Professional Dispositions

As an educator, it is my belief that learning is a shared responsibility between teachers, students, and the community.  Through collaboration, creativity, and compassion, all students can grow and thrive. This can only be achieved through active communication and collaboration between the teacher, the student, and the families within my classroom. My self-assessment supports my professional disposition statement mentioned above in numerous ways. For instance, when completing the self-assessment, I learned that above all of the various professional disposition criteria provided, I placed the highest value on the incorporation of compassion,patience, and respect for the differences of my students. Teaching is the utmost important profession. Without teachers, the world would not have a future. 

Throughout my program of study, I have been able to grow tremendously in each of the professional dispositions. For instance, working closely with my mentor during my clinical field experience opportunities has taught me the importance of setting and upholding high expectations. I have also learned that in order for students to meet my expectations, I must also have their respect and display compassion and advocate for my students and their individual needs. I have also grown in my sense of professionalism and understanding that in order to be an effective teacher, I must be dedicated to my student’s and their needs daily. These dispositions and the Model Code of Ethics go hand in hand and are essential for a teacher to be successful. Both of these resources stress the importance of professionalism, honesty, respect for diversity, as well as dedication to the profession, the community, and your students. 

Some of the areas that I feel I could improve on when it comes to the dispositions are curiosity and advocacy. In order to improve my disposition of curiosity, I plan to use a higher order of thinking within my line of questioning to check for understanding during my lessons as well as encouraging my students to think in a way that challenges the norm. I plan to improve my advocacy by making connections with my students and showing genuine interest in their lives. Doing so will strengthen my bond with my students which will aid in their and my success.