices that are in violation of childrens' and  parents' rights ?
This is perhaps the  most difficult question of all to  answer.  There is always a very fine line that teacher interns must walk when they feel that the school's rules - written or unwritten, - are wrong or inappropriate. If you suspect this is happening, talk it over with your university supervisor.

What are my rights to teach what I think is appropriate?
There is increasing controversy over what teachers can teach.  As a teacher intern, everything that you will teach must be approved  by your mentor teacher, consequently, while preparing to be a teacher, you will not make that decision alone.  For future reference, however, we have found the following suggestions helpful.  Address the following questions when determining to use controversial subject matter:

1) Is the material developmentally appropriate for your class?
2) What is your educational purpose? Is it valid?
3) Is there a policy in your school which prohibits the use of such material?

Are  teacher interns expected to attend school related meetings such as PTA, faculty and team meetings, professional meetings or workshops?
It is up to the discretion of the mentor teacher, university supervisor and school administrator to make decisions about which meetings are appropriate for the teacher intern to attend.  It is not unusual for a teacher intern to be expected to attend all school functions required of the mentor teacher.

Who assigns the student teaching grade?
The university supervisor is technically responsible for the student teaching grade of satisfactory or fail.  The recommendation of the mentor teacher is an important factor in determining the satisfactory or fail grade for the teacher candidate.  Letter grades are not given for undergraduate teacher education programs.  However, teacher interns in graduate programs receive a letter grade.  This grade is assigned by the university supervisor in consultation with the mentor teacher.

How are mentor teachers selected?
Cooperating teachers are selected:
*  by the placement coordinators.
*  by PDS coordinators/field supervisors.
*  by school principals.
*  by school system content area supervisors.

The criteria used includes:
*  willingness to work with a teacher intern
*  at least 2-3 years successful teaching experience
*  recommendation of school principal
 
 
 
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Last updated on November 19, 2002