Guidelines for Visiting the Assigned School

---

Guidelines for Visiting the Assigned School

When you receive confirmation of your placement:

• Contact the cooperating teacher by e-mail to introduce yourself and confirm the placement. Ask what policies and procedures you should follow when visiting, especially with regard to checking in and out of the school. It is important to make contact within 48 hours of being notified of your school placement. First impressions are everything and cooperating teachers expect this kind of professionalism.
• If you do not hear from the cooperating teacher within one week of you notifying the teacher by email, notify the instructor or the Office of Professional Educator Services (OPES) for assistance.
• During the initial contact or first visit, students will need to be prepared to agree on the exact days and hours for classroom observations.
• Keep all appointments and arrive at school promptly each time you visit.
• If you find it necessary to change an appointment, or if you cannot fulfill your field placement observations, email the teacher to notify the teacher of your change in plans. Your excellent attendance and effective communication skills will present a level of professionalism needed for you to leave a great impression with the cooperating teacher and school.
• At the end of the placement period, express your appreciation in a thank you letter or email to the cooperating teacher. He/she has volunteered time and talent to provide you with a good experience. Again, the impression of strong professionalism you leave with this teacher and school will impact you as you move forward through your future clinical experiences.
• Direct questions about your field placement requirements to your instructor.
• Discuss any problems you may encounter with your instructor or with the Director of OPES, in a confidential setting, to maintain professional decorum. Remain objective in your evaluation of any possible negative experience you observe in a school. Negative comments are only valuable when all aspects of the situation are understood.
• Be sure to maintain a professional demeanor at all times and adhere to school guidelines especially regarding dress. As a representative of the university and the profession, you are entrusted with upholding the spirit of professional cooperation that exists between school and college.