Professionalism is an important characteristic of highly qualified teachers. Exceptional teachers constantly seek to evaluate and improve their professionalism to enhance student learning. Teachers act as models to their students, and it is vital that students observe and interact with professionals. Teachers who demonstrate professionalism serve as positive, adult-figures in their students’ lives.
Collaboration and Communication
Teachers demonstrate professionalism through collaboration and communication with students, parents, guardians, and colleagues. Actions speak as loudly as words; therefore, it is imperative for teachers to collaborate and communicate professionally. When I began student teaching, I sent a letter home introducing myself and asking for permission to use photos of students. I also used this letter to respect student’s privacy.
Continual Evaluation
Evaluation is critical for the improvement of a teacher’s practice. I value my students’ opinions, and I want them to enjoy learning through my teaching style. At the end of my student teaching, I administered a survey to my students. I asked my students what their favorite unit was. Almost fifty-four percent of students said “Acids and Bases” was their favorite unit. I designed this unit as a project-based unit. The grades were not as high as traditionally-taught units; however, I plan to use this feedback when I begin my teaching career. I will design more project-based and interactive units, but I need to learn how to enhance student retention.
Professional Development
In addition to attending required professional development meetings, exceptional teachers independently seek professional development opportunities. To enhance my professional development for the 2017-2018 school year, I am attending a Vernier lab technology workshop before the school year begins. After attending this workshop, I will know more information about Vernier lab technology that I will use with my students to enhance their learning.
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education.”
–Martin Luther King, Jr.