Professionalism is an important aspect of the teaching profession, as a teacher is a role model for students. Professionalism encompasses many different aspects of the teaching career, and reflects on the teacher's behavior inside the classroom and the school community as a whole. From record keeping, contact with parents, fellow faculty, and administrators, to observations and understanding of the students, a teacher's job entails many aspects that fall under this category. To demonstrate professionalism, a teacher must show competency in the classroom, as well as in his or her interactions with the numerous people they come across on a daily basis. Teaching is a social profession, and this aspect of the job is an ever-prevalent and important part as a teacher strives to demonstrate competency.
The first example of professionalism includes the monthly reflection journal. Reflection for a teacher is very important, as he or she works to become a better teacher after each lesson. Reflection allows a teacher to recognize strengths and weaknesses and decide on areas that can be improved for the future. A good teacher will think about a lesson; a great teacher will notice ways to use their experiences to shape their future lessons to meet the needs of their students. This journal demonstrates my own reflection and insights into improving my own classes.
The second example is a reflection based on an observation done in my classroom. Observations are a great way for a teacher to utilize the skills and expertise of their administrators to hone their own teaching skills. Reflection on lessons during an observation is of particular importance to allow for the teacher to understand where things could have improved and demonstrate understanding of basic teaching principles. The administrator can use this reflection to help him or her to shape a feedback for the teacher to build upon.
The third example is the communication log. Communication with parents is a crucial part of the teacher's daily life. A partnership between parents and the teacher is critical for the success of a student, and this communication log demonstrates this partnership developing. This communication should be used to deliver positive news along with the negative. I used various means of communication, including e-mail and the phone. One of my favorite aspects of teaching is rewarding the students that impress me, and my student spotlights are a highlight each month. I strive to send a postcard home to parents detailing positives of a minimum of one student in each class per month to demonstrate that there is an appreciation for student efforts.
The Knowledge of Students Form is another area of professionalism because a good teacher must know his or her students. Being able to evaluate the various needs of your classroom is something that is essential for a successful teacher. Filling out this form at the beginning and end of every school year is important to evaluate student needs and to ensure that the teacher genuinely comes to know his or her students, developing a relationship with them, something that will inevitably help support a positive learning environment.
The Observation e-mail is an example of an administrator noting the exemplary lesson observed after a day in my classroom. This e-mail was sent to the Superintendent and the School Board President, who both responded after the kudos were sent. This demonstrates the professionalism aspect of my profession by noting the commendations that are given to my classroom instruction and assessment.
The last example of professionalism is a copy of an Act 48 letter that was presented for a workshop I took on Co-Teaching strategies. Professional development is a critical area for teachers to concentrate on as they work to improve each and every year. One way to ensure growth as a teacher is to continue taking classes and learning, as well. This is just one of numerous workshops and classes that I have taken to improve myself and my teaching abilities.
Professionalism is an important aspect of the teaching profession, as a teacher is a role model for students. Professionalism encompasses many different aspects of the teaching career, and reflects on the teacher's behavior inside the classroom and the school community as a whole. From record keeping, contact with parents, fellow faculty, and administrators, to observations and understanding of the students, a teacher's job entails many aspects that fall under this category. To demonstrate professionalism, a teacher must show competency in the classroom, as well as in his or her interactions with the numerous people they come across on a daily basis. Teaching is a social profession, and this aspect of the job is an ever-prevalent and important part as a teacher strives to demonstrate competency.
The first example of professionalism includes the monthly reflection journal. Reflection for a teacher is very important, as he or she works to become a better teacher after each lesson. Reflection allows a teacher to recognize strengths and weaknesses and decide on areas that can be improved for the future. A good teacher will think about a lesson; a great teacher will notice ways to use their experiences to shape their future lessons to meet the needs of their students. This journal demonstrates my own reflection and insights into improving my own classes.
The second example is a reflection based on an observation done in my classroom. Observations are a great way for a teacher to utilize the skills and expertise of their administrators to hone their own teaching skills. Reflection on lessons during an observation is of particular importance to allow for the teacher to understand where things could have improved and demonstrate understanding of basic teaching principles. The administrator can use this reflection to help him or her to shape a feedback for the teacher to build upon.
The third example is the communication log. Communication with parents is a crucial part of the teacher's daily life. A partnership between parents and the teacher is critical for the success of a student, and this communication log demonstrates this partnership developing. This communication should be used to deliver positive news along with the negative. I used various means of communication, including e-mail and the phone. One of my favorite aspects of teaching is rewarding the students that impress me, and my student spotlights are a highlight each month. I strive to send a postcard home to parents detailing positives of a minimum of one student in each class per month to demonstrate that there is an appreciation for student efforts.
The Knowledge of Students Form is another area of professionalism because a good teacher must know his or her students. Being able to evaluate the various needs of your classroom is something that is essential for a successful teacher. Filling out this form at the beginning and end of every school year is important to evaluate student needs and to ensure that the teacher genuinely comes to know his or her students, developing a relationship with them, something that will inevitably help support a positive learning environment.
The Observation e-mail is an example of an administrator noting the exemplary lesson observed after a day in my classroom. This e-mail was sent to the Superintendent and the School Board President, who both responded after the kudos were sent. This demonstrates the professionalism aspect of my profession by noting the commendations that are given to my classroom instruction and assessment.
The last example of professionalism is a copy of an Act 48 letter that was presented for a workshop I took on Co-Teaching strategies. Professional development is a critical area for teachers to concentrate on as they work to improve each and every year. One way to ensure growth as a teacher is to continue taking classes and learning, as well. This is just one of numerous workshops and classes that I have taken to improve myself and my teaching abilities.
Included in this section:
1) Monthly reflection
2) Observation - Pre- and Post-Reflection
3) Communication Log
4) Knowledge of Students Forms - Beginning and End of Year
5) Observation and Exemplary Lesson E-mail
6) Professional Development