KRISTIN PICKERING – DISPOSITIONS ASSIGNMENT
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THE BELIEF THAT ALL STUDENTS CAN LEARN
The concept that all students can learn is at the center of my being. I worked very hard in this class to
learn about behavior and behavior modifications that ensure that all students are learning. Helping
students that are struggling with behavioral issues is a key part of my future goals in Special Education.
Everyone student has a right to learn in the least restrictive environment and learning to maintain that
environment so that it is least restrictive for every student is a difficult and complex task, especially when
exacerbated by behavioral issues. There is a social responsibility for every teacher in every classroom
that requires that they understand behavior management. These are the things that I learned in this
class. To be socially responsible, the teacher must be behaviorally sound in their understanding. I was
also able to experience this during my field experience and my time in the special education classroom
this semester.
COMMITMENT/WORK ETHIC
IF you are going to be an online student, and IF you are going to be successful in an intensive classroom,
you must be committed to understanding the material and teaching yourself outside of the classroom.
You must be committed to independent learning and your continued dedication to something far greater
than it seems must stay in check at all times, due to the presentation of the material. I have taken my
responsibility seriously during this intensive by being present and prepared for the times that we have
spent together in class in addition to the time spent learning the material outside of the class. I have
shone self-discipline to master what is required of me, and to be able to demonstrate that mastery in the
assignments. Additionally, I have learned a great deal from the other students and professionals in this
class. Being involved in discussions has been a form of “professional development” per se, and the
sharing of information amongst other students has been priceless.
REFLECTION
I have had multiple opportunities for reflection this semester. I find that every time I leave the weekend
class setting, I go home thinking about something in a unique way that was touched on or discussed
during the weekend time together. I use this reflection to delve deeper into both my spiritual and
educational arenas that I have been exposed to during my time with my classmates. Being reflective on
your life, especially your spiritual life makes you a better student and better able to participate in online
learning. For me, it took place on some quiet Tuesday morning when I was reading something that
triggered a discussion from class. Most importantly, my reflection from classes and classmates taught
me that I am not alone. That each of us is struggling with not only education and educational goals and
disappointments, but with life. We each have a calling to participate in something greater, but getting
there is sometimes a difficult road, and reflection helps to challenge us and make us better when we
arrive at that place.
INTEGRITY
KRISTIN PICKERING – DISPOSITIONS ASSIGNMENT
Regarding integrity, it takes a large amount of trust to come to the Liberty campus and participate in
classroom discussion and make yourself vulnerable to people that you have never met, and will probably
not see again for 30 days. As such, this reinforces the bond and trustworthiness while you are IN the
classroom. In my assignments, I have followed the Liberty University Honor Code and formulated
written assignments that are my own thoughts paralleling the ethical and moral responsibility to give
credit for other’s works.
I have also shown integrity during this semester by ensuring that my portion of our group assignment is
complete, and instilling trust in other group members to do what I said that I would do. I have asked
questions when I did not understand topics or concepts.
Outside the classroom, I continue to demonstrate integrity by modeling to the youth of the church
exemplary citizenship through moral leadership. I have shown them ways to live morally and ethically in
a world that is so apt to encourage you not to do so.
PROFESSIONALISM
I have, throughout this semester demonstrated professionalism in class and outside of the classroom. I
have come to class prepared for the weekend, and on time. I have been confident in my presence and in
my responses to my classmates. I have also demonstrated through my presence and my input my
dedication and passion to the teaching profession, acknowledging that through my own learning as the
student, I will be better in the classroom as a teacher. I have participated in a field experience which
required professionalism at all times. Outside the classroom, I have encouraged and promoted the
concept of lifelong learning. I never hesitate to share with other children that I am 44 years old, and
learn something new every day. Challenging yourself and contributing to lifelong learning make you a
better person.
