Getting Prepared and Support on your Professional Experience

It is important to prepare for your professional experience placement well before you arrive on your first day.

The OPL will do our best to guide you in your preparations, however, it is your responsibility to ensure all pre-placement requirements are met.

Professional experience is busy and once you start the placement there is very little time to think about re-organising any personal or work obligations. You need to make sure you have everything in order before you start. Please take time to consider if you have prepared for all of the below concerns;

  • Childcare
  • Family arrangements
  • Accommodation
  • Internet access
  • Travel to and from the school or centre
  • Work commitments
  • Health needs

Clear communication with a positive, professional and open approach about what you would like to find out before the placement is essential if you wish to meet a successful outcome for the professional experience. You may like to use the following 'ice breaker' questions to assist you in starting your placement more confidently.

Primary and Secondary School Question 
  • How many students are in the class and should I be ready to plan for and teach a diverse range of students?
  • Do any of the students in the class have special needs? I would like to know this so I can plan with them in mind.
  • Can you please provide me with a copy of your timetable and also give me an idea of the lesson topics you would like me to teach?
  • Can I please see examples of your planning/ programming? I may need some support in this area as I am still becoming familiar with the syllabus documents.
  • What day are staff meetings scheduled?
  • Is there a professional dress code I need to follow as part of the school staff? (Can I still wear piercings? Do I need to cover up my tattoo?)
  • What time does school start and what time should I arrive each day?
  • Primary School - Would it be appropriate to introduce myself to the students' parents with a brief item in the school newsletter, email/letter to send home or a poster for the classroom door?
  • I would like to become familiar with the school's behaviour management policy. Could you please tell me where I could find a copy of this?
Childcare Centre Questions
  • Is there a specific dress code I need to follow as a staff member in the centre?
  • What time do you start work and what time would you like me to arrive each day?
  • I would like to place a flyer/ poster about myself on the door to introduce myself to the children's parents. Is this appropriate?
  • Do any children have specific needs I need to be aware of?
  • Could you please direct me to the centre's policies and procedures?

Well-Being on Placement

Professional experience can be demanding, as you are expected to complete the hours of a working teacher, as well as keep up with your other university work, as well as managing all personal commitments. For this reason, it is important to look after yourself while on professional experience placements. Below are some resources to assist you during your placement. If you have any problems or concerns during your placement, feel free to reach out to the OPL through AskUNE or by phone on 02 6773 3898.

  • Preventing Infectious Diseases in Early Childhood and Care Services is an online book that contains information about staying physically healthy in education settings, particularly with young children.
  • Student Support provides a general tip sheet full of advice about dealing with the pressures and challenges associated with the study and is a very useful resource for anyone studying online.
  • Students who are, or may become, pregnant before or during their professional experience placement should consult their doctor before commencing a placement regarding potential health risks and inform the Office for Professional Learning and the school or centre of their pregnancy.
  • Most centres have their own policies regarding staff who are pregnant and students are required to abide by those policies. Students should contact the Office for Professional Learning with any specific queries in relation to their pregnancy and professional experience.
  • UNE Counselling has prepared Placement Tip Sheet  (PDF, 172.2 KB) containing organisational advice to help you be as prepared as possible for your professional experience.

Support

Support is available to teacher education students before, during, or after their professional experience placements. It is important to note that no problem is too big or small if it is causing you stress or anxiety.

If you are experiencing personal, academic, or financial challenges that are hindering your progress, you may wish to seek support from the following resources:

Contact the OPL

Students can contact the Professional Experience Placement Team via AskUNE or phone us on +61 2 6773 3898.

UNE Counselling

Counselling provides individual support to UNE students. They also provide resources, workshops, seminars and other skill-building programs.

For emergency counselling assistance after hours please call Lifeline 131114 or for those in NSW, the Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.

Call UNE's Special Needs Office

Special Needs Office provides reasonable adjustments to students with a temporary or permanent disability or medical condition, as well as carers. They also advise students regarding equity-related concerns.

Contact UNE's Student Grievance unit

Student Grievance Unit (complaints, compliments, and feedback) is an independent body which formally investigates student complaints about process and service delivery when an informal resolution cannot be reached.

Self Reflective and other resources to help during your Professional Experience

Below are a few documents which can help you prepare and reflect on your Professional Experience.