Dispositions

= Dispositions: =

= =

Values change as the source of opportunity for improvement
I do not always like to see change happened, but it is inevitable. When it does happen, I may grumble about it, but since I am not the one in charge, I usually try not to create waves and I look for the positive aspects of the change and move forward.
 * Spring 2011

I have had a lot of experiences of change over the duration of this Master's program. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and hope," (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV) is a verse that is always at the forefront of my mind during these times of change. I continue to look at the positive side of the situations and know that everything happens for a reason.
 * Fall 2012

Displays the ability to understand people and relationships and is receptive to the ideas of others
I try pretty hard to see both sides of a situation. As long as the others involved are receptive towards my ideas and me, I feel that I am receptive towards them. However, I do know that if it is a situation that I am passionate about or it is a fact that an other’s idea is wrong, I know that I can be quite vocal and close-minded.
 * Spring 2011

I continue to take the time to look at situations from all sides. Since beginning this Master's program, I have been practicing expressing my positive opinions
 * Fall 2012

Shows a willingness to implement non-discriminatory access, accommodations, and assessments
I like to give my students what they need for various situations. I have some students that need to keep their hands “busy”; they may hold a stress ball. Some students need to lie on the floor to read, others need to sit in a chair. Some do better verbally telling you answers and others need to show them through writing or drawing. I like to give my students the opportunities to find which ways work best for them. I also stress to them that what works for their best friend may not work for them. I do require students to conform to certain ways at times because, let’s face it, that’s the kind of world we live in.
 * **​** Spring 2011

I continue to allow a variety of accommodations for my students. It is important to help students succeed and show what they are truly capable of accomplishing. One recent accommodation I made was for a young boy during MAP testing. He is not quite ready for silent "in your head" reading. This child was allowed to complete his assessment away from the other students in a place where he could read the questions aloud without having to worry about respecting others' quietness.
 * Fall 2012

Demonstrates empathic understanding of diversity in all domains
As I read this disposition I know that I do demonstrate this in many areas, but I also know that there are really some areas that I need to improve upon. Sometimes I forget that school is only one part of the children’s lives.
 * Spring 2011

Children come from many, many walks of life. We never really know what happens at home or on the way to school and we really need to be cognizant of this when we think about all of the things we ask students to do. In many of our courses we discussed Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. This is something that I always keep in the front of my mind. Are my students hungry, tired, sad? Do they need hugs or a word of motivation? We cannot expect them to meet our long list of "demands" if their lower-level needs are not being met.
 * Fall 2012

Regularly reflects upon the philosophical assumptions, ethical principles, and rationales that guide one’s practice
I strive to do what is right and stand up for what I believe in. I feel that I do spend a good amount of time thinking about my school day. Currently we are required to include a reflection with our weekly lesson plans that we submit to our principals.
 * ​Spring 2011

My district requires all teachers to write and submit weekly reflections. As I read this disposition and look back over my past reflections, I feel that I do a good job of reflecting on my practices. The one addition that I mentally make when completing my reflections is asking myself if we were able to reach higher levels of Bloom's Taxonomy.
 * Fall 2012

Understands oneself as a learner and values learning as a core capacity
I try to continually learn new ways to work with my students and better my life in general. During the past year, I participated in several Reading First, Best Practices workshops and technology TILT II workshops. I also became interested in the Daily CAFÉ and I completed a graduate course in that area as well. I also currently attend two different weekly Bible Study groups – there is so much more I need to learn! However, I do not always make it a first priority. Time and money are usually my barriers.
 * Spring 2011

I have always liked the saying, "You're never to old to learn something new." Since beginning this Master's Program, I have continued to participate in workshops. I was lucky enough to be able to attend the WSRA Reading Conference in Milwaukee this past February. I have also realized that my learning does not need to only be in course or workshop form. I have learned a lot from receiving educational journal email and from searching articles on the ERIC database of journals.
 * Fall 2012