School of Education

Checklist for RMIT Pre-Service Teachers

Before placement

¨  Provide a copy of current Working With Children Check card to the Professional Experience Office

¨  If not completing a site-based practicum, call the school early in the week before your placement is due to begin and speak to the Site Coordinator. Find out information about the school e.g. start time, length of lessons, time of breaks, and the name of your Mentor Teacher.

¨  Make an appointment to visit the school to meet with your Mentor Teacher (if possible) and confirm your placement days.

¨  Make sure you have your placement days blocked out in your diary, and ensure arrangements are in place for travel and other commitments such as work or childcare.

¨  Organise a placement portfolio/folder to store your notes and relevant material.

¨  Complete the ‘Emergency Contact’ form (page 30), place in a sealed envelope and give to the Site Coordinator.

During placement

¨  If you are sick, phone the school either the day before or early on the day you are to be absent. You must speak with the Site Coordinator or Mentor Teacher and inform them of the reason and duration of your absence. A medical certificate is required for all absences due to illness. Keep the school informed of your expected return to placement and provide a copy of your medical certificate to the PX Office.

¨  If your absence is an extended one, or where circumstances prevent you from completing the placement in the set period, you will need to apply for Special Consideration to defer your placement.

¨  Make up any days you missed at the school as soon as possible after placement, before the report is completed. This should be negotiated with your Mentor and should not conflict with your university classes. Complete a Request for Extension form, signed by your Mentor.

¨  Participate in all activities and meetings at the school during placement.

¨  Organise a time with your Mentor Teacher mid placement to discuss your progress (Mid Placement Review Form page 26).

¨  Discuss the report with your Mentor Teacher if possible, and always take a copy of your report.