Dispositions

** Dispositions Self Reflection **  ** 1.Value change as the source of opportunity for improvement: ** Change is essential. If something isn’t working, test scores are low, a student isn’t making gains, something needs to change. We need to look at what was done, evaluate the data and create a plan for improvement. This is a constant cycle in education, in everything for that matter. The world is changing, kids are changing, families are changing, we need to stay a step ahead or we’ve failed.

** 2.Display the ability to understand people and relations and be receptive to the ideas of others: ** Empathy and respect. I display this in my classroom and expect it in return. Nothing is more frustrating to me when I go to a meeting expecting to collaborate over an issue. Being asked to pilot a new program or research an intervention, only to get there and be told what direction was chosen without consulting with all that were involved. Everyone has an opinion and everyone deserves to be listened to and considered when decisions are being made.

** 3.Show a willingness to implement non-discriminatory access, accommodations and assessments: ** Being from a small rural school district, we have a very small population of minority students. It is frustrating to listen to teachers who feel it is unfair for students with limited language or ability to receive accommodations. Fair is not always equal. We educate everyone and all students deserve whatever they need so they can learn. As a former special education teacher accommodations and modifications come naturally, I recognize strengths and weaknesses alike. Students in my classroom get what they need, regardless. 

 ** 4.Demonstrate empathic understanding of diversity in all domains: ** I can’t possibly imagine what happens in some of the homes of today’s students. Abuse, hunger, homelessness, language barriers, illiterate parents, health issues, illnesses and more. If Johnny didn’t finish his math last night I’m not going to scream and yell at him, I’m going to talk to him one on one and find out why, did he not understand it? Did his brother have a football game far away last night? Were mom and dad fighting and he just couldn’t concentrate? More questions come to mind, whatever the reason I have to be prepared for that and be understanding of what life is like for Johnny, maybe those 20 math problems aren’t the only thing he’s dealing with in his life right now. As educators, we need to be ready to deal with an array of issues our students come with and educate the entire child emotionally, socially and academically.

** 5.Regularly reflect upon the philosophical assumptions, ethical principles, and rationale that guides one’s practice: ** This is something I need to slow down, step back, look back and do; reflection. With a busy life at home, school and socially I don’t always go back and reflect on what worked, what I should have/not have done in a particular situation. This is so important to help me learn from mistakes and successes. When I first began teaching, reflection came naturally. I’m hoping as part of my EdL program, it will help me get back into the practice of doing this. 

 ** 6.Understand oneself as a learner, and value learning as a core capacity: ** I love learning and will always be a lifelong learner. I learn something new everyday and look forward to doing so. The more I learn, they more I know, the more I know the more confident I am, the more confident I am the better leader I will become.