Initial self appraisal of the BTI graduate profile

Responsive & professional disposition

I believe I am called to more than a curriculum delivery worker, merely checking off lists
and achieving targets. I am working towards being a responsive educator where:

I reflect out of routine in contrast to just being routined,

I am critical in my reflections,
I consider the whole child in my planning, assessment and evaluations,
I teach with a future focus in mind,
I am totally present in the moment and can respond appropriately to the moment,
I can probe deeper on the spot to guide further learning,
I facilitate learning in contrast to controlling the learning,

This is a huge challenge for me, as this is the teacher I aspire to be but recognise that in
some of these areas I am still working towards. From reading Thornton, (2006) I have
come to realise that these are all dispositions that I can learn. The way I will get there is if I
am intentional and practice it daily while I am on practicum. This will, of sorts, be an
extended goal for me.
Transformational teaching
I also aspire to be a transformative teacher. I believe a transformative teacher is one who
humbles themselves to Gods daily plan. We remain the same, but transform over time
because of the challenges and triumphs we face through this process. It is the challenges
and triumphs that we are changed. A transformative teacher inspires their students along
the same journey.

To be a transformative educator is a HUGE ambition. But I believe it is possible to not only

be transformed, but to be the one inspiring transformation to occur, through the work of
Gods leading. More of this is all I ask for. Only He can make this ambition possible.
Secure disposition
Palmers quote has spoken loudly to me, and encouraged me to look deep into who I am
as a teacher to teach my students better (1998). My personal identity now shapes my
teaching. I am proud of my passionate creed and how it so well reflects my heart for
relational teaching. I am working hard to develop the profession aspects of my passionate
creed. I need to be wary to not sacrifice my non negotiables as I polish it up.
Am I secure enough to move with the changing education system and not sacrifice what is
at the core of my passion for teaching?

Teachable
I am able to take on suggestions from those who can offer me their expertise and advice. I
realise that I can only become a great teacher if I am always open to new learning,
observing others, and being observed and critiqued. The key in learning is a receptive
heart which is ready to heart. I am reminded of the parable of the sower in Matthew 13. I
ask that my heart is always fertile to receive from God.
References:
Palmer, P. (1998). The heart of a teacher: Identity and integrity in teaching. Retrieved from
http://newhorizons.org/restr_palmer1.html
Thornton, H. (2006). Dispositions in action: Do dispositions make a difference in practice?
Teacher Education Quarterly, 33(2), 53-68.