Teacher Ed Expectations Statement

Oakland University’s teacher education programs are required to hold teacher candidates to a high professional, personal, and ethical standard. In addition to excelling in coursework, certain qualities help teacher candidates flourish in the field of education. These qualities, or dispositions, are habits of professional action and moral commitments that underlie an educator’s performance. These qualities cannot be adequately evaluated based on written assignments and coursework alone. As a teacher candidate, you are responsible for consistently demonstrating the following competencies to successfully complete Oakland’s teacher education program.

These dispositions will be evaluated at various points, and impact both acceptance and retention in the program.

Demonstrates Respect

for the dignity and worth of each individual student and school community member, and is sensitive to and accepting of gender expression, religion, race, disability, ethnicity, socio-economic status, culture, age, family status and diverse beliefs and views
and flexibility to accommodate individual needs and situations
in advocacy for learners and the profession

Demonstrates Responsibility

to oneself by monitoring and maintaining sound mental, physical, and emotional health necessary to perform all professional duties
for preparation of materials and meeting deadlines
for punctuality and attendance, and informs stakeholders prior to absences or tardiness
for social awareness and sound professional judgment to create a safe learning environment
for creating an environment that is free from harassment

Demonstrates Effective Collaboration

by developing and maintaining mutually beneficial collaborative relationships with the school community, peers, and other professionals to support the academic achievement
by working and learning from colleagues and others to support academic achievement and the best interests of students

Appropriate and Effective Communication

in a timely, confidential, and respectful manner with students, families and colleagues - in all forms of communication
through appropriate use of social media and other technologies
through clear, grammatically correct, professional writing and speech
through appropriate gestures, attire and hygiene

Demonstrates Commitment to Continuous Improvement

by responding positively to feedback and constructive criticism, and incorporating feedback to improve practice
by reflecting upon and assessing one’s professional skills, content knowledge and competency on an ongoing basis