Dispositions for Candidates

Students in education courses at Austin Peay State University are expected to demonstrate the following positive professional dispositions.  Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the Teacher Education program. These dispositions will be evaluated by university professors and classroom teachers and are aligned with InTASC and CAEP standards.

1. Collaboration – Collaborates with others and makes positive contributions toward productive, collaborative work.
2. Attitude - Demonstrates a positive attitude in typical and challenging situations.
3. Relationship with Adults - Maintains positive relationships with adults at all times.
4. Communication – Communicates effectively with all stakeholders and uses verbal, non-verbal, and written communication techniques to foster positive interactions and promote learning in the classroom and school environment.

5. Attendance – Knows and adheres to university, school, and/or district policies regarding attendance and punctuality.

6. Relationship with Students - Interacts appropriately and positively with students and provides instruction that respects and aligns with the intellectual, social, cultural, emotional, and physical needs of the age group.

7. Initiative - Initiates and completes responsibilities without prompting.
8. Professional Appearance - Is clean and neat and adheres to university, school, and/or district policies for professional appearance.

9. Legal and Ethical Conduct - Knowledgeable of and adheres to university, school, and/or district policies related to legal and ethical standards of behavior.

10. Diversity - Listens and responds appropriately to others’ opinions and exhibits respect for those of different cultural backgrounds, cognitive and physical abilities, and personal ideologies.

11. Learning Environment - Demonstrates a commitment to creating a positive, low-risk learning environment by providing students with choices, making relevant connections, building understanding, and developing relationships that create a sense of belonging between and among learners.

12. Time Management - Demonstrates effective use of time through thoughtful planning, thorough preparation, and efficient organization.
13. Commitment to Student Learning - Demonstrates commitment to student learning by evaluating student strengths and needs.
14. Commitment to Continuous Improvement - Demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement as an educator through intentional use of information and feedback related to professional practice.