Running head: PROFESSIONAL 1

Professional Disposition Statement

Lynnette Johnson

Grand Canyon University: ELM 590

February 24, 2021

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Professional Dispositions Statement

Professional Disposition Statement

Integrity and good moral character are essential elements of the professional disposition

of educators. We should demonstrate integrity and honesty through our words and actions. This

conduct extends to our reliability, punctuality, and professional appearance. As educators, we

must make mature choices not only for ourselves, but benefit the students we teach. We serve as

agents of change in the school and community.

Teaching involves going beyond planning and instruction. Teaching extends to believing

that all students can learn, advocating for students not only in the classroom but in other areas of

their lives, modeling, and scaffolding a positive learning environment based on the principles of

mutual respect and dignity. As we create a classroom of positivity and respect, we are fostering a

classroom that consists of honesty, compassion, fairness, curiosity, and dedication. In turn, we

are enhancing student learning and meeting the individual needs of all students.

Teaching should be done in a way that promotes curiosity in the classroom that leads to

inquiry. Fairness and equity should be maintained in all areas of the classroom. Fairness and

equity in the classroom mean making sure every student has the resources and support they need

to be successful.

Being an educator is a profession exemplified by caring and service. Caring and service

are demonstrated as a teacher creates a classroom environment that leads to students learning and

development. High expectations in the classroom lead to students reaching strong learning and

developmental goals.

Reflection
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In the development of my personal statement of professional dispositions, the belief that

integrity and good moral character are essential elements of professional dispositions of

educators provides the basis for my personal statement. As educators demonstrate integrity

within the classroom, we are creating a classroom of positivity, respect, and the belief that all

students can learn. The highly qualified educator constructs lessons that promotes a classroom of

curiosity, honesty, fairness, and dedication where all students feel valued and heard.

While completing the professional disposition assessment, my goal is to align my

teaching with the principles within the assessment. Areas of strength within the disposition

indicate the belief that all students can learn. The teacher is responsible for creating a learning

environment that meets the needs of all students. Our attitudes and expectations effect the

learning within that creative environment.

Throughout my program of study leading to an elementary education degree, personal

growth has been evidenced by the changes that have taken place related to changing my beliefs

that the teacher sets the tone for learning within the classroom and seeing each of my students for

who they are and the differences they bring to my classroom. By observing teachers in various

settings and working within my classroom, I have grown in this area and understand that my

attitude towards students and the expectations that I hold for the students in my classroom is

evidenced in the learning environment that is created in the classroom. I will continue to grow in

my professional dispositions to become the professional in all aspects of integrity, honesty,

reliability, attitude, responsibility, expectations, and belief in all students.

I acknowledge areas of growth that are still needed. One such area is being patient while

working with students. I understand this is an important disposition for educators to maintain,

and I will continue to grow in this area. Improvement in this area will continue to take place as I
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become familiar with students and meeting the needs of students. Understanding students needs

is key to being patient with them. Growth in all areas of the professional dispositions of

educators will continue throughout my teaching career.

Professional Dispositions Assessment

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
X
strategies to optimize student learning.
I understand that students learn in many different ways. X
I demonstrate qualities of humor, empathy, and warmth. X
I am a thoughtful and responsive listener. X
I assume responsibility when working with others. X
I believe that all students can learn. X
I believe it is important to involve all students in
X
learning.
I believe the classroom environment a teacher creates
X
greatly affects students' learning and development.
I view teaching as an important profession. X
I understand that teachers’ expectations affect student
X
learning.
I view teaching as a collaborative effort among educators. X
I understand that students have certain needs that must be
X
met before learning can take place.
I am sensitive to student differences. X
I communicate caring, concern, and a willingness to
X
become involved with others.
I am punctual and reliable in my attendance. X
I maintain a professional appearance. X
I believe it is my job to create a learning environment
conducive to the development of students’ self-confidence X
and competence.
I respect the cultures of all students and am sensitive to
X
cultural norms.
I honor my commitments. X
I treat students with dignity and respect at all times. X
I am willing to receive feedback and assessment of my
X
teaching.
I am patient when working with students. X
I am open to adjusting and revising my plans to meet
X
student needs.
I communicate in ways that demonstrate respect for the X
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feelings, ideas, and contributions of others.

I believe it is important to learn about students and their
X
communities.