Teacher Education Program - Attendance Policy 

The education profession expects high levels of engagement from its members. Teachers are responsible to their students and school communities.  As such, the MSU Department of Education upholds this perspective. The following statement clarifies this expectation. The attendance guidelines, described below, apply to all students enrolled in this course, regardless of whether they are pursuing a teaching credential. 

The MSU Teacher Education program requires students to engage in Professional Dispositions, including Disposition I (Dispositions Toward Professional Engagement), which states that students will commit fully in all class activities and field settings. As this is a requirement for all teacher candidates, absences will be recorded. Additionally, arriving late and/or leaving early will be noted.  

Why is this important? Teachers are professionals, and as such, are expected to be in professional settings (classrooms on campus or in schools) when asked to do so. Punctuality matters.  

The MSU Department of Education recognizes that emergencies do occur. When a student needs to be absent because of an extenuating circumstance, they are expected to communicate with the classroom teacher or faculty member prior to the absence. By definition, an emergency is notan ongoing or regular occurrenceand cannot interfere with the program requirements.  

MSU’s Department of Education Professional Competency I—Communication competencies appropriate to one’s professional level and teaching context—is a requirement. When there is a lack of communication before an absence, this competency is not met and may prevent advancement in the Teacher Education Program.

If Punctuality and Attendance issues continue, it may result in failing the class or field setting experience.

Please refer to your syllabus for the attendance requirements specific to your class as they may vary. 

The attendance policy for Student Teaching (EDU495R) can be found at this link or in your copy of the Student Teaching Handbook.