Areas of Confidence
One area within the teacher dispositions that I feel very confident in is "Tact and Judgement". Throughout both of my student teaching placements, I did my best to listen, learn and adapt. This year has been super atypical, and my student teaching experience was not the most typical one, but I always tried to maintain an open mind and learn from the situations in order to get the most out of it. I made sure to put my relationships with students and other staff first, by being sensitive to the fact that everyone is fighting their own battles, and always tried to approach situations with curiosity rather than make assumptions. Another disposition area I feel very confident in is "Desire to Improve own Performance". I am constantly self reflecting on my teaching and looking for ways to improve. During my student teaching placements, I worked closely with my mentor teachers and always welcomed feedback on ideas I could try or ways I could improve. I also asked for feedback from students on specific assignments when trying something new to gauge how it went. Due to COVID-19, there were not any professional development workshops or district meetings, but any staff meetings or extra opportunities to learn from during my placement I took. I believe that I am responsible for students learning, and my although my performance may not always be perfect, there are always ways to grow and advance. I want to take advantage of all opportunities in the future that could help me grow professionally.
Area for Improvement
One area I believe I could continue to work on within the teacher dispositions is "Cultural Responsiveness". At both of my placements, I worked hard to make sure my lessons were inclusive, and differentiate for a variety of learners. However, I recognize that every school is different and unique, and as a teacher I can always be working to improve and be even more responsive to students needs. I also did not have to handle very many behavioral issues during my experience. My first placement was at a school with a unique climate where the students are consistently held to high standards, and therefore take responsibility for their learning. I recognize this is not always the case. In addition, my second placement was entirely remote, and due to the situation, there were never any noticeable, problematic behavioral issues. I did have issues here and there I would have to discuss with a student; however, there were very few and fairly minor. I realize that this is something that comes from practice and experience, and therefore I hope to continue to grow as I am in position to deal with more situations to come.
Supporting my Professional Goals
I am constantly seeking ways to improve my performance as a teacher and be the best I can be. I believe it is a process with no end; there will always be ways to improve and grow no matter how successful a teacher is. The teacher dispositions help me measure myself and consider what is important in my teaching and profession. The dispositions support my goals of creating clear and concise instruction, keeping attention and positively redirecting students by encouraging effective communication. My goal of having positive contact with families and keeping adults in the loop is also supported by the dispositions by improving responsiveness and professionalism. During my student teaching experience I feel as though I met my goals, but that is not a stopping point. I want to continue growing and I don't believe there is ever a point where something is entirely achieved; there is always room for more. Moving forward I want to continue specifically working on:
- Building individual relationships with each student
- Creating an open, safe vulnerable space
- Having clear routines and expectations
- Communicating with families, staff, admin and other important adults
- Learn from other teachers and welcome critical feedback
- Connect my lessons to the "real-world" and multiple disciplines
- Building individual relationships with each student
- Creating an open, safe vulnerable space
- Having clear routines and expectations
- Communicating with families, staff, admin and other important adults
- Learn from other teachers and welcome critical feedback
- Connect my lessons to the "real-world" and multiple disciplines
Professional Dispositions Checklist | |
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