Professional Dispositions Expected of all Teacher Candidates
1. Demonstrated Commitment to Being a Professional
Example Indicators include but are not limited to:
- Consistent on-time arrival to placement (well before classroom students), with lessons planned and needed materials prepared
- Actively seeking teaching-related information/ideas from a variety of sources
- Graciously accepting feedback and constructive criticism, and appropriately modifying behavior accordingly
- Continually reflecting on field and other experiences without prompting
2. Demonstrated Positive and Enthusiastic Attitude
Example indicators include but are not limited to:
- Going above and beyond what is minimally required
- Actively engaging with students without constant prompting
- Exhibiting an enthusiastic and energetic demeanor when teaching (i.e. affect is not bored, speech is not monotone)
- Encouraging and supporting student contributions to and efforts in learning
3. Effective and Professional Communication
Example Indicators include but are not limited to:
- Expressing oneself confidently, while also accepting contributions from others
- Expresses oneself respectfully with students and adults at all times, orally and in writing
- Responds to Clinical Coach / Cooperating Teacher emails, texts, and phone calls in a prompt, professional, and polite manner
- Handles disagreements in a professional way
- Is truthful and forthcoming in all relevant communications in the placement or employment site and within the program
4. Appreciation for and Valuing of Diversity
Example Indicators include but are not limited to:
- Communicating high expectations to all students regardless of gender, class, ethnicity, race, or sexuality
- Taking initiative to learn about students' backgrounds (e.g. culture, family, SES, linguistic), abilities, and individual needs
- Creating and maintaining a "safe classroom" with zero tolerance for disparaging comments
- Inclination to strive to promote social justice and to eliminate inequalities
5. Effective Collaboration with Peers, Colleagues, Supervisors, and Parents
Example Indicators include but are not limited to:
- Actively listening to others' contributions and responding in a thoughtful manner
- Offering positive contributions to further the purposes of collaborations
- Effectively planning instruction with a Cooperating Teacher and/or other professionals as appropriate
- Communicating professionally with others during collaboration
6. Demonstrated Professional Reserve and Deportment for Teaching and Working with Other Professionals
Example Indicators include but are not limited to:
- Maintaining professional boundaries with students and colleagues
- Demonstrating appropriate maturity and self-regulation when the need arises
- Correctly reading social cues and responding appropriately
- Taking responsibility for the consequences of one's own actions
7. Demonstrated Awareness of and Respect for Expectations and Norms of the Professional Setting
Example Indicators include but are not limited to:
- Is observant within the setting and takes initiative to learn the expectations and norms for appearance and behavior in the particular school or institution
- Dresses appropriately for the professional setting