Expectations of Professional Dispositions

Expectations of Dispositions for Initial Licensure

Students in initial licensure programs at Austin Peay State University are expected to demonstrate the following positive professional dispositions. These dispositions will be evaluated by university professors and classroom teachers during field experiences. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the teacher education program.

1. Demonstrates a positive attitude about working with diverse students, peers, professionals, and in diverse environments.

2. Attends classes and field experiences consistently and punctually (including not arriving late or leaving early).

3. Demonstrates honesty and integrity.

4. Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing.

5. Demonstrates positive interactions with peers, faculty and P-12 students and school personnel.

6. Demonstrates a commitment to P-12 students’ success and to maintenance of a positive learning environment.

7. Demonstrates self respect and respect for others.

8. Accepts constructive criticism and is willing to modify one’s behavior.

9. Analyzes problems critically and attempts to resolve them independently.

10. Assumes personal responsibility for adhering to professional guidelines regarding academic conduct.

11. Assumes personal responsibility for adhering to established guidelines for the Teacher Education Program.

12. Maintains professional ethics, appearance and demeanor.

Click here to see the Disposition Assessment Policy

Expectations of Dispositions for Advanced Programs

Students in advanced programs at Austin Peay State University are expected to demonstrate the following positive professional dispositions. These dispositions will be evaluated by university professors and supervisors during field experiences. Failure to adhere to dispositions one and two will be cause for immediate dismissal from the program. Failure to adhere to dispositions three through eight may result in dismissal from the teacher education program.

1. Adherence to professional ethics: demonstrates adherence to standards of ethical conduct, fulfills professional obligations, and assumes responsibility for own decisions.

2. Professional demeanor: deals with conflict appropriately, poised and professional behavior, responsive to professional feedback

3. Collaboration: works effectively with professional colleagues, parents, and other adults.

4. Commitment to diversity: values multiple aspects of diversity; respects children and adults of various cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, social classes, abilities, political beliefs, etc.

5. Leadership and initiative: assumes leadership roles in improving professional practice, goes beyond what is expected, and actively seeks solutions to problems.

6. Professional advocacy: serves as an advocate in schools and in the broader community to enhance educational opportunities for all students.

7. Self-reflection: reflects on and evaluates one’s own experience and work, is willing and able to recognize difficulties or deficiencies in one’s professional practice, seeks after knowledge and professional development.

8. Student focus: focuses professional decision-making around student needs rather than personal preferences