There are multiple factors that come together to create an effective educator. First and foremost, understanding and acknowledging the fact that classrooms are comprised of diverse populations of students depending on context is essential for a good educator to understand. I feel that my background in archaeology and more specifically anthropological theory has made this idea a constant in my mind that I will take with me into the field of teaching. Understanding, accepting, and working to use diversity allows for a positive classroom experience for all students.
Obviously, knowledge and skills are paramount too, but creating a positive classroom environment and experience for all learners must come first. Effective teachers must not only know their subject matter, but they NEED to be passionate about it as well. Children can pick up on a teacher's tone, feeling(s), and disposition(s) and will know if a teacher is enthusiastic about what they are preaching. If they are not, children are not likely to find passion either. Continual research in specific subjects is always changing and evolving, and thus educators must also be knowledgeable of changing ideas through time, always searching for the answers to the next big questions, and always staying up to date on current practice and theory in the field.
With regard to dispositions, the Seattle Pacific University (SPU) program expects candidates to exhibit professional dispositions according to the Four Commitments of service, competence, leadership, and character. In assessing my own dispositions currently, it occurs to me that regarding character, I may be too honest at times, which may come across as bluntness, and is certainly something that should be worked on in the presence of children, so that a collegial and friendly environment can be maintained (aspects of service).
As I continue with this program, I look forward to learning about and gaining more characteristics of effective educators.
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