The Education Department’s Professional Dispositions and How They Work

Why have Dispositions in Communication, Professionalism, Interpersonal Skills, and Diversity?

The Professional Dispositions outline key traits to becoming a successful educator. Each disposition may be demonstrated and observed in the pre-service candidate through coursework, field experiences, lesson plans, oral and written presentations, written assignments, and student teaching. These characteristics should guide the candidates’ actions, performances, and behavior while enrolled in Education classes.

Who completes the Professional Dispositions Self-Assessment Form?

  • PRED (PreK-4 certification) candidates
  • PREM (Middle Level) candidates
  • SC (Secondary Certification) Minors
  • Transfers

When are the three times that Professional Dispositions Self-Assessment Form is completed?

The Professional Dispositions Self-Assessment Form is completed by the candidate three times:

1. Initially, the form is completed during ED 190; it is submitted with TEP Application to the course instructor.

  • In the case of transfers, the Professional Dispositions Self-Assessment Form is submitted as part of the transfer packet.

2. Next, the form is completed and submitted prior to the beginning of the professional student teaching semester.

3. Finally, the form is completed and submitted at the conclusion of student teaching.

Who reviews the Professional Dispositions Self-Assessment Form?

  • The Advisor
  • Course Instructors
  • Director of Student Teaching
  • Department Chair

What is the Professional Disposition Referral Form; how is it used?

The Professional Disposition Referral Form indicates that there are concerns with one or more of the dispositions; faculty or University supervisors may submit the form to the Department Chair.
It is used to alert the candidate to the area(s) that need(s) improvement in the Professional Dispositions.

What are the four Performance Levels of the Professional Dispositions?

Level A: acceptable or exemplary. All candidates need to be at this level to complete the Education course work required for the major or minor.
Level B: a Professional Disposition Referral Form has been submitted. Improvement required as outlined on the Professional Dispositions Improvement Plan.
Level C: the Professional Dispositions Improvement Plan was incomplete or unsatisfactory or one or more Professional Disposition Referral Forms have been submitted indicating areas of needed improvement.
Level D: Professional Disposition Referral Forms have repeatedly been submitted or multiple Professional Dispositions Improvement Plans were incomplete or unsatisfactory.

What happens when a candidate performs at Levels B, C, or D?

The candidate is required

  • to meet with the Department Chair or designated faculty to review the Professional Disposition Referral Form,
  • to sign the Professional Dispositions Improvement Plan, and
  • to follow and complete the Action Plan as outlined on the Improvement Plan.
  • Once the Professional Dispositions Improvement Plan has been successfully completed and approved, the candidate may be returned to Level A designation.
  • Failure to accomplish the benchmarks as stated on the Professional Dispositions Improvement Plan may result in the inability to complete the Education coursework required for the major or minor.