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Northern Illinois University

Department of History

Candidate Dispositions

Disposition Procedures
Self-Evaluation
Faculty Evaluation
Faculty Narrative

Statement on Dispositions

(Statement approved 3-19-04, Northern Illinois University Committee for Initial Teacher Certification). 

The Conceptual Framework for Educator Certification Programs at Northern Illinois University identifies the required teacher dispositions.  All teacher certification candidates will be assessed in regards to these dispositions and provided opportunities to demonstrate them.  Candidates must demonstrate these dispositions to be recommended for certification.

The History / Social Sciences Secondary Teacher Certification Program strongly believes that there are behaviors, characteristics, and perceptions that all exemplary teachers should hold.  These include a respect for all learners, trust the others can perform tasks and excel if given the proper guidance, an ability to genuinely value the intrinsic worth of other, an ability to self-reflect on one’s own efforts and accomplishments, and an understanding of the developing child.

Policies

The program seeks to evaluate teacher certification candidates on these dispositions at various times throughout their enrollment in the program.  We ask that students both self evaluate and be evaluated by others.  We firmly hope that the very process of evaluation will serve as both a tool for candidates to establish personal goals in their approach to teaching and learning, but also as a potential, cautionary message to those who are in potential disagreement with the need for these essential elements.

Professional Dispositions for Initial Certification

Caring

  • Candidates will demonstrate integrity, be responsive to the welfare of their students, and foster a positive classroom climate based on trust, respect, and mutual responsibility.

Life-Long Learning and Scholarship

  • Candidates will understand that knowledge is dynamic and by example and effective pedagogy, convey to students that knowledge requires a commitment to life-long learning.
  • Candidates will demonstrate the ability to stimulate student curiosity in learning endeavors.
  • Candidates will engage in professional development activities based upon reflection of personal performance.
  • Candidates will engage in activities to understand current research related to pedagogical practices and new knowledge in their instructional content areas.
  • Candidates will employ the most effective pedagogical methods available in the field, to deliver instruction.

Creative & Critical Thinking

  • Candidates will demonstrate the ability to identify the elements of problems, prioritize, and propose appropriate solutions.
  • Candidates will design an instructional environment that encourages and challenges students to analyze and develop creative solutions to problems.
  • Candidates will demonstrate the ability to present and model multiple perspectives of issues.

Collaboration

  • Candidates will demonstrate the interpersonal skills, professionalism, and interest in working cooperatively with peers, parents, school leaders, and the community.

Diversity

  • Candidates will demonstrate through their classroom and clinical performance, their belief that all students are capable of learning.
  • Candidates will be able to assess individual student needs and apply effective instructional strategies.
  • Candidates will exhibit sensitivity to and respect for the multiple socio-cultural realities of their students.
  • Candidates will understand, respect and attach value to the diverse patterns of learning and accommodate them within the classroom environment.
  • Candidates will engage in efforts to promote educational equity for all students.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:  What if my behavior is not in line with these dispositions at some point throughout the program?

A:  We believe that a candidate can change their behavior and even exhibit revised characteristics, accordingly our program is willing to work with candidates in order to remediate any concerns or challenges which they may encounter in these areas.

Q:  What if I perceive education to involve ideas and concepts that are different from those stated in the dispositions?

A:  Perceptions are not easily changed or remediated. Therefore we hope that we will be able to use this evaluative tool to identify those who will not likely succeed in the classroom as a teacher. At every stage throughout this process students will be counseled, offered suggestions for how to reevaluate their approach, and given opportunities to succeed.