Here, the authors offer a deeper understanding of the various concepts and relevance of dispositions to teaching and other professions that serve in school settings. This book provides a broad basis for conceptualizing the what and how of dispositions. Features: Historical and definitional perspectives of dispositions as traits and beliefs, Pragmatic application, Contemporary views of dispositions in teaching and teacher education, An overview of the various methods that have been utilized to incorporate dispositions and dispositional concepts in educational curricula, Strategies for identifying features of effective professionals, Discussions on issues in the selection and retention of candidates in professional preparation programs and critical dispositions. A valuable reference given the current emphasis on dispositions as expected components in many state and professional organization standards, it also presents: the legal and political implications and religious traditions of dispositions in teacher education programs, a model for the classification of research related to dispositions. Will be of interest to teacher educators, administrators, teachers, and others in school related professions.