Individual Learning Plan
Master of Science in Education, Walden University
EDUC-6610: Teacher as Professional
14:53:49 GMT -05:00
, The 21st century classroom is one that is highly dynamic and diverse, so educators need to be equipped
with the knowledge, skills and professional attributes/dispositions required. Dispositions may be defined
as “characteristics and attitudes that reflect the beliefs of the educator.” Walden University’s Richard W.
Riley College of Education and Leadership (RWRCOEL Professional Dispositions). In order to achieve
quality education outcomes “professional dispositions are critical”. (RWRCOEL Professional
Dispositions). Several key dispositions of educators, which are aligned with the RWRCOEL dispositions
as well as The Jamaica Education Act/The Education Regulations, 1980 are caring, sensitivity to student
differences, commitment to teaching and the awareness of differences and increase diversity that exist
within the learning environment today. These dispositions will better enable the teacher to accomplish
his /her purpose, as he or she wears many caps, not only in the school setting but also in the community
and wider society.
Professional Disposition 1 which I consider a strength speaks to Professional conduct, which includes
ethical conduct, professional obligations and your appearance and demeanor. As an educator I always try
to maintain a professional appearance. I have been told on several occasions by different colleagues and
other members of staff that they look forward to my arrival in the mornings. Educators are expected to
“demonstrate professional appearance and behaviors in the educational setting” (RWRCOEL Professional
Dispositions) hence, not only is appearance important but your behaviour as well. Too often, we hear of
situations where teachers are in compromising positions or in disagreements with parents and other
stakeholders. Respect should always be at the forefront of our minds whenever we talk to and about our
students to their parents and other colleagues. In Jamaica, we do not substitute teachers at the absence of a
colleague, hence the other teacher within the grade is asked to accommodate those students for the day. I
recall a situation where I had to do this. A particular student was in my class and a parent came to visit the
class teacher who was out for the day. I spoke to her and she gave me the child’s lunch money for a day,
along with the child’s snack money which was to be given to her at recess. The following day at the
return of the teacher, she asked me for the child’s lunch money which the parent told her she had given to
me the previous day. I explained that the money received was for snack and lunch. The parent insisted this
was not the case and came to the school. She created a scene and ranted that I had stolen the lunch money.
Upon investigation and the child’s responses she realized that she was wrong as the child had a day’s
lunch money from the previous week which I was not aware of so the money she had given would have
covered the day following the teacher’s absence. Throughout it all, I kept saying to myself
“professionalism”. It was like a record playing in my head. The parent apologized and we have a pleasant
relationship today.
Confidentiality and trust are also vital in the teaching and learning environment. Students files or
information should not be shared with other parents. Often, parents will ask me about a student as they
are from the same community. My answer is always the same, I do not respond. The message is received,
and they proceed with their own issue. On several occasions I have also been asked to “be lenient” as I
know the parent. So, I am expected to give an A for a task that requires a B or a C. As a teacher, I am also
expected to meet deadlines for example, due dates are given for submission of test items, assessment
plans, and action plans. I am also expected to be at staff meetings, parent teachers’ conferences and other
school related exercises.
My action plan for this disposition during the academic year 2021-2022, I plan to attend at least 3
sessions for the year which focus on Professionalism. To accomplish this, I will visit the Jamaica
Teaching Council’s website and look for professionalism sessions. I will complete one session per term in
the months of November, January and April. At each session I will keep journal records. I will
document completion with a certificate of completion.
14:53:49 GMT -05:00
Master of Science in Education, Walden University
EDUC-6610: Teacher as Professional
14:53:49 GMT -05:00
, The 21st century classroom is one that is highly dynamic and diverse, so educators need to be equipped
with the knowledge, skills and professional attributes/dispositions required. Dispositions may be defined
as “characteristics and attitudes that reflect the beliefs of the educator.” Walden University’s Richard W.
Riley College of Education and Leadership (RWRCOEL Professional Dispositions). In order to achieve
quality education outcomes “professional dispositions are critical”. (RWRCOEL Professional
Dispositions). Several key dispositions of educators, which are aligned with the RWRCOEL dispositions
as well as The Jamaica Education Act/The Education Regulations, 1980 are caring, sensitivity to student
differences, commitment to teaching and the awareness of differences and increase diversity that exist
within the learning environment today. These dispositions will better enable the teacher to accomplish
his /her purpose, as he or she wears many caps, not only in the school setting but also in the community
and wider society.
Professional Disposition 1 which I consider a strength speaks to Professional conduct, which includes
ethical conduct, professional obligations and your appearance and demeanor. As an educator I always try
to maintain a professional appearance. I have been told on several occasions by different colleagues and
other members of staff that they look forward to my arrival in the mornings. Educators are expected to
“demonstrate professional appearance and behaviors in the educational setting” (RWRCOEL Professional
Dispositions) hence, not only is appearance important but your behaviour as well. Too often, we hear of
situations where teachers are in compromising positions or in disagreements with parents and other
stakeholders. Respect should always be at the forefront of our minds whenever we talk to and about our
students to their parents and other colleagues. In Jamaica, we do not substitute teachers at the absence of a
colleague, hence the other teacher within the grade is asked to accommodate those students for the day. I
recall a situation where I had to do this. A particular student was in my class and a parent came to visit the
class teacher who was out for the day. I spoke to her and she gave me the child’s lunch money for a day,
along with the child’s snack money which was to be given to her at recess. The following day at the
return of the teacher, she asked me for the child’s lunch money which the parent told her she had given to
me the previous day. I explained that the money received was for snack and lunch. The parent insisted this
was not the case and came to the school. She created a scene and ranted that I had stolen the lunch money.
Upon investigation and the child’s responses she realized that she was wrong as the child had a day’s
lunch money from the previous week which I was not aware of so the money she had given would have
covered the day following the teacher’s absence. Throughout it all, I kept saying to myself
“professionalism”. It was like a record playing in my head. The parent apologized and we have a pleasant
relationship today.
Confidentiality and trust are also vital in the teaching and learning environment. Students files or
information should not be shared with other parents. Often, parents will ask me about a student as they
are from the same community. My answer is always the same, I do not respond. The message is received,
and they proceed with their own issue. On several occasions I have also been asked to “be lenient” as I
know the parent. So, I am expected to give an A for a task that requires a B or a C. As a teacher, I am also
expected to meet deadlines for example, due dates are given for submission of test items, assessment
plans, and action plans. I am also expected to be at staff meetings, parent teachers’ conferences and other
school related exercises.
My action plan for this disposition during the academic year 2021-2022, I plan to attend at least 3
sessions for the year which focus on Professionalism. To accomplish this, I will visit the Jamaica
Teaching Council’s website and look for professionalism sessions. I will complete one session per term in
the months of November, January and April. At each session I will keep journal records. I will
document completion with a certificate of completion.
14:53:49 GMT -05:00
