Student teachers are often placed into an awkward and stressful situation, not really sure of their

authority and sometimes not even placed with veteran teachers who are much help. These tips
can aid student teachers as they begin their first teaching assignments. Please note: these are not
suggestions for how to approach the students but instead for how to most effectively succeed in
your new teaching environment.

1. Be On Time

Punctuality is very important in the 'real world'. If you are late, you will definitely NOT start out
on the right foot with your cooperating teacher. Even worse, if you arrive after a class has begun
which you are supposed to be teaching, you are placing that teacher and yourself in an awkward
situation.

2. Dress Appropriately

As a teacher, you are a professional and you are supposed to dress accordingly. There is nothing
wrong with over dressing during your student teaching assignments. The clothes do help lend
you an air of authority, especially if you look awfully young. Further, your dress lets the
coordinating teacher know of your professionalism and dedication to your assignment.

3. Be Flexible

Remember that the coordinating teacher has pressures placed upon them just as you have your
own pressures to deal with. If you normally teach only 3 classes and the coordinating teacher
asks that you take on extra classes one day because he has an important meeting to attend, look
at this as your chance to get even further experience while impressing your dedication to your
coordinating teacher.

Flexibility is the one the top six keys to being a successful teacher.

4. Follow the School Rules

This might seem obvious to some but it is important that you do not break school rules. For
example, if it is against the rules to chew gum in class, then do not chew it yourself. If the
campus is 'smoke-free', do not light up during your lunch period. This is definitely not
professional and would be a mark against you when it comes time for your coordinating teacher
and school to report on your abilities and actions.

In addition, follow your own classroom rules.

5. Plan Ahead

If you know you will need copies for a lesson, do not wait until the morning of the lesson to get
them completed. Many schools have procedures that MUST be followed for copying to occur. If
you fail to follow these procedures you will be stuck without copies and will probably look
unprofessional at the same time.
6. Befriend the Office Staff

This is especially important if you believe that you will be staying in the area and possibly trying
for a job at the school where you are teaching. These people's opinions of you will have an
impact on whether or not you are hired. They can also make your time during student teaching
much easier to handle. Don't underestimate their worth.

7. Maintain Confidentiality

Remember that if you are taking notes about students or classroom experiences to turn in for
grades, you should either not use their names or change them to protect their identities. You
never know who you are teaching or what their relationship might be to your instructors and
coordinators.

8. Don't Gossip

It might be tempting to hang out in the teacher lounge and indulge in gossip about fellow
teachers. However, as a student teacher this would be a very risky choice. You might say
something you could regret later. You might find out information that is untrue and clouds your
judgement. You might even offend someone without realizing it. Remember, these are teachers
you could be working with again some day in the future.

9. Be Professional With Fellow Teachers

Do not interrupt other teachers' classes without an absolutely good reason. When you are
speaking with your coordinating teacher or other teachers on campus, treat them with respect.
You can learn a lot from these teachers, and they will be much more likely to share with you if
they feel that you are genuinely interested in them and their experiences.

10. Don't Wait to the Last Minute to Call in Sick

You will probably get sick at some point during your student teaching and will need stay home
for the day. You must remember that the regular teacher will have to take over the class during
your absence. If you wait until the last minute to call in, this could leave them in an awkward
bind making them look bad to the students. Call as soon as you believe you will not be able to
make it to class.

Principals are responsible for the overall operation of their schools. Some of their duties
and responsibilities are delineated in state statutes. States and school districts have also
set expectations for principals through their principal evaluation criteria and
procedures. During the latter part of the twentieth century, as schools began to be held
more accountable for the performance of their students on national and state
assessments, the duties and responsibilities of principals changed. Principals became
more responsible for teaching and learning in their schools. In particular, their duty to
monitor instruction increased along with their responsibility to help teachers improve
their teaching. With this change in responsibilities, principals discovered the need to
more effectively evaluate instruction and assist teachers as they worked to improve their
instructional techniques. The principal's duty to improve the school instructional
program is mandated by legislation in some states. Some state legislation requires the
removal of principals when schools are classified as low performing (students do not
meet achievement expectations) for a specified period of time.

With schools facing increased pressure to improve teaching and learning, the duties and
responsibilities of principals expanded further to include the responsibility for leading
school reform that would raise student achievement. Success in leading reforms to
increase student achievement often hinged upon a principal's ability to create a shared
vision within the school community and success in implementing new organizational
structures that engage teachers in shared decision-making. Principals have discovered
that engaging the entire school staff in making decisions results in more commitment to
school reform initiatives.

Principals are also responsible for facilitating their school's interactions with parents
and others in the school community. This responsibility includes working with parents
when disciplinary issues arise, when students are not succeeding academically, and
when parents have concerns. Principals also interact with parents who serve on school
advisory boards, parent/teacher organizations, and booster clubs. Principals report that
they spent a significant part of their time working with parents of students who have
been identified as needing special services through the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act Amendments of 1997 (IDEA).

Principals continue to be responsible for the management of their schools even though
their primary responsibility has shifted. One major management responsibility is school
safety. This responsibility includes ensuring that facilities and equipment are safe and in
good working order, the development of overall school discipline policies and the
enforcement of those policies, and the assignment of supervisory responsibilities among
school personnel. At the elementary level, principals are cognizant of their responsibility
to ensure constant supervision of the very young children in the school. As students
advance into the higher grades, the need for supervision changes as students mature.
The responsibility for supervision remains high for older students who are handicapped;
who are in areas where the potential for injury is greater such as labs, shops, and
athletic facilities; and who are in situations (field trips, athletic events, etc.) where
additional caution is required.

J.C.A.

ROLE AND DUTIES OF PRINCIPALS & VICE-PRINCIPALS

The Principal is part of a Divisional Administrative Team whose function is to
support and assist the schools in meeting the overall objectives of the Division
and the needs of individual students.

The role of the Principal is to provide leadership, direction and co-ordination

within the school.

The Principal's main focus should be to develop and maintain effective

educational programs within his/her school and to promote the improvement of
teaching and learning with his/her school. The Principal should strive to create
an organization and or climate which fosters student and teacher growth.

In fulfilling this role the Principal shall work under the supervision of the
Superintendent of Schools and within the provisions of the Public Schools Act,
the Department of Education and Training regulations, and Board Policy.

The duties of the School Principal are all encompassing as all aspects of the
schools operations are either directly or indirectly under his/her jurisdiction. In
general terms of the Principal shall be responsible for: (a) the detailed
organization of the school; (b) the development of the instructional program; (c)
the assignment of duties to and the supervision of members of his staff and: (d)
the general operation of the school facility.

The amount of time a Principal will be able to devote to administrative duties

will vary according to the size and grade level of the school, the amount of time
released from teaching, and the demands of a particular year. However the
following are all included n the powers and responsibilities of the Principal.

1. Leadership and Climate

a) Continually endeavour to improve the operating effectiveness of the

school for which he is responsible.
 b) Keep informed of current practices and techniques relating to school
programs, teaching and administration by attending meetings and
professional development conferences, and reading professional
materials.

c) When not involved in teaching duties, to devote as much time as possible

to the supervision of the school; observing methods of instruction and
endeavouring to improve the efficiency of the staff and the school in
general.

Keep the Superintendent fully advised as to the conditions and needs of the
school.

d) Suggest appropriate changes in and ensure adherence to approved

policies, practices and procedures within his area of responsibility.

Beautiful Plains School Division .

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2. Programming

a) Co-ordinate and foster the development of programs within the school to

best meet the needs and interests of the students. This includes the
establishment, supervision, and evaluation of special education programs
where a child needs one.

b) Assist the teaching staff in the development, implementation,

modifications, and selection of curriculum materials, and keep the
Superintendent informed as to any modifications in or substitution of
approved courses.

c) Develop and support a high degree of student morale through curricular

and extracurricular activities and services and co-ordinate the
participation of all members of the teaching staff in the extracurricular
program.

3. School Organization and Staffing

a) Participate with the School Division Office in the selection of professional,

clerical and support staff.

b) Be responsible for the preparation of timetable, class lists and schedules,

and supervision schedules and be responsible for their functioning.
 c) Hold regular staff meetings for the purpose of discussing educational and
administrative matters.

d) Be responsible for the proper registration and transfer of students in the

school and for the maintenance of up-to-date student cumulative
records.

e) Maintain or direct the maintenance of other records and files, and the
preparation and submission of reports as required.

f) Establish appropriate procedures for the control of all school textbooks,

materials, equipment, etc.

g) Have authority over Faculty of Education Students accepted at his/her

school.

h) Where there is no Vice-Principal, designate a member of the teaching

staff of that school to assume the duties and responsibilities of the
Principal in the Principal's absence and inform the staff of the person
designated.

4. Professional Development

a) Promote the professional and academic growth of his staff through staff

Beautiful Plains School Division

meetings, in-service training and personal contact.

-3-

b) Take an active role in the selection, planning, and implementation of

professional development activities for the staff in cooperation with the
Superintendent's Office and the Division's professional development
committee.

5. Staff Supervision and Evaluation

a) As building administrator the Principal is responsible for the daily

supervision of the school, its students, facilitators, professional and
support staff, volunteers, and personnel from outside agencies.

b) See that every teacher shall be on duty in the school at least 10 minutes
before the opening of the forenoon session, and at least five minutes
before the opening of the afternoon session.
 c) Shall evaluate the effectiveness of each member of the staff in
accordance with the establishment plan and shall forward written reports
to the Superintendent.

d) Be responsible for the development and conduct of an orientation

program for all teachers new to his staff.

e) See that instructions are prepared for the guidance of substitute teachers.

6. Student Control and Supervision

a) Establish a climate in which students can develop self-discipline.

b) To have disciplinary authority over each student while on school

premises, while going to and from school, while riding on school buses
and while taking part in authorized school activities.

c) To have authority over activities sponsored and conducted by the student

organizations of his school.

d) Be responsible for the provision of supervision of students and student

activities in the school buildings, on school grounds, while loading or
unloading from school buses, or involved in field trips or other student
activities sponsored by the school.

e) Work cooperatively with outside agencies such as Community Health

Services, Children's Aid Society, Child Care and Development Services,
R.C.M.P., etc.

f) Responsibility to refer to the Public Health Nurse, any child who appears to
have a communicable disease or to be in need of attention for other
health reasons.

g) The Principal shall be present with Police Officers if they interview pupils
in the schools.

h) See that no pupil is allowed to leave the school grounds on errands

without his/her express permission.

7. Student Evaluation and Reporting

a) To familiarize himself with the general pupil progress and to assist in its
improvement.
 b) Co-ordinate and/or direct the evaluation of student progress and
achievement and the provision of regular reports to parents as required
by Board Policy.

8. Communication and Public Relations

a) Maintain communications with parents or guardians regarding the total

school program, student achievement, placement and behaviour.

b) Inform parents of the school activities through newsletters, information

nights, parent/teacher conferences, etc.

9. Budgeting and Buying

a) Be responsible for the administration of the instructional supplies budget

for school and the safe keeping of monies or materials that belong to the
school or the school division. Establish procedures for the purpose and
receipt of materials and supplies necessary to support the instructional
program. Ensure that there is a system of accounting for monies from
student activities, student fees, gifts or other funds belonging to school
or to any student group within the school.

10. Health, Safety, Plant Supervision

a) Develop and foster a sense of pride and respect for school property so
that the facility is an attractive place.

b) Ensure that all reasonable precautions are taken to safeguard the health
and general well being of his staff and pupils of his school. To this end he
shall see that pupils and staff are adequately trained to make effective
any plans necessary for their safety.

c) Establish procedures whereby the access of visitors to the school can be

monitored and controlled. This would include access by salespersons,
guest speakers and former students.

d) Organize and supervise patrols where applicable, make readily available

first aid supplies and treatment.

…5
J.C.A.

-5-
 e) Inspect the school grounds and school buildings to see that they are free
from hazards which might cause accidents and he shall notify the proper
authorities of any conditions which need to be remedied.

f) In the event of where damage is serious and appears to have been

deliberate, it shall be reported to the police department in addition to
the Division Office.

g) Report any accidents or injuries of students or staff to the

Superintendent's Office on the forms provided.

h) Conduct fire drills as required by regulations and see that all personnel
within the school are familiar with all procedures to be followed in case
of a fire. Fire exit signs shall be placed in each room.

i) Establish effective controls governing the use of any medication, pain

killers (aspirin, etc.) by students in the school.

j) Assume responsibility for the general cleanliness and maintenance of his

school.

k) Be responsible for the direction of the work of Caretaker in the routine

cleaning of the school premises. If difficulties arise, they shall be
reported through the Secretary-Treasurer.

l) Work with the Secretary-Treasurer in the planning of capital projects and

the routine maintenance of school buildings and grounds.

m) The Principal shall control use to be made of school buildings and

grounds in accordance with Board Policy.

Duties of the Vice-Principal

The Vice-Principal shall, in the absence of the Principal, assume the duties and
responsibilities of the Principal.

Other duties of the Vice-Principal shall be those worked out by mutual

agreement with the Principal.

Administrative Duties
Principal Duties
Curriculum
Monitor implementation and effectiveness of curriculum in classrooms
Conference with teachers on curriculum issues
Conference with parents on curriculum issues
Advise the Board on curriculum issues
Research programs and textbook offerings
Work with Curriculum Review committees
Coordinate teacher development of CK units
Order curriculum materials
Revise and update the Littleton Academy Scope and Sequence
Classroom Instruction
Observe classroom instruction; document observations
Conference with teachers and provide corrective strategies, as needed
Arrange for teacher training: inservices, conferences, workshops, in-school mentoring
Facilitate appropriate grouping for reading and math
Track academic progress in all academic subjects; produce report for Board twice a
quarter
Meet with teachers and parents regarding students’ academic performance, as needed
Inform parents of placement or scheduling changes for their students
Create upcoming class lists in coordination with current teachers and parent requests
Individual Learning Plans
Develop and monitor academic contracts for students who are academically at risk
Oversee development and implementation for Individual Academic Plans in grades 2-
8 for below grade level performers
Oversee development and implementation of Individual Literacy Plans, grades K-3
for students failing to demonstrate reading proficiency
Assessments
ITBS AND CSAP
Analyze test results; create reports for LAAC, Board and parent community
Supervision of Teachers
Make hiring, retention and firing decisions for teachers
Develop and monitor remediation process for teachers, as needed
Provide verbal and written evaluations for teachers
Staff Meetings
Lead staff meetings
Develop and provide appropriate in–services for staff
Arrange for outside training services, as needed
Principal Meetings
Attend District Principal meetings
Attend CK Principal meetings
District and State Reports
Write and submit district and state reports in a timely manner
Communication with Board
Prepare Principal Report to the Board
Advise Board of relevant issues in timely manner
Development of Policies
Develop school policies for Board approval, as needed
Salaries and Performance Pay
Develop Salary Schedule for teachers for Board approval
Develop Performance Pay plan for teachers
Supervision of Non-Secretarial Office Staff
Make hiring and retention decisions
Supervise job performance
Determine areas of responsibility
Secretarial Office Staff
Make hiring and retention decisions, with Vice Principal’s recommendation
Budget
Develop annual budget
Track budget spending
Advise Board of relevant issues in a timely manner
Vice Principal Duties
Discipline
Develop procedures to implement discipline policy, elementary and middle school
Track student behavior; record and monitor serious infractions
Meet with students and parents regarding behavior issues
Arrange work sessions and suspensions
Develop and monitor behavioral contracts for students at risk
Arrange expulsions
Assessment
ITBS and CSAP
Order test materials and scoring services
Develop test schedule for test and make-up testing; coordinate instructional personnel
to administer tests
Supervise administration of tests
Facilitate completion of make-up tests
Prepare test materials for shipment
Supervision of IAs
Make hiring and retention recommendations for IAs/ParaPros
Create individual schedules for all IAs/ParaPros
Adjust schedules to allow class coverage when personnel are absent
Arrange coverage of classes or duties in IA/ParaPro absence, as needed
Supervise performance
Special Schedules and Procedures
Coordinate Middle School electives
Create schedule for Vision and Hearing Screenings, Pictures, Middle School Open
House, Visiting Teacher Observations, Report Card Printing, etc.
Develop and implement Start of year and End of Year procedures
Provide orientation to newly hired personnel
Supervision of Office Staff
Make hiring and retention recommendations for office staff personnel
Supervise and manage office staff
High School Transition
Provide data to LPS high schools regarding 9th grade placement of our 8th graders
Coordinate high school counselor visits to LA
Conference with parents, upon request, regarding high school placements
Daily Operations
Supervise staff comp liance with established procedures
Re-arrange instruction schedules to compensate for interruptions in established
routine-teacher and IA absence, added events
Solve daily problems regarding absence of staff, office issues, dress code, etc.
Make morning announcements
Shared Duties: Principal and Vice Principal
Parent Concerns
Address parent issues via phone, personal contract or written correspondence
Advise Board of parent issues in a timely matter, as necessary
Conferences
Attend CK, Charter conferences, as necessary
Arrange for conference attendance by teachers
Communication with Community
Update brochures, Parent/Student Handbook
Arrange advertising, as necessary
Write weekly newsletter
Special Education
Coordinate and attend all student staffings with LPS special education personnel
Schedule and attend all Level I and Level II Reviews
Devise plans by which characteristics of services can be implemented
Provide classroom teachers with IEP information on special ed students
Development of School and Class Schedules
Develop annual school calendar
Build class schedules for all grades
Development and Update of Staff Handbook
Grants
Identify and target appropriate grant opportunities
Write or delegate grant projects
Encourage grant-writing efforts by parents and staff

A school committee is an elected or appointed body responsible for the administration,

maintenance, care, staffing, and supplying of one or more schools.

The Academic Council is the Principal Academic Authority of the University and is chaired by the
Vice-Chancellor. it comprises, typically, of around 101 members. The Academic Council is responsible for
laying down, regulating, and maintaining the standards of teaching, research, extension and examinations in the
University.

The Academic Council shall be responsible for lying down the academic policies in regard to
maintenance and improvement of standards of teaching, research, extension collaboration
programmes in academic matters and evaluation of work-load of the teachers.
It shall consist of the following members