Tips for a Successful Placement
As an emerging education professional, your field placements allow you to practice your classroom learning under the guidance of an experienced mentor teacher. Our professional etiquette tips can help you feel confident when you enter the classroom.
In addition to the tips on this page, we recommend that you attend the next Office of Field Experiences webinar. Learn more and RSVP on our welcome page.
Washington Educator Code of Conduct
All Washington educators must follow the code of conduct for educational practitioners. You can also learn more about this code by reviewing the presentation provided by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB).
General Tips
- Consider your placement to be an extended job interview.
- Speak respectfully about your mentor teacher to others.
- Do not use your phone in meetings or class.
- Keep a list of projects you can work on during unscheduled time. Your mentor may not always be available to help you figure out what to do next.
- Attend school and district events when possible.
Email Etiquette
- Email is considered public and often stored on servers.
- Your emails can be subpeonaed in a court of law.
- Do not complete personal emails or business on school time.
Dress Code
Dress for field experience placements is generally "business casual". You can ask your mentor teacher for recommendations.
Schools have specifically asked that students wear clothes that keep their midriff (stomach) covered.
What Mentors Expect
| Initiative | Communication | Preparation | Teaching |
| Jump in; find things to do | Collaborate with the mentor teacher | Dress and act professionally | Practice online teaching skills |
| Be willing to try new things and take risks | Accept feedback | Show up early; keep your schedule organized | Apply what you have learned in classes |
| Show eagerness and interest | Have a positive attitude | Provide draft lesson plans ahead of time | Actively help plan lessons |
| Seek interaction with mentor teacher and pupils | Be present in class | Respond to email and requests promptly | Ask engaging questions during lessons |
"Never be afraid to ask questions or for help. Show up early and leave late. Immerse yourself in the school environment, and soak up all you can from your mentor and others. Finally, be flexible! Things are not going to go as planned sometimes. If you make a mistake, just roll with it."
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