Seidel School of Education Professional Dispositions

The Seidel School of Education strives to produce educators and leaders who exhibit positive professional dispositions. All students declared or currently in a Seidel program or course are held to the Seidel School Dispositional Expectations Policy (SSDEP). See the Seidel School Dispositions Syllabus Statement below.

Seidel School of Education Dispositions Statement

Professionalism is a principle that permeates all activities of the Seidel School and guides the behavior of faculty, students, and staff. All students enrolled in a Seidel School course, and/or pursuing a program through or with the Seidel School, are expected to read, understand, and agree to adhere to the Seidel School Dispositional Expectations Policy (SSDEP). The policy lays out the guidelines that cover behavioral and dispositional expectations in all formal learning environments and settings, field sites, and all informal occasions connected in any way with the Seidel School of Education and/or the University.

All students taking coursework through the Seidel School, and/or pursuing a program through or with the Seidel School, are expected to model the ethical behaviors and principles outlined in Salisbury University’s Code of Community Standards and all associated policies.

While in a field, school, or other clinical placement site, all Seidel students are expected to abide by any and all relevant rules, policies, or laws associated with the site that would be expected to be reasonably understood. These policies might include unlawful or unethical behavior that occurs off-site and outside the hours of site’s operation. Seidel students, candidates, and/or interns are expected to discuss with their supervisors at clinical sites if they have questions about specific rules, policies, or laws.

Failure to abide by the SSDEP and/or Salisbury University’s Code of Community Standards and/or specific clinical or field site policies may result in punitive actions outlined in the Seidel School Dispositional Expectations Policy, up to and including immediate dismissal from a course and/or program in the Seidel School of Education and/or failure of current coursework and/or placement credits. A student’s continued enrollment in a Seidel course and/or program indicates their agreement to adhere to the SSDEP.

Professional dispositions are the values, commitments, and professional ethics that influence behaviors toward students, families, colleagues, and communities and affect student learning, motivation, and development as well as the educator’s own professional growth. Dispositions are guided by beliefs and attitudes related to values such as caring, fairness, honesty, responsibility, and social justice. For example, they might include a belief that all students can learn, a vision of high and challenging standards, or a commitment to a safe and supportive learning environment. All SU teacher candidates complete a self-assessment of their individual dispositions prior to acceptance in a Seidel program. Candidate dispositions may also be assessed by instructors during course work or by mentor teachers and university supervisors during a school placement. Candidate disposition assessments are governed by Seidel School Dispositional Expectations Policy.

Professional responsibilities for Salisbury University teacher education candidates for courses and field experiences (Foundations, Methods or Internship) have been identified as the following:

Relationship with Students
- Treats students with respect
- Responds to student concerns
- Makes use of student diversity as an asset in instruction and for the school
- Creates a positive and inclusive community of learners
- Advocates for fairness, equity and social justice in the school
- Models curiosity and a spirit of intellectual inquiry
Relationship to School and Community
- Behaves with honesty and integrity
- Shows initiative
- Reflects on personal priorities, commitments and practices
- Uses community resources to support student learning
- Adjusts to school standards of appearance, hygiene, demeanor and rapport
- Is dependable with respect to schedule and assignments
Relationship with the Profession
- Remains current in the profession (research, practices, standards etc.)
- Accepts problem situations as opportunities to grow
- Interacts with other professionals in constructive ways
- Contributes to meeting shared professional responsibilities
- Seeks continued professional development
- Maintains a sense of professional purpose

Dispositions Links

SSDEP: This link takes you to the full Seidel School Dispositional Expectations Policy.

SSDEP Violation Flowchart: This document outlines the procedures for SSDEP violation reporting, hearings, and appeals.

SSDEP Violation Report Form: Instructors, Preceptors, or Chairs, use this link to report a violation of dispositions.

Hearing Advisor Form: Students found in violation of the SSDEP may request an advisor present at their hearing. This form must be completed and submitted prior to the hearing.

Student Appeal Request Form: Students issued a SSDEP violation have the right to file an appeal. This form must be completed and submitted within the timeframe outlined in the SSDEP.

SU Code of Community Standards: Use this link to review the campus policy for all SU students. Violations of the SU Code of Community Standards are also likely violations of the SSDEP.