In my teaching career, I want to be a teacher who is remembered for being understanding and supportive. I want to help students become productive and confident citizens in the world. The ways I can demonstrate professional dispositions in the classroom is by listening to the students’ needs and concerns and responding not only to their academic needs, but also to their social, emotional, and mental health needs. I can do this by being an organized, thoughtful and warm teacher. I can come to work everyday with the belief that my students are capable of learning and hold high expectations.
My Professional Dispositions Assessment results support my statements above. I strongly agree with each statement. I have been an educator for 15 years, so I have had a long time to learn and refine my professional dispositions even before I entered into this program. Being in this program has reminded me that the teacher holds a great deal of responsibility for setting the tone of the learning environment. Teaching is a professional occupation and so my behavior, dress and efforts must be in line with this.
The Professional Dispositions naturally lead to being a moral leader in the classroom as well. I have a responsibility to ensure that all of my students have a safe, productive learning environment. Students have a right to have instruction that meets their needs as diverse and unique individuals. I have a responsibility to tailor my teaching methods to meet the needs of exceptional learners who require additional support and care.
To maintain a high standard of adherence to the Professional Dispositions, I will regularly reflect on my teaching practice. In addition, I will seek out evaluations, critiques and advice from students and colleagues to improve my practice.