Patricia Arredondo
Domain: Dispositions
Reflection
After spending time in the classroom, I have realized that our
dispositions as teachers are probably the most important facet of
teaching. Being role models for our students is just as critical, if not
more, than teaching them to master the content. Of course I knew that
demonstrating respect for others and being committed and dedicated
to my job were important before starting the program at Hunter.
However, the coursework and fieldwork at Hunter enabled me to see
these dispositions in action and learn sound strategies.
Demonstrating respect for others is a lifelong skill that we should
instill in all our students. I believe that the best way to help students
become more respectful individuals is to model respectful behaviors. In
the classroom, that can be demonstrated in many ways. For example, I
have learned that the small things, such as referring all students by
name, looking at students directly when speaking to them,
acknowledging positive behavior with words like Nice job, and even
just a smile, go a long way. When students feel respected themselves,
they in turn should want to respect others. It is also important that we
support positive, respectful behavior among the student body. When a
student demonstrates care and patience with another student, I have
learned in my fieldwork that applauding that behavior reinforces it.
Dedication and professionalism in the job are also keys to
becoming a successful teacher. During my work in practicum, I have
very quickly noticed how working well with colleagues makes an
enormous positive difference in the job. As soon as I showed my
colleagues that I am willing and open to collaborate, they immediately
reciprocated. As a new teacher, it is imperative that I have access to
fellow faculty members and administration. I constantly seek their
advice, require their support, and lean on them. Without a professional
mindset, it would be very difficult to enlist the support of my
colleagues. Being open, generous and kind go a long way. I have also
learned that keeping the channels of communication open is critical,
although difficult. The culture of the school is not necessarily conducive
to an openly communicative faculty, but without having honest and
open conversations, there cannot be progress. Ultimately, keeping the
students best interests in mind is what joins the faculty together, and
should propel the sense of professionalism among the group.
Commitment to our roles and growth as teachers is very
important. Just as in any other profession, we should always strive to
grow in our careers and improve upon ourselves. There are many ways
to keep learning about our careers. For example, Professor Gardella
often sited the latest research in teaching and learning. Staying on top
of the latest developments in education is important for our
development as teachers, especially in the ever-changing world we are
in. Professor Burke also stressed the importance of staying on top of
the latest developments in mathematics. Learning new techniques,
approaches to solving problems and news pieces have helped me
throughout my practicum. As a member of the National Council of
Teachers of Mathematics, I continually receive exciting new challenge
problems, interesting lesson planning ideas, and mathematical
connections that I can easily bring into the classroom. Being a member
of NCTM demonstrates my commitment to the job and to my
professional development.
My school is also very interested in continuing my professional
development. We have weekly faculty meetings after school, which
often include guest speakers or activities for professional development.
For example, speakers have discussed topics such as understanding
working memory, minimizing social micro-aggressions, understanding
the brains involvement in behavioral issues, working through issues of
race and socioeconomics, etc. It is wonderful that both Hunter and my
school have committed themselves to our professional development.
