Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Thirteen Commandments of Teaching
aka: Code of Professional practice
Ahh the rules. At first glance of the list, I was impressed with the simplicity of many of the expectations. We are being given one of the most rewarding jobs in society and being trusted to do so. Thus, the reason the first expectation is on the list: A teacher’s first professional responsibility is to her or his students.
So now we have read the rules, we have gone through the rules, and as teachers it is our job to follow them. It’s simple. Right? WRONG.
The conflict arises as I reflect on experiences as a student, as a colleague and as a teacher. I am sure most of us have been stuck in that awkward conversation in the staff room about a student…and you know its not appropriate…you don’t join in the conversation, but you just don’t have the nerve to get up and walk out. Or you have a confrontation with another colleague and you just so badly need to talk to your mom and ask her what to do before dealing with the issue. It seems innocent enough and quite honestly the instinctively thing to do.
When in reality you are actually GUILTY: Breaking rules #4,5,6,7,8.….and maybe more.
Geeze! All in a fifteen minute recess break.
No that does not make you a criminal. It just means you need to look over your definition of professionalism and get yourself a pocket sized laminated version of the Code of professional practice. Haha.
Now that I am aware of these expectations according to MTS, it is my job as a teacher to follow them. The examples I created were to show you how easy it is for professional behaviour to turn personal.
Oh Sergiovanni....
Professionlism: the manner in which you carry out a job…The attitude, responsibility and education that goes with the profession. ..standards and values…accountability…passion…and the list goes on and on and on and on. But boy oh boy, do I have a story for you about what professionalism is NOT.
Now this is where Sergiovanni comes in. There are four commitments that build on the foundation of professionalism. As teachers, we model the commitment to caring through the need to offer a safe and caring environment for our students Through lesson planning, classroom management skills and adequate communication we model the commitment to practise exemplary ways. The committment to Valued Social Ends are all those extra funded projects teachers deliver in the classroom. (ie: bullying awareness)
The final one is commitment to one's practise. As teachers, we do this every day. We communicate with each other and participate and share at professional development.
A couple weeks ago, a few of us were out for appetizers at a local restaurant. As the waitress was clearing our table, she dumped the plates of half eaten food all over my friend’s stuff. The waitress’ response was “Holy f***, did that get all over your s***!” We sat there in silence…in disbelief. Did she actually just say that?
Professional???
In retrospect, regardless of the task at hand, there are a certain set of criteria that society has set for us. There is an expectation to deliver in a manner that is respectful, courteous and sincere. I know that no matter what job you are working at, your attitude and presentation are what get noticed first. My advice to you would be to not worry about the definition of professionalism. You know what defines you as a person...so make up your own definition based on your morals, values and beliefs. You will soon learn what works for you.Now this is where Sergiovanni comes in. There are four commitments that build on the foundation of professionalism. As teachers, we model the commitment to caring through the need to offer a safe and caring environment for our students Through lesson planning, classroom management skills and adequate communication we model the commitment to practise exemplary ways. The committment to Valued Social Ends are all those extra funded projects teachers deliver in the classroom. (ie: bullying awareness)
The final one is commitment to one's practise. As teachers, we do this every day. We communicate with each other and participate and share at professional development.
We are lifelong learners.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
My Favourite Teacher
When I look back at my time in school, certain teachers stand out more than others. When it comes time to figure out why I remember these teachers I think its important to give them the recognition they deserve of being a great teacher. I don’t have just one favourite, so I thought I would just share what I think makes a great teacher. What characteristics did these teachers that taught me have? What characteristics will I model in my classroom?
My favourite teachers weren’t the ones with the easiest tests or the most laid back classes. The teachers I remember are the ones that pushed me to be better. The best teachers put their students first and recognize the needs of each individual. For me, it was my grade four teacher who gave me the opportunity to excel in reading more difficult literature. He introduced me to “The Hobbit” or my high school history teacher who really challenged every one of her classes to take projects and assignments one step further. It is her classes that I remember the most and the content has stuck with me as well. J
Everyone always remembers the teacher that was fun and involved with students outside of the classroom. Whether it be in extra curricular or simply during breaks. I think it is important to develop this rapport and relationship with the students. Connectedness builds trust and respect in the classroom.
Of course it seems daunting to live up to these high expectations of our favourite teachers, but there is something very inspiring to work towards having the same impact on my students as those teachers had on me. And I think I am up for the challenge J
My favourite teachers weren’t the ones with the easiest tests or the most laid back classes. The teachers I remember are the ones that pushed me to be better. The best teachers put their students first and recognize the needs of each individual. For me, it was my grade four teacher who gave me the opportunity to excel in reading more difficult literature. He introduced me to “The Hobbit” or my high school history teacher who really challenged every one of her classes to take projects and assignments one step further. It is her classes that I remember the most and the content has stuck with me as well. J
Everyone always remembers the teacher that was fun and involved with students outside of the classroom. Whether it be in extra curricular or simply during breaks. I think it is important to develop this rapport and relationship with the students. Connectedness builds trust and respect in the classroom.
Of course it seems daunting to live up to these high expectations of our favourite teachers, but there is something very inspiring to work towards having the same impact on my students as those teachers had on me. And I think I am up for the challenge J
Why Teach?
I have wanted to teach since I was a little girl, but when it came down to choosing it as a career certain factors helped me decide that it was the right profession for me.
Number one would have to be the passion for teaching and the desire to help children. I have ample experience working with children both in and out of the classroom. My experience as an Educational assistant only further embedded my lifelong dream of teaching. I have gained valuable experience in the classroom at an inner city school with students of many programming needs.
The second most important factor for me would be the inspiration and support from other teachers I have got as along the way. I have had the opportunity to work alongside several teachers in a culturally diverse setting and have learned valuable teaching strategies that I will apply in my future practise as a teacher. These teachers have inspired me to better myself so that I will be the best teacher I can be.
When choosing teaching as a career it is also important to know the limits and possibilities of the profession. Your job is a continuous assessment for, of, and as learning. You will be faced with unpredictable outcomes and the limitations of influencing students will be You can only control what happens from 9am to 330pm. QTIP! Quit taking it personally. Do the best you can.
However apart from these limitations, teaching is an opportunity to serve and empower. And I can’t wait J
Number one would have to be the passion for teaching and the desire to help children. I have ample experience working with children both in and out of the classroom. My experience as an Educational assistant only further embedded my lifelong dream of teaching. I have gained valuable experience in the classroom at an inner city school with students of many programming needs.
The second most important factor for me would be the inspiration and support from other teachers I have got as along the way. I have had the opportunity to work alongside several teachers in a culturally diverse setting and have learned valuable teaching strategies that I will apply in my future practise as a teacher. These teachers have inspired me to better myself so that I will be the best teacher I can be.
When choosing teaching as a career it is also important to know the limits and possibilities of the profession. Your job is a continuous assessment for, of, and as learning. You will be faced with unpredictable outcomes and the limitations of influencing students will be You can only control what happens from 9am to 330pm. QTIP! Quit taking it personally. Do the best you can.
However apart from these limitations, teaching is an opportunity to serve and empower. And I can’t wait J
Professional Vs Subject Knowledge
It takes a special person to excel in both the professional knowledge and subject knowledge, but it is the teachers that do excel in both areas that we remember the most. I think being educated in both areas is crucial. However, the passion for teaching is what shows through no matter the subject matter.
In class, we used the example of life guarding and teaching swimming lessons. I was a lifeguard for six summers in my home town and can definitely relate to the debate that the subject knowledge is crucial before being able to teach it. You can not teach someone how to swim before knowing how to swim yourself. However, you can be the best swimmer in the region and not have the skills to teach someone else how to swim as well as you. Through our class debate, I really found myself concluding that you cannot have one without the other. The professional knowledge and passion for teaching definitely needs to be there, but I think the more confident you are and the more experienced you are in the subject knowledge the more this passion for learning and teaching will show through. As a teacher, professional knowledge for me is the most important. It is this desire for continual learning that is paramount for the success of educators in the school systems. Simply knowing a subject does not mean you will be able to transmit the material very well, especially in light of the diverse needs of students in today’s classrooms.
In class, we used the example of life guarding and teaching swimming lessons. I was a lifeguard for six summers in my home town and can definitely relate to the debate that the subject knowledge is crucial before being able to teach it. You can not teach someone how to swim before knowing how to swim yourself. However, you can be the best swimmer in the region and not have the skills to teach someone else how to swim as well as you. Through our class debate, I really found myself concluding that you cannot have one without the other. The professional knowledge and passion for teaching definitely needs to be there, but I think the more confident you are and the more experienced you are in the subject knowledge the more this passion for learning and teaching will show through. As a teacher, professional knowledge for me is the most important. It is this desire for continual learning that is paramount for the success of educators in the school systems. Simply knowing a subject does not mean you will be able to transmit the material very well, especially in light of the diverse needs of students in today’s classrooms.
Monday, January 10, 2011
FISH Philosophy
The FISH Philosophy is made up of four principles.
Be There
Play
Make their day
Choose your attitude
My favourite part is "Make their day". Think of the little things that people in your life have done for you unexpectedly. It is these random acts of kindess that can make your day…make you week even. Even the smallest gesture can go a long way J
The entire philosophy behind it is simple yet so powerful. Stop and think...are you doing all that you can to make your day the best? To make someone else’s day the best? Not only would this work great in a classroom...but think about other jobs you've worked at as well....I think a lot of employers could learn something from this philosophy?? How hard would it be really to apply...."Play....Make their day...Be There...Choose Your Attitude" :) There is something pretty special about FISH. . . I just can’t put my finger on it. J
Be There
Play
Make their day
Choose your attitude
My favourite part is "Make their day". Think of the little things that people in your life have done for you unexpectedly. It is these random acts of kindess that can make your day…make you week even. Even the smallest gesture can go a long way J
The entire philosophy behind it is simple yet so powerful. Stop and think...are you doing all that you can to make your day the best? To make someone else’s day the best? Not only would this work great in a classroom...but think about other jobs you've worked at as well....I think a lot of employers could learn something from this philosophy?? How hard would it be really to apply...."Play....Make their day...Be There...Choose Your Attitude" :) There is something pretty special about FISH. . . I just can’t put my finger on it. J
Friday, January 7, 2011
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