8. FAQs & Tips
FAQs
Placement Logistics
Where do I park when I arrive at the school?
You can park in the staff carpark.
What do I do when I first arrive/each day?
Pre-placement visit: Sign in at Reception and provide your WWCC. If you are driving to placement, also provide your car registration (in the case of an accident/emergency).
Day 1: Sign in at Receoption. The PST Coordinator will meet you to connect you to the systems. You will then meet your mentor.
Ever other day: Meet your mentor in the designated office or area. You do not need to sign in for the rest of your placement.
What should I wear during placement?
Dress appropriately (neat to smart casual).
Who do I report to if I’m running late or absent?
Contact (call/text or email) Reception or the PST Coordinator, and your mentor as soon as possible.
What do I do if my mentor is absent?
Take the initiative to observe other lessons using the staff list and Compass. Work on lesson planning or preparation tasks as required. If you are scheduled to teach, continue with your lesson and inform the replacement teacher.
Classroom Procedures
Where should I sit when observing a lesson?
Sit at the back or side of the classroom to avoid distracting students or the teacher.
Am I allowed to take notes during lessons?
Yes, taking notes is encouraged. Focus on teaching strategies, classroom management, and student engagement.
Can I ask questions during a lesson, or only after?
Questions are better after class, or when the teacher has settled the class into the learning task.
Am I allowed to help students with classwork?
Only if the teacher has given you permission and it does not disrupt the lesson.
Professional Conduct
Can I bring my phone to the classroom?
Only for professional purposes, such as timing activities. Phones should not be used casually or for personal reasons during lessons. Please discuss this with your mentor.
What boundaries should I maintain with students?
Always maintain a professional relationship. Avoid being left alone with students, and do not engage in inappropriate topics or behaviour.
What if I feel a student is behaving inappropriately toward me?
Inform your mentor teacher or another responsible staff member immediately.
How do I handle confidential information about students?
Never share student information outside of professional contexts. Treat all information as confidential.
Meetings, PD, and Extra Duties
Do I need to attend staff meetings or PD days?
Yes. Attendance is part of your learning and professional development, and overall part of the job.
Can I contribute to meetings, or just observe?
Observe first, and contribute only if invited or if it’s appropriate. Avoid dominating discussions.
Am I expected to participate in yard duty?
Yes, if scheduled. Always follow your mentor teacher's schedule, or what they have assigned for you.
Assessment and Feedback
How will I receive feedback on my teaching and observation?
Feedback usually comes from your mentor teacher - written and/or verbally. Proactively discuss your preferred method with your mentor.
Can I ask my mentor teacher for extra feedback or tips?
Yes. Most teachers appreciate proactive PSTs who want to improve.
What if I make a mistake while teaching?
Mistakes are part of learning. Reflect, take feedback constructively, and adjust your practice.
Will I be assessed during placement?
Yes, your performance will be assessed based on the APTS or standards outlined by your institution, including but not limited to: teaching, professionalism, engagement, and adherence to expectations. Mid and End of Placement reports are conducted collaboratively.
Miscellaneous
Can I bring my own teaching resources or ideas to the classroom?
Yes, with your mentor teacher’s approval. Please do not go out of your way or spend significant money. Keep it simple and practical.
How should I manage stress or nerves during placement?
Prepare thoroughly, ask questions, reflect on experiences, and seek support from your mentor teacher or placement coordinator. You can practice your lessons in am empty classroom.
How can I make a positive impression on my mentor teacher and staff?
Be punctual, professional, prepared, engaged, and respectful. Take initiative where appropriate.
What are the most common mistakes PSTs make, and how can I avoid them?
See the Tips below!
Tips for a Successful Placement
Professionalism
Presentation and attitude: Treat your placement as an opportunity to put your best foot forward. Think of it as a job interview - be professional, proactive, and engaged.
Authenticity: Take strategies from your mentor teacher and avoid simply mimicking them. Be yourself and develop your own teaching style.
Professional engagement: Be actively involved in discussions about lessons, observations, and general student or class-related topics.
Professional development: Participate fully in PD days and engage in collegial discussions.
Meeting contributions: Contribute appropriately in meetings - avoid dominating discussions.
Meetings and yard duty: Attend all scheduled meetings and yard duty sessions; these are key aspects of a teacher’s role.
Punctuality: Arrive on time for all lessons, meetings, and PD sessions. Being late disrupts the staff, students, and your own learning.
Communication: Respond promptly and professionally to emails, messages, and requests from mentor teachers or staff.
Focus on placement: Do not complete university assignments, study, or personal work during placement time. Your priority is learning and engaging with your placement.
Classroom Conduct
Interrupting lessons: When observing, do not interrupt the flow of a teacher’s lesson. Speak with students only with the teacher’s permission.
Classroom positioning: When observing, sit at the back or side of the classroom. Avoid crowding the teacher or students.
Lesson commentary: Refrain from giving your own commentary or verbal annotations during an observation lesson.
Classroom management: Be aware of classroom behaviour and routines. Observe, learn, and support established structures.
Student Interaction
Student relationships: Maintain appropriate boundaries with students. Establish professional rapport first, and build friendships later. Conversations can be casual and friendly, but always remain professional.
Supervision: PSTs should never be left alone with students. Always ensure a teacher or responsible staff member is present when interacting with students.
Personal information: Avoid sharing personal details about your life with students. Keep interactions professional and focused on learning.