ECH 390 Wk 3 – Signature Assignment: A Study of Professional Dispositions and Skills

Teacher dispositions are the values, attitudes, commitments, and professional ethics that influence a teacher’s behaviors toward students, colleagues, families, and communities. Teacher dispositions may be less visible than knowledge and skills; however, they can be considered the most influential quality of highly effective educators. In addition to dispositions, a successful teacher must have effective communication and collaboration skills.

This 2-part assignment provides you with the opportunity to reflect on your own professional dispositions and determine effective communication and collaboration skills for educators.

Complete Parts 1 and 2 by following the provided instructions.

Part 1: Professional Dispositions Reflection

Review “Teacher Dispositions: What Kind of Candidates Do We Have in a Teacher Preparation Program, and How Can We Make Them Better?” from this week’s University Library page.

Follow these instructions to access and review the following resources:

1. Access the Teacher Education Handbook.
2. Access the Table of Contents on the left side of the screen.
3. Select “Conceptual Framework,” and review that section.
4. Select “Professional Expectations,” and navigate to the “Supplemental Standards” within that section.
5. Review the “Supplemental Standards” section.

Reflect on your own proficiency within the following areas:

• Professional teacher dispositions
• Communication skills
• Collaboration skills

Write a 1-page reflection that addresses the following questions:

• Which area do you feel most proficient in? Explain why.
• Which area do you feel least proficient in? Explain why.
• What will you do to address any deficiencies you feel you have?
• What resources are available to help you grow, such as professional organizations, online tools, etc.?

Part 2: Communication and Collaboration Guide

Create a 2-page guide for beginning teachers that addresses professional communication and collaboration in education.

In your guide, include examples and detailed descriptions for each of the following in relation to teaching:

• Written-communication strategies
• Oral-communication strategies
• Communication resources
• School-based collaboration examples for:
• Grade-level team
• Child-study team
• Professional-learning community
• Individual collaborations (e.g., teacher and colleague; teacher and family; and teacher and student)
• Collaboration strategies
• Conflict-management strategies

Cite references to support your assignment.

Format your reflection and citations according to APA guidelines.

Submit your assignment.