Exhibit 1.1.D
Advanced Program Expected Dispositions
The advanced programs of Eastern Michigan University seek to create an ethical environment that promotes teaching and learning and fosters activities and experiences that enhance students development of professional dispositions. We believe that teachers and other education professionals are change agents in the schools and communities in which they work and that they must demonstrate collaborative partnerships with students, colleagues, parents and the broad community. Moreover, students in advanced programs, as distinguished from initial program students, should be willing to take on both leadership and advocacy roles to promote educational reform while safeguarding students' well-being. We also believe that education professional must appreciate and practice the principles, ethics, and legal responsibilities of the teaching profession (Fullan, 1993).
There is substantial research that addresses the idea that teaching is a moral endeavor, and that the activity of teaching is itself saturated with moral significance. In a review of this body of research, Hansen (2001) notes that teaching embodies both intellectual and moral dimensions, and the claim that teaching is a moral activity calls attention to teachers' conduct, character, perception, judgment, understanding, and more. He observes the following: "Teaching is undertaken by persons, each bringing to bear a particular understanding of what education, students, and learning are all about and each bringing into the classroom an individual character as a human being. Concepts such as manner, style, and tact illuminate the moral importance of the person who occupies the role of teacher" (p.841). Clearly the ethical stance required of teachers is essential for other educational professionals as well.
Cox (1982) reiterates this message in the following: "the fact that a person is engaged in education implies that he has accepted certain moral values. Inherent in education are such things as a liberal respect for differing opinions honestly held, accuracy in thought and expression, logical thinking, genuine feeling, and a sense of truth to be sought for and eventually found. To these things an educator is committed by the very fact of being an educator. His stance must include them if he is to be credible" (pp.79-80).
Our assessments reflect established criteria for the professional conduct of teachers found in NEA Code of Ethics. Descriptions of assessments of professional dispositions are found within the assessment descriptions of individual programs.
The professional dispositions for advanced programs are:
1. Adherence to professional ethics: demonstrates adherence to standards of ethical conduct, fulfills professional obligations, assumes responsibility for own decisions;
2. Collaboration: works effectively with professional colleagues, parents, and other adults;
3. 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.
4. Leadership and initiative: assumes leadership roles in improving professional practice, goes beyond what is expected, actively seeks solutions to problems.
5. Professional advocacy: serves as an advocate in schools and in the broader community to enhance educational opportunities for all students.
6. Professional demeanor: deals with conflict appropriately, posed and professional behavior, responsive to professional feedback.
7. Self-reflection: reflects on and evaluates one's own experience and work, is willing and able to recognize difficulties of 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 preference, respects students as valued human beings.
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Cox, E. (1982) The moral stance of the teacher. Journal of Moral Education. 11,75-81.
Fullan, M. (1993) Why teachers must become change agents. Educational Leadership. 50, 12-17.
Hansen, D (2001) Teaching as a moral activity. In Virginia Richardson (ed.) Handbook of Research on Teaching. Washington, D.C.: AERA, 826-857.