APPENDIX B
STATEMENT OF PROFESSIONALISM
University of Northwestern – St. Paul
Professional educators must be able to reflect on their practice and the effect of their choices on the classroom community, the professional community, and the extended communities within which they serve. Therefore, to succeed within the Northwestern Teacher Education Program and the profession, teacher candidates will
In regard to personal responsibility:
- Take responsibility for their personal choices, action and communication.
- Seek help when needed.
- Demonstrate an openness and willingness to implement suggestions.
- Demonstrate quality, completeness and timeliness in work.
- Demonstrate personal and academic integrity.
- Maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
- Arrive on time prepared for responsibilities.
- Manage time well.
- Use resources and materials appropriately.
- Dress and groom in a professional manner.
- Maintain sufficient level of energy for professional involvement.
In regard to relationships:
- Demonstrate respect for others.
- Contribute productively to group work.
- Demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs of others.
- Establish and maintain appropriate relationships in field placements.
- Maintain an appropriate balance between professional distance and personal rapport with students.
- Maintain confidentiality that respects the privacy rights of others.
- Exercise judgment that respects differences within diverse social settings.
- Take responsibility for the safety and welfare of students.
This statement provides a definition of professionalism to be used within courses, field experiences, and intervention systems within the teacher education program. It is based on the Minnesota Standards of Effective Practice and Northwestern’s Teacher Education mission statement and curriculum model.