The Standards of Practice and Me

I would like to think that everyone who becomes a teacher naturally lives by these standards of practice without even looking at the list, because I believe that these are things that should simply be a natural part of a good teacher’s personality and personal goals.  When I first saw the standards of practice in Teacher’s College, I thought they were very common sense.  Now that I have been teaching for a year, I am able to look a bit deeper into each of the standards and reflect on how closely they have related to my teaching. As an educator, I feel it is important for me to uphold these standards because I believe that in a workplace, an example can set a tone.  In the same way that if a few people at a workplace are laid back, that attitude spreads, I think that if you show your dedication to the professional standards, then it influences others to do the same.

I have always considered myself to be a lifelong learner, but I never realized how much I would be learning in just my first year of teaching.  Ongoing professional learning was demonstrated through my NTIP sessions last year, through my work with colleagues and I even invited a French Instructional Coach to work with me for two weeks.  I made an effort to learn as well as just learning through experience, but I would say that there was one area for improvement. I worked in two different schools this year, one where I was one of three French teachers and the other where I was the only one.  I definitely learned so much from my French colleagues at the first school, but at the second, I felt a bit like an island.  It was hard for me to get to know my division colleagues because I came halfway through the year, and for the first time, I had my own classroom to set up (and sequester myself in) and because of that, I think I missed an opportunity for growth and learning from those colleagues.

Teaching in the 21st century does introduce a whole new layer to the profession, but I don’t think that the standards need to change to accommodate that layer.  The standards can be adhered to using all of the new things that have broadened our teaching world.  Commitment to Students and Student Learning - Instead of just teaching students about being contributing citizens, we now also teach how to be a good digital citizen.

Professional Knowledge & Ongoing professional learning - Teachers can enhance their professional knowledge so much easier now through e-learning, digital conferencing, e-books, educational videos online, even things like pinterest can be a great resource!

Professional Practice & Commitment to Students and Student Learning - These two go hand in hand, and show that the 21st century teacher can use new tools and resources to put their professional knowledge into practice to enhance student learning. An example of this is delivering course material online (in a powtooon, or other visual format) as an accommodation for a student with special needs.

Leadership in Learning Communities - I believe this to be easier because there is simply so many more avenues for seeking out learning communities with the internet.  With more communities, there is more opportunity for leadership.

I wouldn’t say that these standards encourage innovation and risk taking.  If you’re an innovative person who is driven and takes risks, then naturally you will interpret these standards in that way, but for many teachers, the standards inspire them to do their job to the best of their ability, and in the end I think that is the best way for the professional standards to be interpreted.