Professional+Dispositions

Dear wiki-ites, why not make links from these terms to your definitions or other annotations? Sharing personal experiences would be great!

The Teacher Education Program at Warren Wilson College values professional dispositions in our colleagues, and models and promotes these dispositions to all candidates. The faculty strives to demonstrate what it means to be reflective and innovative teachers, serving in communities with head, heart, and hands. The Warren Wilson College Teacher Education Program values these professional dispositions toward teaching and learning. Faculty and candidates should all strive to demonstrate their understanding of these dispositions through practice.

1. Attitudes toward Learning a. Valuing reflective practice and innovation to meet the needs of each learner b. Having an ability to reflect on and respond to constructive criticism from peers, college instructors, and host/cooperating teachers and other school colleagues and administrators c. Demonstrating a willingness for continued learning, and openness to new experiences and new perspectives

2. Attitudes toward Learners a. Respectful consideration of individuals i. Protecting confidentiality ii. Maintaining professional discretion in the College community and classrooms and in their field placement schools and classrooms b. Sensitivity and respect for differences i. Physical ii. Cognitive iii. Linguistic iv. Socio-cultural c. Recognition of personal experiences and biases and the impact these may have on expectations and beliefs about teaching and learning d. Understanding, especially from the perspective of a classroom teacher, of how an individual’s home life, sexual preferences, religious practices, and other important differences will impact his or her experiences in a classroom – and the critical need for each human being to feel he or she belongs and is accepted.

3. Professional Behavior: Teachers need to make good decisions a. Making good use of free time i. recognizing that teachers are role models ii. making healthy life choices b. Upholding standards of professional appearance in a given school setting c. Practicing professional behaviors in College classes as well as field placements / school settings i. Punctuality ii. Dependability iii. Preparation d. Demonstrating professional commitment through participation in on-campus, local school, and community events.