A profession is an occupation that involves specialized training and a
formal qualification before one is allowed to practice or work.
A professional teaching qualification does not make a professional, in the true sense of the word. Belonging to a particular profession does not automatically guarantee that the service you provide is a professional one. Hence, teaching as a professional is a hard thing to do because it encompasses many roles to be done well. In its broadest sense, teaching is a process that facilitates learning. Teaching is the specialized application of knowledge, skills and attributes designed to provide unique service to meet the educational needs of the individual and of society. In addition to providing students with learning opportunities to meet curriculum outcomes, teaching emphasizes the development of values and guides students in their social relationships. Teachers employ practices that develop positive self-concept in students. Although the work of teachers typically takes place in a classroom setting, the direct interaction between teacher and student is the single most important element in teaching. Teaching as a Profession The continued professionalization of teaching is a long-standing goal of Teachers. Teachers continue to work to advance teaching as a profession. Professionalism is a complex and elusive concept; it is dynamic and fluid. Teachers have an organized body of knowledge that separates the group from all others. Teachers are equipped with such a body of knowledge, having an extensive background in the world and its culture and a set of teaching methods experientially derived through continuous research in all parts of the world. Teacher serves a great social purpose. Teachers carry responsibilities weighted with social purpose. Through a rigid and self-imposed adherence to the Code of Professional Conduct, which sets out their duties and responsibilities, teachers pass on their accumulated culture and assist each student under their care in achieving self-realization. A formal period of preparation and a requirement for continuous growth and development. A degree of autonomy accorded the professional. The profession has control or influence over education standards, admissions, licensing, professional development, ethical and performance standards, and professional discipline. As professionals, teachers are governed in their professional relationships with other members, school boards, students and the general public by rules of conduct set out in the Code of Professional Conduct. The Teaching Quality Standard defines the knowledge, skills and attributes all teachers are expected to demonstrate as they complete their professional preparation, enter the profession and progress through their careers. Additionally, the Department of Educations Teacher Growth, Supervision and Evaluation Policy supports and reinforces the Teaching Quality Standard by setting out basic expectations for teacher growth, supervision and evaluation. Teachers as Professionals Teacher is the essential element in the delivery of instruction to students, regardless of the mode of instruction. A teacher has professional knowledge and skills gained through formal preparation and experience. Teachers provide personal, caring service to students by diagnosing their needs and by planning, selecting and using methods and evaluation procedures designed to promote learning. The processes of teaching include understanding and adhering to legal and legislated frameworks and policies; identifying and responding to student learning needs; providing effective and responsive instruction; assessing and communicating student learning; developing and maintaining a safe, respectful environment conducive to student learning; establishing and maintaining professional relationships; and engaging in reflective professional practice. These processes must be free of discriminatory practices and should contribute to the holistic development of students who are actively engaged, responsible and contributing members of a democratic society. Teachers who practice under conditions that enable them to exercise professional judgment best serve the educational interests of students. Teachers have a right to participate in all decisions that affect them or their work, and have a corresponding responsibility to provide informed leadership in matters related to their professional practice. Characteristics of a teacher 1. A teacher respects students. In a classroom, each persons ideas and opinions are valued. Students feel safe to express their feelings and learn to respect and listen to others. Teacher creates a welcoming learning environment for all students. 2. A teacher creates a sense of community and belonging in the classroom. The mutual respect in classroom provides a supportive, collaborative environment. Teacher lets students know that they can depend not only on her, but also on the entire class. 3. A teacher is warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring. Person is approachable, not only to students, but to everyone on campus. Teacher to whom students know they can go with any problems or concerns or even to share a funny story. Teachers possess good listening skills and take time out of their way-too-busy schedules for anyone who needs them. If teacher is having a bad day, no one ever knowsthe teacher leaves personal baggage outside the school doors.
4. A teacher sets high expectations for all students. Teacher realizes that the expectations she has for her students greatly affect their achievement; she knows that students generally give to teachers as much or as little as is expected of them. 5. A teacher has his own love of learning and inspires students with his passion for education and for the course material. He constantly renews himself as a professional on his quest to provide students with the highest quality of education possible. Teacher has no fear of learning new teaching strategies or incorporating new technologies into lessons, and always seems to be the one who is willing to share what hes learned with colleagues. 6. A teacher is a skilled leader. Different from administrative leaders, effective teachers focus on shared decision-making and teamwork, as well as on community building. Teacher conveys this sense of leadership to students by providing opportunities for each of them to assume leadership roles. 7. A teacher can shift-gears and is flexible when a lesson isnt working. Teacher assesses his teaching throughout the lessons and finds new ways to present material to make sure that every student understands the key concepts. 8. A collaborates with colleagues on an ongoing basis. Rather than thinking of herself as weak because she asks for suggestions or help, teacher views collaboration as a way to learn from a fellow professional. A great teacher uses constructive criticism and advice as an opportunity to grow as an educator.
9. A teacher maintains professionalism in all areasfrom personal appearance to organizational skills and preparedness for each day. Her communication skills are exemplary, whether she is speaking with an administrator, one of her students or a colleague. The respect that the great teacher receives because of her professional manner is obvious to those around her. Teachers are expected to Be competent and effective Be proficient in the use if instructional strategies, curriculum materials, advanced educational technologies, and classroom management techniques. Have a thorough understanding of the developmental levels of their students Have a solid grasp of the content they teach Be informed of exemplary practices and to demonstrate a desire for professional development Help all learners succeed Hold strong beliefs about the potential for all children, regardless of students' ethnicity, language, gender, socioeconomic status, family backgrounds and living conditions, abilities, or disabilities. Ensure that all students develop to their fullest potential. Have a repertoire of instructional strategies and resources to create meaningful learning experiences that promote students' growth and development. Occupy a position of Trust. Students to be happy, safe and well educated.
Teaching is a gift that seems to come quite naturally for some; others have to work overtime to achieve great teacher status. Yet the payoff is enormous for both you and your students. Imagine students thinking of you when they remember that great teacher they had in college!
Classroom-Ready Resources for Student-Centered Learning: Basic Teaching Strategies for Fostering Student Ownership, Agency, and Engagement in K–6 Classrooms