Core Values & Dispositions

The core values and dispositions of The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education and Human Services are a set of fundamental principles and values that guide the practice and development of our faculty, students and staff.

Commitment to Social Justice (i.e., ideal of fairness & the belief that all students can learn)

Professional practice incorporates multicultural and international perspectives.
Professional practice respects the dignity of all stakeholders in the education environment.
Professional practice attends to issues of social, economic and political equity for individuals and groups that differ by gender, race, social class, disability, and sexual orientation.
Professional practice entails creation of a challenging, student-centered learning environment that makes use of multiple approaches.

Commitment to Ethics

Professional practice attends to codes of ethical conduct relevant to the candidates’ respective education specialties.
Professional practice demonstrates responsible, principled behavior.
Professional practice respects the human dignity of all members of the school community.

Commitment to the Well-being of Students, Families, and Communities

Professional practice promotes the development and welfare of all students.
Professional practice attends to students’ health and safety.
Professional practice models caring and empathy.
Professional practice initiates productive relationships with peer candidates, students, families, communities, and colleagues.

Commitment to Professional Competence and Ongoing Professional Development

Professional practice involves decision making and problem solving based on reflection, critical thinking, and self-awareness relating to intra/interpersonal functioning.
Professional practice demonstrates proficiency in the ethical use of technology.
Professional practice demonstrates engagement with continuing education relating to both content and pedagogy.

Assessment:
To see how we assess these dispositions in our candidates, or to perform an assessment yourself, download our Rubric for Assessing Dispositions of Educational Professionals. There is a specific protocol to be followed when a candidate receives a “below expectation” on the dispositions assessment:

Professional Dispositions are the "Professional attributes, values, and beliefs demonstrated through both verbal and nonverbal behaviors as educations interract with students, families, colleagues, and communities. These positive behaviors support student learning and development" (NCATE, 2008, p. 89-90)