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

 

-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.

-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. 

-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. 

-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.

 

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. 

 

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