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PDS Policies, Guidelines and Expectations Agreement

PDS Policies, Guidelines and Expectations Agreement

UT College of Education

Professional Development Sequence

Teacher Certification Program

 

Policies, Guidelines, and Expectations Agreement

MISSION STATEMENT

Field experiences at The University of Texas at Austin are an integral component of our teacher preparation programs, built on strong collaboration between school districts and colleges of The University. Our future teachers engage in purposefully crafted field experiences that cultivate depth of knowledge, research-based practices, and professional ethics. These experiences are designed to be sequential, cumulative, and performance-based, while preparing our graduates to implement and evaluate effective practices with diverse student populations in varied settings. As a result, teachers prepared at the University develop subject knowledge and pedagogical skills, work collaboratively with all stakeholders, develop dispositions to be active citizens, and offer their students the opportunity to develop these characteristics themselves.

 GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

  •  Criminal History Acknowledgement

 As required by HB1508, teacher certification applicants need to be aware of the following:

  1. In order to receive teacher certification in Texas, preservice teachers must pass a fingerprinting criminal history background check.

  1. If a preservice teacher has been convicted of an offense that is considered inappropriate for an educator, they could be ineligible to earn this certification from the state of Texas.

  1. They have a right to request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter from the Texas Education Agency prior to admission into this program. The Texas Education Agency may charge a fee for this criminal history evaluation.

More information on the Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation may be found here.

  •  Professional Liability

Preservice teachers are entitled to the same protection of law accorded to the cooperating teacher and the principal in the assigned school. This protection does not apply in cases where there is use of excessive force in the discipline of students or negligence resulting in bodily injury to students, nor does the protection apply to the operation or use of any motor vehicle.

The University does not provide preservice teachers with liability insurance. It is highly recommended that preservice teachers consider insurance coverage offered by organizations such as ATPE, TCTA, TSTA or others; student memberships are generally free in these organizations. Preservice teachers should not be left alone on a playground or field trip with a group of students without a licensed teacher within “shouting distance.” These guidelines are for the preservice teachers’ protection, and it is important that the field supervisor be notified immediately of noncompliance.

  •  Health Insurance

Preservice teachers are strongly urged to carry health insurance in the event of injury while in field placements. School districts do not provide coverage for preservice teachers. Health insurance options may include the UT Student Health Insurance Plan, the UT Special Events Insurance Plan (information on both may be found on the UT website), or outside parental or other health insurance.

  •  Social Media and Electronic Communications Policy

Preservice teachers must read and understand school district social media and electronic communications policies. Preservice teachers must receive written permission from their cooperating teachers before any exchange of electronic communication occurs with students. If permission is granted, the preservice teacher is only allowed to communicate with students currently enrolled in school about matters within the scope of the preservice teacher responsibilities. Preservice teachers are prohibited from communicating electronically with currently enrolled students for social reasons.

If a preservice teacher chooses to participate in social media, they assume responsibility for the content.

Violation of any policies, regulations, or guidelines may result in disciplinary action, including termination from the teacher certification preparation program.

  •  Using University Email to Protect Your Students’ Right to Privacy

 Protecting students’ right to privacy is a key ethical responsibility each teacher assumes.

 Because exchanges with cooperating teachers, field supervisors, faculty, students, and parents include information related to students, preservice teachers are required to use official University of Texas email accounts (ending in http://utexas.edu ) for PDS-related email. These accounts allow for secure and FERPA-compliant communication.

 More on Email and Student Privacy

  •  Dress

 Professional dress must comply with the policy of the district assigned.

  •  Absences

It is expected that preservice teachers will attend their placement as assigned. Failure to communicate with the cooperating teacher regarding absences and/or excessive absences may result in the termination of the intern/student teaching assignment.

It is also the responsibility of each student to notify the field supervisor and cooperating teacher in advance that they will be absent from placement for a religious holiday.

If at any time, in the judgment of the field supervisor, cooperating teacher, and/or coordinator, a preservice teacher’s absences or tardies are excessive, the intern/student teaching assignment may be terminated.

  •  Substitute Teaching Policy

Interns may serve as a substitute teacher on Fridays if they have been approved/trained by the district. Student teachers may be permitted to substitute teach for their cooperating teacher for up to three days after the mid-semester three-way conference.

  • Criteria for Advancing Through the Professional Development Sequence (PDS)

The coordinator is responsible for overseeing the readiness of each preservice teacher to progress through the PDS. These decisions are based on coursework, performance in the field, and professionalism.

In the event that the coordinator identifies performance in the field as an area which requires improvement, the preservice teacher may be placed on an Individualized Performance Plan (IPP). Strict compliance to the IPP will be necessary in order for the intern to advance or the student teacher to pass. In cases dealing with serious offenses, the preservice teacher’s field experience and continuation through the PDS may be terminated without an IPP.

It is important to know that preservice teachers are guests invited by the administrators and cooperating teachers. Ultimately, the cooperating teacher is responsible for their classroom, and preservice teachers’ words and actions should reflect respect for that responsibility. If a preservice teacher experiences difficulty in a placement, they should first communicate with the cooperating teacher. If the preservice teacher feels that additional support is needed, they should follow the Chain of Support model below.

Intern / Student Teacher - Cooperating Teacher - Field Supervisor - Cohort Coordinator - Director of Educator Preparation Services - Associate Dean for Teacher Education

Progression within the PDS requires a minimum grade as determined by their program area in each of the PDS courses (or remaining courses in the major). If the student earns below the minimum required grade in a PDS course, the student will need to repeat the course. Note that in some programs, courses are offered just once a year; therefore, students may have to wait a full year to retake a particular course. The minimum required grade must be earned before the student will be allowed to progress to the next semester of the PDS or be recommended to the state for certification.

Preservice teachers are responsible for being aware of the minimum grade requirements for their preparation program.

If an undergraduate student receives an “X” in a course, the student must complete the requirements for the course, and the instructor must report a final course grade before the 1st class day of the following long-session semester.

  • Exit Policy for Dismissal

The University of Texas at Austin is committed to educating, graduating, and certifying candidates who will be effective educators. Evidence of potential effectiveness includes academic, dispositional, professional, and personal qualities. Teacher candidates are carefully assessed throughout the educator preparation program for teaching dispositions as well as teaching skills and successful course completion. If issues arise concerning a candidate’s fitness, ability, and/or demonstration of the ability to teach, the teacher candidate may be dismissed from the program.

Reasons candidates may be removed from the Educator Preparation Program may include, but not be limited to, the following, at the discretion of the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs* with the advice of the program faculty that represents the certification area being sought by the candidate. (*The Director of Educator Preparation Services and the chair of the respective department will serve in the decision-making capacity in lieu of the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for their respective programs).

o   Standard of Conduct/Educator Code of Ethics violation

o   Failure to follow all attendance, dress code, and other guidelines

o   UT Honor Code violation

o   Criminal Background Check that precludes placement

o   Failure to earn the minimum grade required in all teacher education courses

o   Failure to make continual progress towards program completion

o   Two years of inactivity prior to finishing/graduation

o   School/district refuses to accept the student for field experience/clinical teaching

o   School/district requests that the candidate be removed from a field/clinical teaching assignment

  • Confidentiality

Preservice teachers are reminded that all student-related information is confidential by FERPA. Students’ names should remain anonymous in class discussions, as well as student projects and papers that are required as part of coursework or field experiences. Student information should never be shared outside of the PDS classes or with any person not entitled by FERPA to such information.

  •  Use of School Materials

Instructional materials prepared using supplies provided by the school usually remain with the school at the completion of the intern/student teaching assignment. If a preservice teacher knows that they will want to keep some of the instructional materials for their own use, they must check the school's policy and then decide whether to purchase the necessary supplies outside of the school.

  • Medication Administration

University policy does not permit administering medicine (either prescription or over-the-counter) to students at any time.

  •  Discipline

 Corporal (physical) punishment (even in the mildest form) is not permitted at any time.

  •  Other Physical Contact with Students

Consult with the school faculty or administration for the appropriate guidelines on physical contact for the age group you're working with. 

  • Injuries Involving Blood

Care should be taken when coming in contact with student blood. It is advisable to use gloves. This is true for handling young students losing teeth.

  • Transporting Students

Preservice teachers cannot drive their own car to take students on a field trip or to anywhere away from campus, as they may be legally liable for any accidents or injuries.

  • Suggestions

The University welcomes any suggestions for the improvement of field experiences or its teacher preparation programs in general; please feel free to contact the Director of Educator Preparation Services at katietackett@austin.utexas.edu.

 

  • Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators

Per Texas law, all preservice teachers must abide by the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators. By signing this document, the preservice teacher agrees to read and adhere to the Code of Ethics during their enrollment in The University of Texas teacher preparation program. The standards are outlined below and apply not only in university classes but also in the host classrooms where the preservice teacher is gaining practical experience. The preservice teacher's signature signifies their responsibility to understand these standards in preparation for the State Board of Educator Certification Texas Examinations of Educator Standards.

 

Texas Administrative Code

Chapter 247. Educators' Code of Ethics

 

§247.1. Purpose and Scope; Definitions.

 

(a)   In compliance with the Texas Education Code, §21.041(b)(8), the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) adopts an Educators' Code of Ethics as set forth in §247.2 of this title (relating to Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators). The SBEC may amend the ethics code in the same manner as any other formal rule.

(b)   The Texas educator shall comply with standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community and shall safeguard academic freedom. The Texas educator, in maintaining the dignity of the profession, shall respect and obey the law, demonstrate personal integrity, and exemplify honesty and good moral character. The Texas educator, in exemplifying ethical relations with colleagues, shall extend just and equitable treatment to all members of the profession. The Texas educator, in accepting a position of public trust, shall measure success by the progress of each student toward realization of his or her potential as an effective citizen. The Texas educator, in fulfilling responsibilities in the community, shall cooperate with parents and others to improve the public schools of the community. This chapter shall apply to educators and candidates for certification.

(c)   The SBEC is solely responsible for enforcing the Educators' Code of Ethics for purposes related to certification disciplinary proceedings. The Educators' Code of Ethics is enforced through the disciplinary procedure set forth in Chapter 249 of this title (relating to Disciplinary Proceedings, Sanctions, and Contested Cases) pursuant to the purposes stated therein.

(d)   As provided in §249.5 of this title (relating to Purpose; Policy Governing Disciplinary Proceedings), the primary goals the SBEC seeks to achieve in educator disciplinary matters are:

(1)      to protect the safety and welfare of Texas schoolchildren and school personnel;

(2)      to ensure educators and applicants are morally fit and worthy to instruct or to supervise the youth of the state; and

(3)      to fairly and efficiently resolve educator disciplinary proceedings at the least expense possible to the parties and the state.

 

(e)   The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1)      Abuse--Includes the following acts or omissions:

(A)   mental or emotional injury to a student or minor that results in an observable and material impairment in the student's or minor's development, learning, or psychological functioning;

(B)   causing or permitting a student or minor to be in a situation in which the student or minor sustains a mental or emotional injury that results in an observable and material impairment in the student's or minor's development, learning, or psychological functioning;

(C)   physical injury that results in substantial harm to a student or minor, or the genuine threat of substantial harm from physical injury to the student or minor, including an injury that is at variance with the history or explanation given and excluding an accident or reasonable discipline; or

(D)   sexual conduct harmful to a student's or minor's mental, emotional, or physical welfare.

(2)      Applicant--A party seeking issuance, renewal, or reinstatement of a certificate from the Texas Education Agency staff or the State Board for Educator Certification.

(3)      Code of Ethics--The Educators' Code of Ethics codified in this chapter.

(4)      Complaint--A written statement submitted to the Texas Education Agency staff that contains essential facts alleging improper conduct by an educator, applicant, or examinee, the complainant's verifiable contact information, including full name, complete address, and phone number, which provides grounds for sanctions.

(5)      Contested case--A proceeding under this chapter in which the legal rights, duties, and privileges related to a party's educator certificate are to be determined by the State Board for Educator Certification and/or the State Office of Administrative Hearings commencing when a petition is properly served under this chapter.

(6)      Disciplinary proceedings--Any matter arising under this chapter or Chapter 249 of this title (relating to Disciplinary Proceedings, Sanctions, and Contested Cases) that results in a final order or finding issued by the Texas Education Agency staff, the State Office of Administrative Hearings, or the State Board for Educator Certification relating to the legal rights, duties, privileges, and status of a party's educator certificate.

(7)      Educator--A person who is required to hold a certificate issued under the Texas Education Code, Chapter 21, Subchapter B.

(8)      Endanger--Exposure of a student or minor to unjustified risk of injury or to injury that jeopardizes the physical health or safety of the student or minor without regard to whether there has been an actual injury to the student or minor.

(9)      Good moral character--The virtues of a person as evidenced by patterns of personal, academic, and occupational behaviors that, in the judgment of the State Board for Educator Certification, indicate honesty, accountability, trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity. Lack of good moral character may be evidenced by the commission of crimes relating directly to the duties and responsibilities of the education profession as described in §249.16(b) of this title (relating to Eligibility of Persons with Criminal History for a Certificate under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 53, and Texas Education Code, Chapter 21), or by the commission of acts involving moral turpitude, but conduct that evidences a lack of good moral character is not necessarily limited to such crimes or acts.

(10)   Intentionally--An educator acts intentionally, or with intent, with respect to the nature of his or her conduct or to a result of his or her conduct when it is his or her conscious objective or desire to engage in the conduct or cause the result.

(11)   Knowingly--An educator acts knowingly, or with knowledge, with respect to the nature of his or her conduct or to circumstances surrounding his or her conduct when he or she is aware of the nature of the conduct or that the circumstances exist. A person acts knowingly, or with knowledge, with respect to a result of his or her conduct when he or she is aware that the conduct is reasonably certain to cause the result.

(12)   Minor--A person under 18 years of age.

(13)   Moral turpitude--Improper conduct, including, but not limited to, the following: dishonesty; fraud; deceit; theft; misrepresentation; deliberate violence; base, vile, or depraved acts that are intended to arouse or to gratify the sexual desire of the actor; drug or alcohol related offenses as described in §249.16(b) of this title (relating to Eligibility of Persons with Criminal History for a Certificate under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 53, and Texas Education Code, Chapter 21); or acts constituting abuse or neglect under the Texas Family Code, §261.001.

(14)   Neglect--The placing or leaving of a student or minor in a situation where the student or minor would be exposed to a substantial risk of physical or mental harm.

(15)   Recklessly--An educator acts recklessly, or is reckless, with respect to circumstances surrounding his or her conduct or the results of his or her conduct when he or she is aware of but consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the circumstances exist or the result will occur.

(16)   Sanction--A disciplinary action by the State Board for Educator Certification, including a restriction, reprimand, suspension, revocation of a certificate, or a surrender in lieu of disciplinary action.

(17)   Sexual harassment—Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

(18)   State Board for Educator Certification--The State Board for Educator Certification acting through its voting members in a decision-making capacity.

(19)   State Board for Educator Certification member(s)--One or more of the members of the State Board for Educator Certification, appointed and qualified under the Texas Education Code, §21.033.

(20)   Student--A person enrolled in a primary or secondary school, whether public, private, or charter, regardless of the person's age, or a person 18 years of age or younger who is eligible to be enrolled in a primary or secondary school, whether public, private, or charter.

(21)   Texas Education Agency staff--Staff of the Texas Education Agency assigned by the commissioner of education to perform the State Board for Educator Certification's administrative functions and services.

(22)   Under the influence of alcohol—A blood alcohol content of .04% or greater and or lacking the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol.

(23)   Worthy to instruct or to supervise the youth of this state--Presence of those moral, mental, and psychological qualities that are required to enable an
educator to render the service essential to the accomplishment of the goals and mission of the State Board for Educator Certification policy and this chapter.

Source Note: The provisions of this §247.1 adopted to be effective March 1, 1998, 23 TexReg 1022; amended to be effective December 26, 2010, 35 TexReg 11242; amended to be effective December 19, 2011, 36 TexReg 8530; amended to be effective December 27, 2016, 41 TexReg 10329; amended to be effective October 21, 2018, 43 TexReg 6839

 

 

§247.2. Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.

(a)   Enforceable Standards.

(1)    Professional Ethical Conduct, Practices and Performance.

(A)   Standard 1.1. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly engage in deceptive practices regarding official policies of the school district, educational institution, educator preparation program, the Texas Education Agency, or the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and its certification process.

(B)   Standard 1.2. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly misappropriate, divert, or use monies, personnel, property, or equipment committed to his or her charge for personal gain or advantage.

(C)   Standard 1.3. The educator shall not submit fraudulent requests for reimbursement, expenses, or pay.

(D)   Standard 1.4. The educator shall not use institutional or professional privileges for personal or partisan advantage.

(E)   Standard 1.5. The educator shall neither accept nor offer gratuities, gifts, or favors that impair professional judgment or that are used to obtain special advantage. This standard shall not restrict the acceptance of gifts or tokens offered and accepted openly from students, parents of students, or other persons or organizations in recognition or appreciation of service.

(F)   Standard 1.6. The educator shall not falsify records, or direct or coerce others to do so.

(G)   Standard 1.7. The educator shall comply with state regulations, written local school board policies, and other state and federal laws.

(H)   Standard 1.8. The educator shall apply for, accept, offer, or assign a position or a responsibility on the basis of professional qualifications.

(I)    Standard 1.9. The educator shall not make threats of violence against school district employees, school board members, students, or parents of students.

(J)   Standard 1.10. The educator shall be of good moral character and be worthy to instruct or supervise the youth of this state.

(K)   Standard 1.11. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly misrepresent his or her employment history, criminal history, and/or disciplinary record when applying for subsequent employment.

(L)    Standard 1.12. The educator shall refrain from the illegal use, abuse, or distribution of controlled substances, prescription drugs and toxic inhalants.

(M)  Standard 1.13. The educator shall not be under the influence of alcohol or consume alcoholic beverages on school property or during school activities when students are present.

(2)    Ethical Conduct Toward Professional Colleagues.

(A)   Standard 2.1. The educator shall not reveal confidential health or personnel information concerning colleagues unless disclosure serves lawful professional purposes or is required by law.

(B)   Standard 2.2. The educator shall not harm others by knowingly making false statements about a colleague or the school system.

(C)   Standard 2.3. The educator shall adhere to written local school board policies and state and federal laws regarding the hiring, evaluation, and dismissal of personnel.

(D)   Standard 2.4. The educator shall not interfere with a colleague's exercise of political, professional, or citizenship rights and responsibilities.

(E)   Standard 2.5. The educator shall not discriminate against or coerce a colleague on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, family status, or sexual orientation.

(F)   Standard 2.6. The educator shall not use coercive means or promise of special treatment in order to influence professional decisions or colleagues.

(G)   Standard 2.7. The educator shall not retaliate against any individual who has filed a complaint with the SBEC or who provides information for a disciplinary investigation or proceeding under this chapter.

(H)   Standard 2.8. The educator shall not intentionally or knowingly subject a colleague to sexual harassment.

(3)    Ethical Conduct Toward Students.

(A)   Standard 3.1. The educator shall not reveal confidential information concerning students unless disclosure serves lawful professional purposes or is required by law.

(B)   Standard 3.2. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly treat a student or minor in a manner that adversely affects or endangers the learning, physical health, mental health, or safety of the student or minor.

(C)   Standard 3.3. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly misrepresent facts regarding a student.

(D)   Standard 3.4. The educator shall not exclude a student from participation in a program, deny benefits to a student, or grant an advantage to a student on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, national origin, religion, family status, or sexual orientation.

(E)   Standard 3.5. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly engage in physical mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of a student or minor.

(F)   Standard 3.6. The educator shall not solicit or engage in sexual conduct or a romantic relationship with a student or minor.

(G)   Standard 3.7. The educator shall not furnish alcohol or illegal/unauthorized drugs to any person under 21 years of age unless the educator is a parent or guardian of that child or knowingly allow any person under 21 years of age unless the educator is a parent or guardian of that child to consume alcohol or illegal/unauthorized drugs in the presence of the educator.

(H)   Standard 3.8. The educator shall maintain appropriate professional educator-student relationships and boundaries based on a reasonably prudent educator standard.

(I)     Standard 3.9. The educator shall refrain from inappropriate communication with a student or minor, including, but not limited to, electronic communication such as cell phone, text messaging, email, instant messaging, blogging, or other social network communication. Factors that may be considered in assessing whether the communication is inappropriate include, but are not limited to:

(i)     the nature, purpose, timing, and amount of the communication;

(ii)    the subject matter of the communication;

(iii)   whether the communication was made openly or the educator attempted to conceal the communication;

(iv)   whether the communication could be reasonably interpreted as soliciting sexual contact or a romantic relationship;

(v)   whether the communication was sexually explicit; and

(vi)  whether the communication involved discussion(s) of the physical or sexual attractiveness or the sexual history, activities, preferences, or fantasies of either the educator or the student.

Source Note: The provisions of this §247.2 adopted to be effective March 1, 1998, 23 TexReg 1022; amended to be effective August 22, 2002, 27 TexReg 7530; amended to be effective December 26, 2010, 35 TexReg 11242; amended to be effective December 27, 2016, 41 TexReg 10329; amended to be effective October 21, 2018, 43 TexReg 6839

 

UT DIRECTORY INFORMATION

 Check only if it applies.

 ___ My UT Directory information is not restricted.

 ___ My UT Directory information is restricted, but I will allow the College of Education to share it for employment purposes.

 ___ My UT Directory information is restricted, and I do not authorize the College of Education to share it for employment purposes.

 

POLICIES AGREEMENT

 I understand and agree to adhere to all of the policies and procedures in this document.

 

 

Candidate

 

Date Signed

UTEID

 

 

ACCEPTANCE ACKNOWLEDGMENT

 ___  I accept the offer of formal admission into the Professional Development Sequence effective August 29, 2018

 ___  I understand that, prior to starting the PDS, I must meet all of the requirements set forth in the formal admission letter sent to me by UT.

Candidate

 

 

Date Signed