Professional Dispositions for Education Professionals

Professional dispositions are the values, commitments, and professional ethics that influence behaviors toward students, families, colleagues, and communities and affect student learning, motivation, and development as well as the educator’s own professional growth. Dispositions are guided by beliefs and attitudes related to values such as caring, fairness, honesty, responsibility, and social justice. For example, they might include a belief that all students can learn, a vision of high and challenging standards, or a commitment to a safe and supportive learning environment.  Teacher Education candidates complete a self-assessment of their individual dispositions during foundations and in some professional program courses.  Candidate dispositions may also be assessed by instructors during course work or by mentor teachers and university supervisors during a school placement.  Candidate disposition assessments are governed by Professional Disposition Policy.

Professional responsibilities for Salisbury University teacher education candidates for courses and field experiences (Foundations, Methods or Internship)  have been identified as the following:

Relationship with Students

• Treats students with respect
• Responds to student concerns
• Makes use of student diversity as an asset in instruction and for the school
• Creates a positive and inclusive community of learners
• Advocates for fairness, equity and social justice in the school
• Models curiosity and a spirit of intellectual inquiry

Relationship to the School and Community

• Behaves with honesty and integrity
• Shows initiative
• Reflects on personal priorities, commitments and practices
• Uses community resources to support student learning
• Adjusts to school standards of appearance, hygiene, demeanor and rapport
• Is dependable with respect to schedule and assignments

Relationship with the Profession

• Remains current in the profession (research, practices, standards etc.)
• Accepts problem situations as opportunities to grow
• Interacts with other professionals in constructive ways
• Contributes to meeting shared professional responsibilities
• Seeks continued professional development
• Maintains a sense of professional purpose

Internship Assessment Links

• Evaluation of Mentor, Teacher, University Supervisor & School Site
• Intern Program Evaluation

Other Useful Links

• Candidate Self Assessment of Dispositions: Use this link to self evaluate the professional responsibilities expected of SU teacher candidates
• SU Student Code of Conduct: Use this link to review the campus policy for all SU students