Making The First Contact With Your Teacher

Frequently Asked Questions

I called my teacher to set up an appointment, but he/she has not returned my call. What should I do?

Go to the school’s website, get the email address of the teacher and send him/her a message. At the same time, call the school and ask for the time of day that the teacher has a planning period. Call the teacher at that time. If everything else fails, go to the school at the end of the day (after the last class and before the teacher leaves), or when the teacher has a planning period and ask to see him/her.

What should I take with me on the first visit?

Take the letter of introduction that is found on another link from this website. Read it in advance and be prepared to describe what you are expected to do during your placement.

What do I do when I arrive at the school for any of my visits?

Check in at the office and let an official know who you are and the purpose of your visit.

Is there a dress code that I must follow?

The school will have some form of dress code for teachers and students. One should adhere to the school’s dress code for teachers. Several schools have a “tucked-in” policy, meaning that the blouse or shirt must be tucked in. Objects affixed to the tongue and/or face (eyelid, nose, lip, chin, etc.) through piercing is not acceptable while in the school. Likewise, unusual/unnatural hair coloring (purple, green, pink, etc.) should be avoided. One should dress as a professional. In the past, teachers have given low marks to anyone wearing jeans. A good rule of thumb to follow is to remember that one’s appearance should not create a distraction and interfere with student learning.

What should we talk about during that first visit?

Decide when you will start the placement. Ask for the starting and ending time of the class you will be observing on your first official visit. If the teacher has questions about the placement, answer them. Inform the teacher that you should teach a class at the end of the assignment. Agree on the general time frame for the placement to be completed.

What do I do with the evaluation instrument the teacher is supposed to complete?

Give the instrument to the teacher on the day that you are to teach. Let the teacher know that you will need to collect the instrument at the end of that class so it can become a part of the journal that you are to turn in.

What should I do if I encounter a problem with the teacher who will be supervising me?

Inform the instructor of the course immediately.