Reading response to Norsworthy, (2003).

Quote:
Teaching flows from ones innermost being and therefore self-knowledge or awareness is a critical
component of a professional approach to teaching (p. 63).
Quote in my own words:
We need to know who we are as a teacher in order for our teaching practice to be a reflection of our true
selves. It is when we know who we are as teachers that we can then learn what it means to be a teacher as
professional.
Significant challenge for practicum four:
Norsworthy describes that teaching flows from ones innermost being. Since reading her writing on teacher
professionalism, I have felt a strong desire to carry out a critical analysis of my own teaching dispositions on
my fourth practicum. This will contribute further to gaining an insight to my natural dispositions in regards to
teaching, this is what Palmer (1998) describes as knowing the self who teaches. I believe it is necessary to
be a future focused teacher in the 21st century, and to better align with the moving direction of the New
Zealand education system. On this practicum, I plan to spend time self-reflecting and documenting my
journey of growth in this area. I will also seek feedback from my Associate Teacher in regards to the six
dispositions outlined by Thornton (2006) to provide me with some qualitative evidence of my dispositions.
References:
Norsworthy, B. (2003). Teaching - professional or practice? In D. Fraser & R. Openshaw (Eds.), Informing
our practice. (pp. 59-76). Palmerston North, New Zealand: Kanuka Grove Press.
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?
education quarterly, 33(2), 53-68.

Teacher