Do's and Dont's of Teaching

School policies, legalities, and ethical responsibilities lend themselves to a host of “do’s” and “don’ts.” These will vary by school, district, and state. It is important to know what is expected of you.

Considerations

• Check the following resources for policies and responsibilities at your school:
  • School administrators
  • Resource personnel
  • Office staff
  • Mentor teacher
  • Fellow teachers
  • School or district handbook
  • District-sponsored workshops and professional developments
• Ask before you act. If in doubt, ask to make sure you have clearance.
• Don’t get too comfortable. Stand by the school and/or district policy and protocols.
• Don’t assume anything. The fact that another teacher is doing something outside the school’s policies and protocols doesn’t give you permission to do the same thing.

Do’s

• Familiarize yourself with the school bell schedule.
  • Know what the first morning bell means.
  • Know when the school day officially starts.
  • Know the recess schedule for your grade level.
  • Know the lunch schedule for your grade level.
  • Know end-of-day times and procedures.
  • Know what the various bell signals mean (for example, “code red,” “lockdown,” “principal needs to call the office”).
• Know the school staff, including job descriptions (who does what), availability, and their base of operations.
  • Administrator
  • Assistant administrator
  • Office staff
  • Grade-level lead teachers
  • Resource teachers
  • Speech and language teachers
  • School nurse
  • Counselor
  • Psychologist
  • Librarian
  • Computer lab coordinator
  • Curriculum coordinator
  • Union representative
  • Plant manager
  • Custodial staff
  • Cafeteria staff
• Know the school and district policy on reporting child abuse.
  • What is considered child abuse?
  • When do I report child abuse?
  • To whom do I report?
  • What paperwork is necessary to properly report child abuse?
• Know how to arrange for a substitute teacher.
  • How do I request a substitute? What is the phone number to use for requesting one?
  • How do I prepare for a substitute?
  • Is there a school-recommended list of substitute teachers?
• Know your grade-level chairs, representatives, and lead teachers.
  • Teachers in these roles understand grade-level standards.
  • These teachers are especially familiar with school policy, paperwork, and deadlines.
• Understand your contract and know what is expected of you as a certificated employee with your district.
  • Know your rights.
  • Know how to request a day off and arrange for a substitute teacher.
  • Know what constitutes sexual harassment.
  • Know the procedures for the formal evaluation process.
  • Know your required contract hours for the school day.
  • Know the mandated professional development schedule and requirements for curriculum training.
  • Know if you are required to register for any new or beginning teacher training programs.