Professional Conduct and Obligations

As a candidate, you are representing Dominican University’s teacher preparation programs. It is important that your conduct and demeanor at the school site be professional. In fact, one of our Program Student Learning Outcomes (#7) expects professional behavior. If conflicts occur as you are carrying out your responsibilities, you should work to resolve issues in a non-confrontational manner, with the guidance of your supervisors and seminar leader. Your goal is to establish collaborative relationships with your school colleagues.

During your field experiences and supervised teaching, Dominican expects your conduct and actions to be carried out professionally and ethically. The following guidelines will help make your experience as a teacher candidate and as a beginning teacher more successful.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

• Maintain a balance between personal and professional roles.
• Communicate with, and relate well, to parents, students, staff members, and community members.
• Be a good listener.
• Actively support colleagues and contribute to department or program.
• Follow district and school policies and procedures.
• Contribute to a positive school culture.
• Participate in student activities.
• Treat everyone fairly.
• Be open and honest.
• Demonstrate sound judgment in dealing with people and issues.
• Act as a positive role model for students and colleagues.
• Respond productively to constructive criticism.

Communication

• Communicate with others in a responsible and sensitive manner. Use non-confrontational language when making requests or clarifications, such as:
• “It would help me if …”
• “Would it work for you if …”
• “I’m noticing that …”
• “It is my understanding that …”
• “Could you tell me more about …?”
• Use discretion. Your students and their families have a right to privacy. Only share information with those that need to know to help you solve a problem or understand an issue better. Treat student and colleague information confidentially and respectfully.
• Work out problems or conflicts non-confrontationally. Be direct, but be sensitive to the other person’s feelings. If someone has a problem with you, listen first and respond if necessary. Sometimes people need to blow off steam and no response is required.
• Keep all agreements. Don’t promise anything you won’t be able to deliver.
• Relate courteously to school personnel as professional colleagues and work to establish a community in the school.