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Professional Expectations of a Student Teacher

Attendance, Punctuality and Professionalism

Refer to the LJMU Code of Professional Conduct for Student Teachers (Section D)

Attendance at both University, School-based training and the placement experience is compulsory.  Records are kept and used in the compilation of references and for student teachers who wish to have their qualification recognised abroad.

In the case of absence from a placement experience the student teacher should:

  • inform their school placement no later than 7.30am and inform them of the reason of the absence and when they are likely to return to placement;
  • let their Liaison Tutor know by 8am on the first day of absence and inform them of the reason of the absence and when they are likely to return to placement;
  • notify work based learning of their absence and return date on edn-wbl@ljmu.ac.uk;
  • notify university lead staff (session lead) if the absence is a university taught day or follow published guidance from their programme lead;
  • NOT send word into school via another student teacher or use texts. It is the individual’s responsibility to make sure all appropriate personnel are kept informed of any absence according to school policies.

Unsatisfactory attendance, without clear medical evidence may result in a Tutorial being instigated, and in some circumstances, un-notified and extended absence may lead to a student teacher being referred to Occupational Health, for a fitness to practice investigation or withdrawn from the course.

Student teachers who need to take time off for medical reasons, hospital appointments etc. MUST seek approval from the school placement and the Programme Leader and will be asked to provide medical evidence.

Absence from the course without following procedures may result in:

  • Initiation of the Additional Support Framework (ASF) procedure.
  • requirement to explain the absence in a Tutorial
  • withdrawal from a placement experience by university staff;
  • termination of a placement experience by the school, in discussion with university staff;
  • a fitness to practice investigation.

Punctuality

Punctuality is considered as an essential part of a student teacher's professional practice and responsibility. They should be punctual to:

  • the start of morning and afternoon school including briefing sessions, Student teachers are advised to arrive no later than 30 minutes before the start of the school day and leave no earlier than 30 minutes after the end of the school day unless there are staff meetings in school, which they are expected to attend;
  • form tutor sessions;
  • assemblies and duties;
  • the start of lessons;
  • any extra curricular activity;
  • any other activity where they are responsible for the safety of pupils;
  • any meetings they are required to attend during the course of the placement.

Professionalism

Professionalism is an essential part of a student teacher's professional practice and responsibility. Expectations of LJMU student teachers are established in the code of professional conduct (see Section D) which all student teachers are required to complete electronically as confirmation that they will adhere to its content. Professionalism includes preparedness to teach and accountability for pupil progress. Where a student teacher's lack of professionalism is having a negative impact on pupil progress, the school should inform the Liaison Tutor in order that an Additional Support Framework and Intervention Action Plan can be considered - see Section A. Where student teachers are considered as displaying poor professional qualities, either at school or at LJMU, a tutorial may be convened. Student teachers are required to demonstrate Part 2 of the Teachers' Standards throughtout the duration of their training and should be mindful of the requirements that:

"Teachers uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school."

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