Urban Teacher Education Program (UTEP)

The Intern demonstrates these dispositions:

1. Understands and demonstrates professionalism by regular attendance, punctuality, appearance, and conduct in relation to students, peers, parents, and administration.
2. Recognizes the importance of family and community and connects learning to the students’ world.
3. Believes that all children and youth deserve a quality education and aligns instruction with state and professional standards.
4. Believes that an effective urban teacher is both organized and prepared and engages learners in the learning process, through multiple teaching approaches and technology.
5. Understands the power of both verbal and non-verbal communication and is particularly aware of the need to express ideas clearly, respectfully and appropriately.
6. Believes that there are multiple intelligences and employs diverse approaches and integrates technology in teaching and assessing urban students.
7. Understands that classroom management is more than discipline and focuses on teaching students’ self-discipline and responsibility, while treating the students with respect and care.
8. Understands the importance of individual uniqueness and the implications of race, class and gender on learning and creates a learning environment that utilizes invitational and multicultural theories of practice.
9. Believes that learning potential is best invited forth in an atmosphere of cooperation and collaboration and facilitates a “cooperative spirit” in students by using cooperative learning strategies.
10. Understands the importance of assessment and monitors students’ progress carefully, regularly and creatively, reporting that progress clearly and systematically, while making needed adjustments.
11. Understands the importance of professional development and welcomes constructive criticism and suggestions.

12. Believes that enthusiasm and commitment are necessary to become a “star” urban teacher and actualizes that commitment and enthusiasm in their interactions with students, parents and others in the community.