Teachers are held to a higher standard, as they model for and shape the young minds of the world, because of this they must be the model of professionalism. Professionalism can come in many forms, it could be in the way a teacher interacts with students, parents, and colleagues or it can be the way that they impart knowledge to students. The purpose of this aspect of the professional practice standards is to ensure that teachers maintain an appropriate level of professionalism with students, parents and colleagues. The primary goal of professionalism is for teachers to understand and implement this standard in a way befitting the role they maintain. Therefore, the central objective of this standard is to model and communicate professionalism to students, parents, and colleagues in an acceptable manner.
Bonsack Elementary School
Professional Growth
In order to maintain professionalism, teachers must be willing to participate in professional growth/development opportunities. During my time spent student teaching, I attended or completed a few professional development opportunities. I completed a course in “Child Abuse and Neglect: Recognizing, Reporting and Responding for Educators” that was offered by the Virginia Department of Social Services. This course taught me how to handle child abuse situations in a professional manner. I also attended a seminar held by the Roanoke Area Counselors Associations titled “The Invisible Classroom: Relationships, Neuroscience and Mindfulness in Schools”. This seminar taught me how to understand the minds of my students and how to be mindful of their needs. I am also CPR certified, which is important to have when working with young children.
Professional Memberships
Another way teachers can stay up-to-date with current practices and maintain growth would be for teachers to participate in professional memberships. As mentioned in my Professional Knowledge page, I am a member of the National Science Teachers of America or the NSTA, the National Education Association or the NEA, and the Virginia Education Association or the VEA.
Professional Communication
Teachers need to be able to communicate clearly with students, parents, and colleagues. When teachers are communicating with parents/guardians, they need to maintain professional communication about student progress. During my time student teaching at Bonsack Elementary School, in order to facilitate communication with parents/guardians, I sent home an introduction letter. Teachers always need to be aware of how they communicate with their students, as that sets the tone for the class. When communicating with students, teachers need to have a firm line between what is professional and unprofessional communication. Communication between teachers and their colleagues should also be professional both during and after school hours, as students almost always pick up what they hear their teachers say.
Professionalism is essential to establishing and maintaining standards in teaching. It provides the necessary line that needs to be drawn between students and teachers. It also allows for constructive communication between students, parents/guardians, and colleagues.