Hugh Sockett

The missing language of the classroom

Abstract In this paper, we explore teachers’ use of moral language in their descriptions and interpretations of their K-12 classroom and graduate school experiences. We analyze student products that were developed by practicing K-12 teachers who graduated from a nontraditional masters program. We focused on their end of program exit portfolios and reflective essays. We also examined student admission essays and data from an on-line conference space. In our conclusions, we argue that teacher education needs to encourage teachers to envision classrooms as moral rather than technical arenas, and we urge teachers to use a moral vocabulary to describe their work.

Dispositions as Virtues: The Complexity of the Construct.

The value of conceptualizing the desirable dispositions of the teacher as virtues is illuminated through distinguishing such dispositions-as-virtues from other dispositions and from personality traits. Dispositions as virtues are qualities achieved by the individuals initiative, in the face of obstacles, and are intrinsically motivated. The complexity of any construct for student assessment is illustrated through distinguishing educational goals from teacher dispositions, specifically social justice; describing dispositions under the three categories of character, intellect, and care; and then indicating the complexity of each through self-knowledge, truthfulness, and compassion as exemplars of each category. Finally, using William Hares work on open-mindedness, it is argued that transparent assessment is needed in which criteria are perspicuous to assessor and assessed. Student teachers can then create self-assessment protocols for each disposition-as-virtue to enhance understanding and professional growth.

Teachers for the 21st Century: Redefining Professionalism

The twenty-first century will dawn with a continuing public concern about education. Educators know the immense importance of the ser vices they deliver to the society. We need to work together to find ways to transform it.