Mentor Evaluation of Professional Behaviors & Dispositions & Recommendation for Demonstration Teaching
Students must secure a positive evaluation and recommendation of their demonstrated professional behaviors and dispositions in order to apply and participate in demonstration teaching (DT).
It is important students demonstrate the ability to interact with diverse populations in a professional and respectful manner that is aligned to expectations in the field of education. It is critical for students to understand that their demonstrated actions and behaviors with their mentor (or any other WGU staff member or coursework submissions) could positively or negatively affect the Mentor Evaluation of Professional Behaviors and Dispositions and the required Recommendation for Demonstration Teaching.
WGU Teachers College students are expected to demonstrate professional and ethical values, attitudes and traits (professional behaviors and dispositions) that are associated with effective teaching. These professional behaviors and dispositions foster the positive relationship that effective teachers build with students, parents, professional colleagues, and communities to promote student success. WGU students are expected to demonstrate the following professional dispositions:
In addition to these eight dispositions, students are expected to demonstrate professional behavior in all interactions (written, verbal, and non-verbal) with other WGU students, WGU mentors and staff, as well as those they encounter in the field.
Mentors will evaluate their students on key demonstrated behaviors they have observed over time as aligned to the Teachers College Code of Ethics, Professional Behaviors and Dispositions (opens new window). The Mentor Evaluation of Professional Behaviors and Dispositions is an important Teachers College accreditation requirement. Excessive low marks in an evaluation will prompt the Teacher & Principal Success team to contact the mentor and student to provide an opportunity for remediation and support.
If a mentor is unwilling to provide a positive Mentor Evaluation of Professional Behaviors and Dispositions or recommend their student for demonstration teaching, the student will be counseled into an appropriate non-licensure program. If a student wishes to appeal the non-recommendation for demonstration teaching, they may appeal by writing to teachersuccess@wgu.edu.
A copy of the survey that mentors complete is shown below.
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Instructions to mentors: Please reply to the following statements regarding your student. My student:
Choices: 0= Not observed, 1= Needs Improvement, 2= Meets Standard, 3= Exemplary
Caring and Considerate
Affirming of Diversity and Cross-Culturally Competent
Reflective Practitioner
Equitable and Fair
Committed to the Belief That All Students Can Learn
Collaborative Professional
Technologically Proficient
Professional Behavior and Communications
This section is for initial licensure programs ONLY that require a mentor recommendation to proceed to demonstration teaching.
WGU students must secure a recommendation from their mentor in order to proceed to demonstration teaching and transition to the status of “teacher candidate.”
If no was selected, please explain your reason for not recommending your student to demonstration teaching. Understand that students have the opportunity to appeal to the Dean of the Teachers College if they do not receive a mentor recommendation.
To review the rubric explanation click here: Mentor Evaluation Rubric (opens new window).
Article Number: 20485, 2653