The values, commitments, and professional ethics that influence behaviors toward students, families, colleagues, and communities and affect student learning, motivation, and development as well as the educator's own professional growth. Dispositions are guided by beliefs and attitudes related to values such as caring, fairness, honesty, responsibility, and social justice. For example, they might include a belief that all students can learn, a vision of high and challenging standards, or a commitment to a safe and supportive learning environment.

Enduring habits of mind and action, and tendencies to respond to situations in characteristic ways. Dispositions are currently understood to develop primarily through interactions with others. (A willingness to explore, communicate, act independently and collaboratively, persevere, and maintain an open mind are examples of dispositions that are important for lifelong learning.)