Professional Dispositions Assessment

Indicate your level of agreement with each statement listed below using the response
scale of 1-5. Use this assessment to inform your Professional Dispositions Statement.
1 = Strongly Disagree 2 = Disagree 3 = Undecided 4 = Agree 5 = Strongly Agree
Professional Dispositions Criteria 1 2 3 4 5

I believe a teacher must use a variety of instructional

5
strategies to optimize student learning.
I understand that students learn in many different ways. 5

I demonstrate qualities of humor, empathy, and warmth. 5

I am a thoughtful and responsive listener. 5

I assume responsibility when working with others. 5

I believe that all students can learn. 5

I believe it is important to involve all students in

5
learning.

I believe the classroom environment a teacher creates

5
greatly affects students' learning and development.

I view teaching as an important profession. 5

I understand that teachers’ expectations affect student

5
learning.

I view teaching as a collaborative effort among educators. 5

I understand that students have certain needs that must be

5
met before learning can take place.

I am sensitive to student differences. 5

I communicate caring, concern, and a willingness to

5
become involved with others.

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 I am punctual and reliable in my attendance. 5

I maintain a professional appearance. 5

I believe it is my job to create a learning environment

conducive to the development of students’ self-confidence 5
and competence.

I respect the cultures of all students and am sensitive to

5
cultural norms.

I honor my commitments. 5

I treat students with dignity and respect at all times. 5

I am willing to receive feedback and assessment of my

5
teaching.

I am patient when working with students. 5

I am open to adjusting and revising my plans to meet

5
student needs.

I communicate in ways that demonstrate respect for the

5
feelings, ideas, and contributions of others.

I believe it is important to learn about students and their

5
communities.

From a young age, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. Teaching runs in my family:

my father is a 30+ year retired music teacher, and my sister is a current music teacher. But, life

happened and I ended up going down a different path; I say, it happened for a reason. I entered

the real world before completing my degree in education (I had my two children and gained

many life experiences), and it has allowed me to gain knowledge and skills that will be important

in my career as a future teacher. As a future teacher, it is important to be competent, caring,

professional, understanding, and passionate. I aim to provide the same, plus more to my future

students because they deserve the best of me. And, they are our future.

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 In regards to this assessment, I want to be the best and as perfect teacher as I possibly

can. Everything about this assessment is important to me and my future classroom and students.

I love the diversity of students because each brings their own uniqueness to the classroom. I want

to make sure I show and give respect to my students, so they reciprocate to me and others. As a

future teacher, I want to make sure I differentiate my lessons to apply to all learners because I do

believe everyone is capable of learning.

Throughout this program, my professional disposition has grown. I have grown to gain

understanding of the expectations for students to succeed. A few courses ago, we discussed

fairness. I was one of those who have always though fair was equal and equal was fair. But, it is

not. We cannot treat each student equally because needs are different and need to be met

differently. But, we do want to treat each student fairly and give them the opportunities to

succeed. I have worked in the school system for the past four years, and so far, this student

teaching experience has shown me a greater purpose for honesty (not to say I am not honest). I

am student teaching with a teacher who has taught Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for the past

eight years, previously Kindergarten. This unusual and scary school year, she was moved to

Kindergarten. In what it seemed that all things were not going her way: new grade, new

curriculum, the pandemic, distance learning, and difficult students, her exact words to me was,

“we are co-teachers, and I need you to be honest and tell me what does and does not work”. I

felt a huge ton of pressure, in being that I am not officially a teacher or experienced. But, I have

realized telling her time management needs to be quicker, or certain activities would not be great

for the students, etc., did help our students grow. Lastly, reflection. Reflection is so extremely

important. After our students have left, my mentor and I will spend so much time reflecting on

the day: what went smooth or what could have improved. We do this so that the next day we can

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aim for higher. The professional disposition is something that is a guide to help us make sure

our students will be successful.

The model code of ethics and professional disposition connects because teachers have

responsibilities to their students, school, and community. These responsibilities can help

students become successful. Teachers have to make sure they are showing ethical behavior in

the classroom and making sure they are doing their best to make sure all students are learning.

No matter what, everyone can always learn and improve. I plan to use all resources, from

trainings to co-workers to make certain I am always giving my students the best. In today’s

world, things are constantly changing from the curriculum to technology. It will be my job to

stay updated, continue to learn, and improve to ensure my students are receiving the best.

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