# data[].attributes.body
Definition - The manner in which a professional approaches their work, conducts their work, and presents themselves to their clients and colleagues. It consists of professional effectiveness, resourcefulness, thoroughness, and appearance.

Intent - To establish a professional and uniform baseline for graduate students that may not have yet garnered enough practical experience to develop their own system of practice and industry.

Ethics -
National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (2021):

Principle III: Responsibility to Students

-Professionals take into consideration how student interactions and relationships can be influenced by the professional’s appearance and style of dress.

Principle IV:  Responsibility to the School Community

-Professionals prioritize the interests of students when communicating with parents by being expedient and deferential.

-Professionals promote the interests of students by working with colleagues to advance academic performance and associated objectives

Experiences - As a professional and a graduate student, professional practice and work ethic is an essential component of my success and the goals that I aspire to achieve. I have had much practice and have become comfortable with demonstrating initiative, attention to detail, and professional appearance. Due to being a full-time student, working 60-75 hours a week, being a parent, and committing to other obligations, I sometimes struggle with timeliness. This is an area that I am working to improve by utilizing a schedule, working on projects and assignments in advance if possible, and prioritizing my efforts based on deadlines.

# data[].attributes.body
Definition - Assessment of one’s knowledge, competence, and ethical decision-making in an effort to maintain high professional standards. It consists of ongoing professional learning coupled with welcoming feedback and suggestions related to further individual growth.

Intent - To encourage professionals to engage in continuous self-reflection and efforts to increase their knowledge base, enhance their credibility, and remain current.

Ethics -
National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (2021):

Principle II:  Responsibility for Professional Competence

-Professionals maintain current knowledge of applicable state and national standards.

-Professionals rely on applicable ethics codes to inform and model their decision-making.

-Professionals practice ongoing learning and reflection to maintain high standards related to skills, knowledge, and competency.

Experiences - In my current role, my professional qualities are always on display. To help clients achieve the best outcomes, I regularly promote their success by offering positive feedback and praising their efforts. I maintain flexibility by adapting to the needs and interests of my clients and always doing what I can to meet them where they are. To build strong and effective professional relationships with my clients, I demonstrate honesty and integrity by following through with my commitments and acknowledging when I have made a mistake. When working with a team as a graduate student, I always exhibit an attitude of inclusion to ensure that all members feel valued and that our shared goal was accomplished.

# data[].attributes.body
Definition - Establishing and maintaining collaborative alliances with colleagues that are constructive, supportive, and respectful. It consists of being appropriately responsive, a willingness to interact and be a team player, communicating successfully, and overcoming differences.

Intent - To aid in professional growth and development through the sharing of knowledge and skills, cultivation of a support network, increased productivity, and career enrichment.

Ethics -
National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (2021):

Principle IV:  Responsibility to the School Community

-Professionals demonstrate consideration toward colleagues by practicing civility and supporting an intimidation-free environment.

-Professionals effectively collaborate with colleagues to advance student interests.

-Professionals contribute to colleague development by promoting beneficial practical experiences, mentoring opportunities, and related activities.

Experiences - As a caseworker, developing and maintaining professional relationships has been critical. To do so, I am responsive to my peers, I offer my assistance as necessary, and I willingly provide useful and new information as I come to obtain it. To be the most effective, it is important that I have a network of other professionals that I am able to rely on for expertise in the areas in which I am unfamiliar. The professional relationships that I have developed as a graduate student have demonstrated the value of working with others as it has contributed to my professional development and exposure to career opportunities.

# data[].attributes.body
Definition - A set of baseline individual attributes that lend professional effectiveness and overall advancement of the field. Attributes consist of an attitude of inclusion and diversity, a champion of success, adaptability and ingenuity, and ethical responsibility.

Intent - To emphasize foundational qualities that are essential to professional success, career satisfaction, and fostering effective relationships.

Ethics -
National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (2021):

Principle I:  Responsibility to the Profession

-Professionals hold themselves responsible for ethical behavior, take credit for only their work, and acknowledge the contributions of others.

-Professionals work to achieve fair and impartial student opportunities by promoting access to necessary resources.

-Professionals seek to positively impact all aspects of the profession by advocating and affecting resolutions and measures.

Experiences - To ensure my ongoing professional development, I regularly complete continuing education courses and participate in training opportunities. I also request feedback from my superiors and seek advice from successful peers in order to improve personally and professionally. Being a graduate student, I am able to engage in self-reflection through the completion of a variety of coursework to gauge what I know, what I don’t know, and what I can improve upon.

# data[].attributes.body
What is it?
Listening: not imposing values; avoiding judgment and bias; creating an environment that encourages expression

Being vocal: Acting in the best interests of the student/client; speaking on their behalf when they are incapable of doing so for themselves; attending student/client proceedings

Providing support: Ensuring student/client rights are regarded; providing appropriate information, resources, and referrals; aiding client/student in making informed decisions

Significance - Practicing advocacy is foundational for the effectiveness of a professional in a helping role. It is significant as it empowers students/clients to become independent by learning to solve problems and make knowledgeable decisions for themselves. Advocacy also strengthens clients/students and reduces the likelihood of them being victimized.

Importance of Dispositions - Implementing dispositions and professional standards/ethics in the counseling profession plays a role in protecting the client, the professional, and the profession. It provides a framework for valuing and respecting clients, honest and effective professional functioning, and promoting the credibility of and advancing the profession.

# data[].attributes.body
Dispositions of a Graduate Student. (2018) Angelo State University, Department of Curriculum and Instruction Handbook. San Angelo, Texas: Angelo State University.

National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification. (2021). Model code of ethics for educators (MCEE). https://www.nasdtec.net/page/MCEE_Doc