It is the responsibility of the College of Education and P-16 Integration, in collaboration with other colleges within UTRGV, to successfully prepare candidates to become effective teachers. UTRGV education programs expect candidates to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required of educators to ensure the success of all students. Dispositions are “the habits of professional action and moral commitments that underlie an educator’s performance” (InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards, p. 6).
The following professional dispositions align with InTASC standards and are expected of candidates in education programs at the university and in the schools. Student teachers self-assess on these dispositions. Student teachers’ professional dispositions are also assessed by their field supervisors and mentor teachers.
Learner Development and Diversity
- Respects and accounts for students’/learners’ individual differences.
- Respects and accounts for students’/learners' cultural differences.
- Respects and accounts for students’/learners' linguistic diversity.
- Accounts for diverse ethnic backgrounds in learner development.
- Accounts for gender and sexual orientation in learner development.
- Demonstrates culturally responsive practices.
- Demonstrates linguistically responsive practices.
Critical Thinking and Reflective Practice
- Engages in critical thinking.
- Demonstrates ability to solve problems.
- Is self-assessing.
- Is reflective.
- Is open to new ideas
Professionalism
- Maintains high expectations for self.
- Seeks opportunities for continued professional development.
- Maintains appropriate personal appearance for the professional context.
- Meets attendance requirements.
- Is punctual.
- Demonstrates professional interpersonal skills with all stakeholders.
- Displays enthusiasm for working collegially.
- Demonstrates enthusiasm toward teaching.
- Accepts constructive criticism.
- Separates personal and professional issues.
- Works productively as a team member.
Ethical Practice
- Demonstrates understanding of and compliance with laws and policies.
- Maintains privacy and confidentiality unless disclosure is required by law.
- Demonstrates academic honesty.
Communication and Learning Environments
- Communicates effectively with all stakeholders orally.
- Communicates effectively with all stakeholders in writing.
Content and Instruction
- Prepares lessons, materials, and assessments that meet individual student needs within discipline-specific contexts.
- Implements lessons, materials, and assessments that meet individual student needs within discipline-specific contexts.
Approved by TPP on August 21, 2024 and Approved by EPC on October 2, 2024.