7 Teacher Dispositions to Own
From student teaching to the interview process to your very first teaching job, these seven dispositions can help you improve your teaching game, and get you noticed by principals looking for top talent!
Positive Expectations
Teachers must have high expectations and believe in their students’ academic abilities. Keep in mind that, as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. Therefore, tell and show your administrators how you can help students reach their maximum academic abilities. Make sure your employer knows that you will be an asset to the school.
Professional Growth
Taking personal initiative to improve your professional knowledge is impressive. It shows that you are intrinsically motivated about your career. It is important that your employer knows that you will go beyond the minimum professional requirements and participate in volunteer or outreach programs to become the best teacher you can be.
Modeling
It is important to remember that you mus t model your phi losophy of teaching. Too often, people say “modeling” without doing any modeling at all. When teaching, always lead by example.
Self-Reflection
It is important that teachers recognize their strengths and weaknesses and, when needed, seek help to grow. It is important to remember that there is no “perfect” teacher, so consider professional growth to be an ongoing process. Employers appreciate honesty, especially in teachers who can admit when they make mistakes and who seek professional development to improve weaknesses.
Collaboration
Create a network of positive mentors. In education, it is important to remember there is no “I” in the word “teacher” — it takes a community of educators to develop a student’s academic potential. Employers must know that you will do what is best for the student, which in many cases will involve you working with other educators.
Communication
Being able to communicate is not only an excellent skill, but also a necessary component of a productive teaching career. Communication goes beyond talking or conversing; it requires you to listen and view the discussion from the other person’s point of view. This fosters a nurturing work environment. Ineffective communication skills result in both unhappy teachers and unhappy employers. It is important to model this skill and to observe it in your employer.
Perserverance
Teaching is an ongoing trial-and-error process, so think of it as seasonal. Just as seasons encounter unpredictable weather patterns, teachers will have unpredictable student behaviors. Make sure your employer knows that you are determined to educate all your students, despite their family difficulties or previous learning failures.