Essential Dispositions for Educators: the 3 Cs

Dion M. Chapman
Towson State University

What makes a good teacher? I believe that if you were to ask a

hundred people the qualities that make up a good teacher, there could
be a hundred different answers. I have tried very hard to become a
good teacher. Ever since I was in grade school, I have looked up to
my teachers as role models. Later in my schooling, I found some
teachers that made me feel that I was special and that I could learn the
curriculum just like the mainstream students. Those are the teachers
that I remember. They were the ones that taught me that everyone is
different and that everyone has something that they wish they could
change. The teachers that I try to model are the ones who taught me
its best to use both my head and my heart to reach the students. I
must also be willing to show compassion when a student becomes
frustrated and feels he cant go on. One thing that was stressed to me
at Towson State University was that there are three dispositions of
good educators. Teachers must be committed, caring, and willing to
use collaboration in the process of teaching students.
Commitment is the state of being bound to a particular course of
action. The course of action that Im committed to is the overall
wellbeing of my students. Throughout the internship I have displayed
commitment to professional practice in a variety of different ways. Ive
modeled mastery of high academic standards for myself in this
masters program, and for my students in the classroom. I have

consistently demonstrated a mastery of standard English, in both

writing and speaking on my assignments and in the classroom.
Throughout the internship I have taken multiple opportunities to reflect
on the practice of my teaching and the learning of my students. I have
strived everyday to have a positive impact on students lives. I realize
that I only have them for a short time before they graduate and are
expected to be responsible citizens in this world. Throughout my
teaching career I have always taught children with special needs. My
commitment in education is to those students. I began my teaching
career in 1999 at a small alternative school in Baltimore County. Here
in 2016, I am still trying to be the better teacher. Getting my education
has been one of the most difficult challenges for me. I struggle with my
own learning disabilities, and try to encourage my students to work
through/with theres. I would have never thought I would become an
educator, or pursue my Masters in Education. I was given a chance to
help my community and this is where I feel I can have the most impact.
I believe as a committed teacher, I must always remember that I am
a role model, consistently seek to be better person/teacher, and reflect
on todays lesson so that tomorrows will be better. It is my
commitment to my students and myself that allows me to push past
what I saw as my obstacle.
Caring is something that drives me. It drives me to treat people
the way I want to be treated, not necessarily the way they treat me. I

want my students to feel safe and loved. I show this daily as my

students enter the door of the classroom each day. I enquire about
their last evening and check for their personal needs. I check to see if
they have eaten breakfast and do they have their lunch. It is my job to
also encourage them to be their best. I show this by encouraging my
students to never give up. When their ready to quit, I continue to
verbally give them praise and encouragement. The care of my
students continuing with assisting their family as well. It is my belief
that I am blessed through my caring for others. If there is something
that I can do to assist the family, it is my pleasure to do so or to find
the assistance for them. I have taken several of my students grocery
shopping in order to bring food into their household. I believe that if
the students basic needs are not met, they wont be available to
receive the information their teachers are presenting to them. My
hope is that they can see and feel the care that I have for them, and
maybe one day they can pass it forward to someone else. I hope
they also get this message, by the act of giving to others less
fortunate than themselves. I have taken my students to volunteer
their time at shelters to help others in need. I realize that I have come
such a long way from where I started, and that I must continue to
strive to the best person and teacher that I can be.
Author James Surowiecki, once stated, groups are remarkably
intelligent, and are often smarter than the smartest people in them.

Collaboration is the ability to work effectively and respectfully with

others to complete a desired goal. If my goal is to be a better teacher, I
must be willing to build relationships, ask questions, share my
thoughts, and be willing to observe my colleagues. One thing I have
demonstrated this school year, is collaborating well with multiple
teams to provide services for my students. This may include work with
transitional services such as DORS or Community Connections.
Throughout the year I meet with other related service providers such
as speech and language pathologist, psychologist, physical and
occupational services, and counseling services personnel. This
internship has provided me the opportunity to work closely with my
mentor teacher. We have developed a constant ongoing
communication about this program and the teaching of our students.
The last area that will assist me in collaborating with my colleagues is
being willing to observe them as they teach. I must be willing to sit and
observe the behavior of these teachers, regardless of the academic
area they teach. Their knowledge of the classroom can aid me in
reaching my students. Therefore, I have taken several opportunities
this year to observe those who I feel are great teachers. To my
surprise, they have all welcomed me and I am a better person because
of it. I have asked them for their suggestions in my classroom and
some of them have been great. I know that I have a lot to learn and

that it is through my education and collaboration with others that will

help me is a better teacher.