DISPOSITIONS OF A TEACHER LEADER

WHAT ARE DISPOSITIONS?

[Dispositions are] the values, commitments and professional ethics that influence behaviors toward students, families, colleagues, and communities and affect student learning, motivation, and development as well as the educator’s own professional growth. Dispositions are guided by beliefs and attitudes related to values such as caring, fairness, honesty, responsibility, and social justice. For example, they might include a belief that all students can learn, and vision of high and challenging standards, or a commitment to a safe and supportive learning environment.” (NCATE, p. 54)

DISPOSITIONS OF A TEACHER LEADER

Thank You Teacher

WHAT DISPOSITIONS DID YOU OBSERVE IN THE VIDEO?

Diligent Consistent Respectful Caring World changer Sensitive Relates to students Communicates with parents Desires to improve outcomes for students Makes each child’s world better

WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?

There is little empirical evidence demonstrating a strong positive relationship between specific dispositions and good teaching (Hess, 2006, Johnson, Johnson, Farenga, & Ness, 2005).

However, there is much discussion! Discussions in the current research tend to focus on

dispositions as expressions of beliefs in action. Other discussions lean toward expressing dispositions as

habits of mind. Others define dispositions as values, commitments, or

ethics. Some would say that dispositions develop out of one’s

worldview. There seems to be agreement that dispositions are

actions that are frequent, intentional and are not coerced.

DISPOSITIONS OF EFFECTIVE TEACHERS

From Stronge’s 2002 review of the research (meta-analysis), effective teacher behaviors include the following: Caring Fairness Respect Enthusiasm Motivation Reflective practice Positive attitude toward teaching Friendly & personal interactions with students

DISPOSITIONS OF EFFECTIVE TEACHERS

Collinson et al. (1999) stated that “what makes excellent teachers recognizable may be a combination of competence, skillful relationships, and character” (p. 7).

Usher (2002) defined dispositions as: empathy, a positive view of others and self, and authenticity.

Haberman (1995) suggests that dispositions differ as influenced by the needs of the students and families with whom the teacher works.

DISPOSITIONS OF EFFECTIVE TEACHERS

Researching the documentation of 92 failed preservice teachers Edwards & Edick (2006) found consistent evidence of 2 weak dispositions : teacher-student and teacher-colleague relationships.

WHAT DOES SCRIPTURE SAY? Christians are known by their love for others (I Jn. 4:7-8) No matter what I do, if I don’t have love, it all means nothing (I

Cor. 13). Love is the defining characteristic of Christ’s followers. Love is: Patient Kind Not jealous Does not brag Not arrogant Does not seek its own (interested in the students’ needs) Does not take account of wrongs suffered (e.g., hold grudges) Does not rejoice in unrighteousness (e.g., happy about others’ failures) Rejoices in the truth Bears all things Believes all things Hopes all things Endures all things Never fails

SCRIPTURES REGARDING COMPETENCE

The previous list spoke of personal attitudes, habits, and behaviors. The following are Scriptures regarding habits of competence: Walk worthy of your calling (Eph. 4:1; Col. 1:10)

Do all to the glory of God (I Cor. 10:31)

Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matt. 22:37; Mk. 12:30)

Teaching and learning are the same Greek word. There is no teaching occurring if the students are not

learning. If my students are not learning, I must change my

teaching.

COMPETENCE AND EFFICACY

“I am competent” is a teacher attitude and mindset important to teaching (Taylor &

Wasicsko,2000). Good teachers believe their behaviors

influence their students’ learning (efficacy). I have the power to change _____________ in my

students. My students will demonstrate increased

__________ as the result of having been in my class.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE DISPOSITIONS?

Wilkerson (2006), states: [Dispositions] “are predictive patterns of action.

They help answer the question of whether teachers are likely to apply the knowledge and skills they learn in teacher preparation programs to their own classroom teaching, whether they are ‘likely to do what we taught them to do when we are no longer watching them.’ …dispositions are, in the long run, more important than knowledge and skills.” (p. 2)

Scripture supports the importance of behaviors that give evidence of our convictions and beliefs…

So, what behaviors are important for teacher leaders?

DISPOSITIONS OF A TEACHER LEADER

Develop your HEART and MIND Thinking well is integral to acting righteously To know the truth is to do it

Develop a passion for TRUTH Love of truth brings obedience, holiness and

further grasp of the truth. Develop a passion for HOLINESS

“Let us strive and pray that the love of holiness may be created in our hearts; and then acts will follow…” (Newman, 1841)

Desire to be changed by the truth

TEACHERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Starfish an inspirational message for all teachers