Professional Dispositions Statement

Amanda White

Grand Canyon University

SPD-590

Dr. Shawn Shavers-Sublett

Sep 14, 2022

 Professional Disposition Statement

As a special education teacher, I believe that teaching is a calling and involves more than

just effective planning and instructional knowledge. It requires compassion, knowledge of

professional dispositions, and building relationships with students. Professional dispositions

closely align with the Model Code of Ethics for Educators. They are an important part of teacher

preparation and are expected behaviors of all educators entering the profession. Educators with

positive dispositions will tend to act in a way that will elevate the profession of teaching in the

eyes of their colleagues and those around them.

Looking at the characteristics of the dispositions and reflecting on the ones I possess as a

teacher, I constantly look for ways to improve my teaching and understanding of special

education strategies. I try to improve my understanding of current events and look for

professional development to help with opportunities that will help prepare me to teach my

students in a way that will make them successful in today’s world. It is my job to ensure that all

of my students are getting the support they need inside the classroom and advocate for them to

be successful inside and outside of school.

As a special education teacher it is important to build relationships with each student and

their families along with getting to know each student’s individual needs. I am constantly

working to find ways to build relationships with students and families. In my classroom, I use

student and parent surveys to find out student interests. It is important to incorporate their likes

into lessons to help keep them engaged and motivated. I maintain an open communication with

general education teachers about my students’ progress and how I can support them in their

learning inside the classroom. It is my job to ensure their needs are met through accommodations

and differentiation.
 In order for educators to maintain a successful classroom, there are ten professional

dispositions in place; high expectations, respect for the diversity of others, fairness, professional

conduct, reflection, curiosity, honesty, compassion, advocacy, and dedication. After reviewing

each part of the dispositions and reflecting on my own classroom, I feel that I provide my

students with compassion and treat them with respect. When working with students with

different learning abilities, it is important to understand each individual's needs and advocate for

each student. That is why I make sure to collaborate with my colleagues and differentiate

instruction to meet my students’ instructional needs to be successful in the classroom. Working

with the teacher and students in this manner aligns with the principles of Model Code of Ethics

and will help me become a highly effective educator.

In closing, professional dispositions are how we as educators control ourselves in

situations inside and outside of the classroom. It is important to me to constantly look for ways to

improve my education and leadership skills to become a better educator. Dispositions follow me

not only in the school, but also in the community. As a special education teacher, I have a duty

and responsibility to model and promote professional conduct.

 References

GCU. (n.d.). Home. YouTube. Retrieved September 10, 2022, from

https://lc.gcumedia.com/eed480na/coe-learners-goals/v1.1/high-expectations.html

GCU. (n.d.). Professional Dispositions of Learners. PROFESSIONAL DISPOSITIONS OF

LEARNERS. Retrieved September 10, 2022, from

https://www.gcumedia.com/lms-resources/student-success-center-content/documents/coe/

coe-pro-disposition.pdf

NASDTEC. (2015). Model Code of Ethics for Educators (MCEE) - National Association of State

Directors of Teacher Education and Certification. nasdtec. Retrieved September 10,

2022, from https://www.nasdtec.net/page/MCEE_Doc