Professional Disposition Expectations

The School of Education prepares Dynamic Educators who can plan, instruct, manage, communicate, and grow professionally. Part of professionalism is having the dispositions necessary to be an effective educator. First and foremost, the School of Education expects candidates to believe that all children can learn no matter their socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender, or religious beliefs. Additionally we look for candidates who:

• keep confidential all information concerning pupils in the class or school;
• maintain the dignity necessary to gain the respect of pupils;
• show enthusiasm concerning the learning experiences being developed with pupils;
• be sympathetic and courteous toward all pupils, parents, University, and school personnel;
• consider himself/herself a member of the community in which he/she is teaching and act accordingly;
• use disciplinary measures that conform to the instructions of the cooperating teacher and which are applicable to public school policy and South Carolina State laws;
• be interested in and ready to assist with the improvement of the class;
• realize that each pupil is an individual and will take into consideration individual abilities, interests, and capacities for learning;
• be completely impartial in dealing with pupils and constantly strive to be fair while judging pupils’ actions;
• refrain from imposing religious or political views upon pupils and exhibit a broad minded, tolerant attitude toward all groups and individuals;
• be enthusiastic and eager to offer ideas concerning curriculum, methods, and management;
• make the teaching environment an attractive and orderly place.

In addition to the above, the South Carolina Department of Education requires candidates to be aware of the state code of conduct for teachers (S.C. Code Ann. §§ 59-25-160, 59-25-530) that outlines behaviors that will result in the dismissal and revocation of certificate. Examples of such behavior that fall under unprofessional conduct include incompetence, willful neglect of duty, willful violation of the rules and regulations of the State Board of Education, unprofessional conduct, drunkenness, cruelty, crime against the law of this State or the United States, immorality, any conduct involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, evident unfitness for position for which employed, or sale or possession of narcotics.