Initial+EdL+Program+Dispositions

=Program Dispositions =


 * #1: Values change as the source of opportunity for improvement **

Most of the time, I view change as a positive thing in my life and I have learned to not be afraid of change over the past year and a half. Ever since graduating college, which was a little over a year and a half ago, I feel as if a lot has changed in my life from getting engaged, moving, and starting various jobs. To be more specific, in this school year alone I have had three different teaching jobs when I only expected to have one for the entire school year based on the contract I signed in July. My position, classroom, and area of instruction have changed every single one of those times as well. In the beginning of the school year, I was nervous and scared to start teaching in my first classroom. By the time I shifted to my third position of the year, starting over was something I became almost comfortable with. Each one of the time I shifted gears this year, a new, exciting, positive experience presented itself. It is truly from all of this change this year that I have really learned to “roll with the punches”, take one day at a time, and embrace change since I have seen that even greater things can happen when given a chance.

This disposition of the program really fits into my personality and the type of leader/person I want to be. I have even seen myself take this confidence in change into my personal life by embracing all the new things that are happening in that aspect of my life as well. I feel as if this disposition does contain one of my strengths, but it something I think I will need to continuously work on to keep it instilled in my way of thinking.


 * #2: Displays the ability to understand people and relationships and is receptive to the ideas of others **

This disposition is very important and critical to the formation of a leader, building strong relationships, and creating an open space of communication. In reflection, I think that this disposition is one of my strengths. I put a lot of time and effort into understanding people, different points of views, and building relationships with others. The importance of working with other people, sharing ideas, and having open communication was instilled in me as a child and I still try to do that in my life today. As a leader, I really hope I am able to continue this since it does create the feeling of a safe, open environment that is welcoming to others.


 * #3: Shows a willingness to implement non-discriminatory access, accommodations and assessments **

To me this disposition expresses the importance of providing fair access, treatment, and assessment to all students and people involved. By creating this fair environment, people are not limited or held back from being successful in a variety of situations. I believe it is very important to be aware that we, as leaders, are creating these safe, fair environments that give everyone the same opportunity and chance to be successful and accomplish their goals. As a leader, I think it is extremely important to do this for our students, but also within our work environments to help create strong relationships and safe and welcoming places to work. In reflection, I think this is an area that I am already very aware of after going to school and spending five years in Madison where this concept was very strongly instilled in me and my teaching. I also think this is a disposition that could continuously be worked on throughout my career to make sure I am always doing this.


 * #4: Demonstrates empathic understanding of diversity in all domains **

The ability to understand various areas with sensitivity in the context of diversity is a very strong quality of not only a leader, but also a teacher in general. Having an understanding of what others are going through, may experience, or believe can help each individual grow as a person and as a leader for others. I think that I personally do have an empathic understanding of diversity in various situations, but I also think that is an area that I can always continue to grow in as situations change, come up, and present themselves. I think it is very important to really understand the students we are teaching, the environments we are in, and the communities that are around us. By becoming aware of these elements, it can only help one’s self to become more understanding and empathetic.


 * #5: Regularly reflects upon the philosophical assumptions, ethical principles and rationales that guide one’s practice **

As a leader, it is very important to be able to think back and reflect upon ideas, rationales, and philosophies of others to support one’s own ideas and decisions. Ever since beginning my career in the professional world, I have noticed the importance of backing up one’s thinking and ideas to make a point stronger and more valued. I definitely think that this is one area of growth that I can work on. In going through this master’s program, I really want to grow in my ability to relate my ideas and thinking to other principals and rationales supported by other scholars and professionals.


 * #6: Understands oneself as a learner and values learning as a core capacity **

This disposition fits right into my leadership philosophy. I believe that strong leader is someone that is continuously growing and learning as a person for themselves individually and for the benefit of the entire group. I really enjoy learning new ideas, techniques, and information in a variety of formats. As a teacher, I think it is a strong characteristic to develop this idea of being a life-long learner since we are trying to instill that same mindset into our students. Even though I do view myself as a continuous learner right now, I think this is something I want to continue to challenge and push myself in throughout different stages in my life.