ESSENTIAL DISPOSITIONS FOR EDUCATORS

ESSENTIAL DISPOSITIONS FOR EDUCATORS

E. Casey Hereth
Towson University

ESSENTIAL DISPOSITIONS FOR EDUCATORS

To choose a career in teaching is to choose the path of dedication. It

isnt easy. Its hard, mostly thankless work. Effective educators must dig
deep to harness potential, pushing students towards success. Additionally,
teachers must make the time and put forth the effort to continually be
growing themselves: modeling care and respect for students and
collaborating with all involved in the educational process. In order to
continually evolve and stay relevant, it is essential for educators to reflect on
their growth or lack thereof.
Commitment to Professional Practice:
To be an effective educator, one must have master of pedagogical
skills, not only in their own area of study. As a teacher, regardless of the
subject, it is our job to model high ethical and academic standards. When I
display appropriate behavior in the classroom it is for the purpose of
modeling the expectations for my students. Even as an art teacher, I always
strive to promote proper English, whether it be written or spoken. Most
students approach art class as an easy A with little to no writing. This is not
the case, in my art classes. Through out the year students are required to
develop written proposals for themes and reflections to determine how they
are progressing and if they are meeting their own visual goals. I stress the
importance as an artist, to be able to defend your work if need be. Great art
should be able to speak for itself. However, artists should have the ability to
explain their process in a clear, concise manner. Within my art classes I
uphold the highest level of academic integrity. Not only in writing but also in

ESSENTIAL DISPOSITIONS FOR EDUCATORS

their artwork. While emulating cultural exemplars is an important part of the

learning process, it is equally important that students find their own voice,
making original work. Access to the Internet has made searching for
inspiration so much easier. However, it has also made plagiarizing that much
more tempting. Just like with authors, students now have access to countless
of artists and their images. Thanks to innovations, like Google Image search,
I am able to eliminate the almost all chances of image plagiarism. To curb
this temptation and common artist pitfall, I model the importance of using
artist as inspiration, while making sure you are creating something new and
unique.
Throughout an educators career, it is paramount that we are
continually learning, adjusting and creating. Concepts for projects may last
for a season or two. It is so important for teachers to constantly question the
relevance of what and, more importantly, how they are conveying content.
For example, for the last five years I have challenged my students with the
visual problem of abstracting logos. The very nature of this problem, begs to
be solved in a relevant manner. Every year the students must observe
current trends in logos, as a result the concept updates itself. This is an
example of smart planning and making the project work for the teacher.
Caring for the Success and Well-being of All Students:
The challenge of finding ways to help each student achieve success is
why I became an educator. My job is to get to know my students, their
strengths and weaknesses. Not all students learn in the same manner. As an

ESSENTIAL DISPOSITIONS FOR EDUCATORS

educator, it is important for me to see my students in the big picture, not just
what I can see in my classroom. To do this, I seek input from students,
parents and other educators. In order to properly hold students accountable,
I must first know who Im dealing with. By investing in a familial/cultural
backgrounds I am able to get a better understanding of who my students are
and where they are coming from.
During the first week of each new school year, I send a form home with
students for the guardians to fill out. Within the form, I ask guardians to
share any information about the students that they think will help me meet
their educational needs. Students are also asked to take an survey, in which
they share their interests. The survey asks students to share any selfidentified strengths/weaknesses. In addition, students are also asked to
share their expectations for the class. Knowing your students as whole
people, not just who they are in your class, is so imperative to ensuring their
well-being and helping them achieve success.
Collaboration with Colleges and Stakeholders:
Collaborations with colleagues can play a huge role in the success of
student learning. Every year, the art department meets over the summer to
plan out our curriculum. At the very least, teachers should be articulating
both horizontally and vertically within their departments. Planning with your
colleagues encourages reflection, growth and creative problem solving. In
addition, you create a level of accountability, helping to keep you
department on track. Additionally, I make it a goal to plan lessons with other

ESSENTIAL DISPOSITIONS FOR EDUCATORS

departments. For example, I am in constant contact with the Department of

Special Education, specifically the Para Educators and related services such
as the Speech Pathologist. By collaborating with special educators I am able
to craft more appropriate and meaningful lessons that meet the needs of
students with exceptionalities. The benefit of making connections beyond the
classroom is seeing the bigger picture of education, and how it is not limited
to one area of study.
Student collaboration is equally, if not more valuable. It is so important
for students to feel that they have a voice in the classroom. As an educator, I
allow students to aid me in the development of some classroom procedures.
By doing this, I am creating a positive and risk-free environment, which is
essential to the leaning process. In art, students are expected to go out on a
limb. They can only grow by taking risks, and they are more likely to take
risks when they feel safe. After all, if were not growing, whats the point?

ESSENTIAL DISPOSITIONS FOR EDUCATORS

Essential Dispositions for Educators: Scoring Guide

COMMITMEN
T to
Professional
Practice

Target-3

Acceptable-2

Unacceptable-1

Models mastery of
high academic
standards.
Consistently
demonstrates
mastery of standard
English, in both
writing and speaking.
Implements a
growing repertoire of
pedagogical skills
that develop all
students critical and
independent thinking
and performance
capabilities. Reflects
thoughtfully and
regularly on practice
in order to improve
student learning.
Consistently makes
decisions based on a
clear understanding
of ethical and legal
principles, including
respect for

Consistently meets
high academic
standards. Usually
demonstrates
mastery of standard
English in speaking
and writing. Uses
several pedagogical
skills to develop all
students critical
thinking skills.
Consistently uses
assessment to both
prove and improve
student learning.
Reflects regularly on
classroom practices
in order to improve
future instruction;
Consults mentors and
supervisors on
decisions involving
ethical and legal
principles. Honors
requests for
confidentiality.

Occasionally fails to
meet high academic
standards. Makes
frequent errors in use
of standard English,
both in writing and
speaking. Has a
limited repertoire of
pedagogical skills.
Fails to use
assessment to
improve instruction
on a regular basis. Is
inconsistent in use of
reflection to improve
instruction. Has
limited knowledge of
ethical and legal
principles which
result in poor
decisions.
Occasionally fails to
recognize the need
for confidentiality.

ESSENTIAL DISPOSITIONS FOR EDUCATORS

confidentiality.

CARING for
the Success
and Wellbeing of All
Students

COLLABORATI
ON with
Colleagues
and
Stakeholders

Always persists in
efforts to improve
student achievement
based on a belief that
all students can
learn. Assumes
responsibility for
improving learning
for all students.
Develops rapport
with colleagues,
students, and
families. Models the
virtues of an
educated person,
including work ethic
and flexibility.
Consistently
demonstrates
culturally responsive
teaching and
celebration of
cultural differences.

Establishes and
contributes to a
positive learning
climate for all
students. Engages in
continuous learning
and professional
discourse. Actively
involves families,
colleagues, and
supervisors as
partners in teaching
and learning. Seeks

Consistently
demonstrates
persistence to
improve the
achievement of all
students. Accepts
responsibility for
improving the
learning of all
students.
Understands the
need to develop
rapport with
colleagues, students,
and families, and is
usually successful in
doing so.
Demonstrates an
understanding of the
virtues of an
educated person
through work ethic
and flexibility.
Attempts to teach in
a culturally
responsive way and
demonstrates respect
for cultural
differences.
Knows how to
establish a positive
learning climate for
all students.
Participates in
professional
development
opportunities when
they are offered.
Respects families,
colleagues and
supervisors who offer
partnerships in

Understands the
need to improve
student achievement
for all students, but
believes that the
primary responsibility
is the students.
Inconsistently
interacts with others
in a polite,
professional manner.
Usually demonstrates
an acceptable work
ethic, but may need
reminders.
Occasionally
demonstrates a
culturally responsive
approach to teaching
and respects cultural
differences.

Usually establishes a
positive learning
climate for all
students.
Participates in
professional growth
opportunities when
directed to do so.
Prefers to work
independently rather
than seeking
involvement of
families, colleagues,

ESSENTIAL DISPOSITIONS FOR EDUCATORS

expert knowledge on
a regular basis in
order to improve
teaching and
learning. Accepts
suggestions and
implements changes
to improve
professional practice.

teaching and
learning. Accepts
expert knowledge
and implements
suggested changes
willingly.

8
and supervisors. Will
accept suggestions
and implement
changes only when
directed to do so.

Student Signature___Edward Casey Hereth____ M.Ed.___X___ or MAT________

Date: ____4/17/16_____