Sarah Edwards

Teacher Education

American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education

My own students in my TED 2520 course are already benefiting from my thinking more about critical thinking in the teaching and learning process. I have revised two assignments and have completely changed an assignment in my Culturally Responsive Teaching course to reflect this view of critical thinking as it is tied to reflection.

I was relieved to hear presentations documenting the nurturing and growth of professional dispositions in teacher education. Presentations at prior conferences focused on using dispositions as a gate-keeping device to sort those who ‘have what it takes’ from those who do not. This line of thinking didn’t make sense to me and my initial thoughts were confirmed- professionalism isn’t something people have or don’t have. Dispositions can be developed when done intentionally.

I was also pleased to hear ideas of ways other programs are implementing diversity dispositions instruction and experiences. As a member of the Secondary Education Program committee we are currently looking at ways to cohesively offer multicultural activities and measure the impact of those courses and activities on our electronic portfolio. I now have focused ideas for specific implementation for our program and appreciate hearing how other programs are both succeeding and grappling with similar issues.

I was able to meet a representative from the Department of Education and her questions helped me realize that UNO is ahead of the game in thinking about how to develop reflective teachers who can grapple with real issues of diversity. I was also aware of some programmatic weaknesses and I am looking forward to continued discussions with my department to address our possibilities to grow our work in diversity dispositions. I appreciate the support of the committee for making my attendance at this conference possible.

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