Teaching practice is intended as an opportunity to develop your skills and techniques in a teaching environment. Whilst recognising the problems faced by some schools, it is essential to guard against the misuse of teaching practice and the exploitation of students. The Teachers Federation has developed this charter for the protection of its student teacher members.

• The teacher whose class you are taking should not be engaged in teaching duties or cover. He/she should be readily available in case of assistance or any emergencies.

• Your timetable should not have more than 66% class contact time to leave you with adequate time for marking and preparation. This is in recognition that a student-teacher will by definition require more time to complete preparation and marking. In addition a student -teacher may have research projects, assignments related to the 'prac' to complete.

• You should not be required to mark official school attendance rolls/ registers. (It is permissible to mark a class roll if it is part of the school's discipline and welfare policy, or part of your class room management routine.)

• You should not be required to undertake playground supervision alone - it is permissible to accompany your supervising teacher on their programmed playground duty.

• You should not be required to undertake bus duty or road crossing duty.

• You should not be asked to administer medication or carry out any medical treatment of pupils. This does not over-ride your likely 'duty of care' in the case of providing emergency assistance to a student in the case of an accident/emergency.

• You are not required, by either the school or the university, to be at school if industrial action, stop-work 'sky channel' meetings have been called by the NSW Teachers Federation's executive or council.

It is very unlikely that you would be asked to do any of these things. If, however, you are concerned about the level of support you are receiving on your placement, then speak to your Teachers Federation Representative or your teaching practice lecturer.