3.4 Teacher Candidate

The teacher candidate has primary responsibility for the quality of the student teaching experience. Professionalism as defined in the Statement of Professionalism, Section 5.2 Appendix B, is expected by all teacher candidates, in addition to the following professional behaviors:

• Promptness and dependability in meeting responsibilities,
• Confidentiality of information,
• Awareness and adherence to all school health and safety regulations including any policies related to blood borne pathogens and COVID-19,
• Clarification of needs and problems,
• Respect for policies and procedures of the host school and cooperating teacher,
• Acceptance and implementation of suggestions by supervising personnel,
• Thorough preparation of lessons, units, and assignments,
• Open, honest, and timely communication with cooperating teacher and university supervisor,
• Arrangement of appointments for observations and conferences,
• Positive working relationship with teachers and students,
• Prompt completion of written assignments,
• Attendance at all Seminars sessions,
• Self-evaluation daily, midway, and end of student teaching,
• Contribution (if requested by the supervisor) in determination of final grade,
• Submit to the cooperating teacher a Northwestern format lesson plan 24 hours before teaching a lesson. The lesson plan format may change as the candidate nears full-time teaching after consultation with the university supervisor and cooperating teacher.

UNW appreciates and honors the unique individuality represented by teacher candidates in the University of Northwestern SoE.  As candidates in education, there are many opportunities to be guests in educational settings off campus for extended periods of time. As guests, Northwestern candidates must understand and abide by the expectations those in authority have concerning the professionalism of educators working with their students.  

All candidates in the Education program should adhere to professional standards of grooming and attire.  Grooming and attire that do not demonstrate the professional standards expected by cooperating schools and the School of Education will not be tolerated.  A candidate's appearance and demeanor must represent honor for the Lord, respect for the host school, and representation of the UNW School of Education.

For additional guidance, please see the Statement of Professional Grooming and Attire in the Teacher Education Handbook.