Tift College of Education

Participation & Communications

Participation

As an adult participating in a school program, each prospective teacher is expected to establish and maintain harmonious and productive relationships with all members of the faculty and staff and to abide by the policies and regulations of the school, including dress regulations. Prospective teachers should:

  1. Become acquainted with as many members of the school faculty and staff as possible and seek information about the nature of their work and their major responsibilities.
  2. Demonstrate behavior and attitude which are characteristic of a professional educator (e.g., punctuality, dependability, initiative, enthusiasm for teaching, collegiality, and the ability to reflect on experiences for problem-posing and problem-solving purposes).
  3. Treat confidentially information concerning pupils, teachers, and school matters.

Communications

Any written communication from a field experience candidate to his/her assigned students or to the parents or guardians of his/her assigned students must be approved and co-signed by the Cooperating Teacher.

Professional Contact Policy with TCOE Partnering Schools and School Systems

Tift College of Education candidates should refrain from improper contact with partner schools associated with Mercer University, during their enrollment in our program.  “Improper Contact” can be defined as contact with partnering schools regarding your placement, without OFP consent; unprofessional conduct( as defined in the TCOE Handbooks, Georgia Code of Ethics or the Georgia Teacher Duties and Responsibilities (GTDRI)) with Cooperating Teachers, Principals, University Supervisors, parents, or students before, during, or immediately concluding an experience.  Further, “improper contact” should not be made using cell phones, social media, telephones, email correspondence or USPS mail services. 

Candidates who have grievances regarding their placements, Cooperating Teachers, University Supervisors, or others before, during, or at the conclusion of their experience should contact the Director of Field Placement.  The Director of Field Placement will explain the proper channel through which to file an official grievance, should one be necessary.