Code of Professional Practice

Today in class we discussed the code of professional practice. I thought this was a good discussion to our two previous classes as it outlines exactly what is expected of professionals. When I was making up my definition of “professionalism” I was thinking more on how a professional should dress and what some of the personality traits should be. The Code of Professional Practice outlines the duties and responsibilities that all members of The Manitoba Teachers’ Society must follow.

I really liked discussing this in class, as well as some of the scenario’s you included. I found it interesting how many of us felt the same regarding some issues, while on other issues we seemed to have different opinions. An example of this is:

Yesterday afternoon, you were called to the phone. As you were returning to your classroom, you overheard a senior teacher on your staff talking to a grade one student at the back of the classroom. The teacher was threatening to pull down the student’s pants in front of the other children and spank him, if he didn’t get back to work. How would you handle the situation? Would the fact that it was a senior teacher have an impact on your actions?

One thing that our table noticed and discussed was everyone immediately assumed that the teacher in this scenario was male, when the case doesn’t include the sex of the teacher at all. I liked your approach, Jackie, in saying you would go into the classroom at that moment, rather than bringing it up later, and ask the teacher what was going on. I think this approach allows everyone involved to re-evaluate the situation, while saving face at the same time.

      During our first couple of days of orientation a member of The Manitoba Teachers’ Society attended and went over some of these standards, so some of them were familiar in my head. I think an important term that is in The Code of Professional Practice is Judicious. I think that teachers need to remember this term and apply it to the classroom. I am sure there are students who it seems are always causing problems, but a teacher cannot assume and make a biased judgment, as a result. I really liked # 7 of the code:

7. A teacher first directs any criticism of the professional activity of a colleague to that colleague in private. Only after informing the colleague of the intent to do so, the complainant may direct in confidence the criticism to appropriate officials through the proper channels of communication.

 I am sure many teachers have caught themselves in this situation and I think it is a good standard. By following this rule I think shows professionalism.

I am really glad we went over these standards in class as it was good to hear different view points. As soon to be professionals, we need to be following this code.

Sergiovanni

I think that professionalism is a very important topic to discuss with any future graduate. In my personal opinion I feel that whatever career you choose or job you work at you should be conducting yourself in a professional way. It does not matter the age of the individual.

Today in class, we were asked to think about the term professionalism and come up with a definition. In my view, professionalism is acting in a professional manner and carrying one’s self out in an appropriate matter. Some characteristics that are included with professionalism are confidentiality, respecting others views and opinions, dependability, attitude, responsibility and accountability.

Believing passionately about what you do, never compromising your standards & values and caring about your students, your colleagues and your own career, by David Maister, edited by Jackie Kirk. I think this is an excellent definition to follow. I know that for me personally I never compromise my standards for anyone or anything.

Sergiovannis’ 4 commitments to professionalism

1.       Commitment to caring

-          Families, students, the school and colleagues

-          Example: if someone is discussing another colleague in an inappropriate way you will have the commitment to say you do not feel comfortable in this conversation and find a way to remove yourself from it.

2.       Commitment to practice in exemplary ways

-          Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Communication

3.       Commitment to valued social ends

-          Need to make the world a better place, global and local support

4.       Commitment one’s own practice, but also to the practice itself

-          Making a commitment to teaching and the profession, Attending professional development days as well as leading professional development days, hosting a student teacher

So, because this is a blog I have to go on my first little rant! I am not sure the way people carry and present themselves has been changing over the last few decades or whether it is because I am more aware of it as I get older, but there are many people in society who do not seem to care how they are presenting themselves. I feel that many professionals are jeopardizing their reputation by the things they are posting on the internet (mainly Facebook) and the actions they carry out on their free time. I would like to share this story with you. It was near the end of the school year when I turned 18, as my birthday is in May. I was at the bar with some friends from work. I was still in high school and I saw one of my previous teachers there ( this teacher was not teaching me in any classes at that time, but was at the same school) and this teacher gave me the finger from across the bar and I guess my mouth must have dropped, because they came over and said I hate how you are so young. Now, how was I ever supposed to respect that teacher as a professional again? I didn’t and I still don’t.

Why Teach?

           In my view, teaching is a very rewarding career that is always changing. I like the excitement of things changing and being able to be creative in how I teach. I love how children find the simple happiness in something (like playing in dirt or chewing gum in class) and I thoroughly enjoy working with children. I have worked in a wide variety of settings with children. One particular job I had I was working with a young boy who had autism and I have to say I probably got more out of working with him than he did of me working with him. "Why Teach?" was asked of us in class and the answers that were given were:

1)      Desire to work with children

2)      Desire to make a difference

3)      To follow in the footsteps of former teachers who inspired us

4)      The passion for this career

5)      The practical benefits

I think these are all great descriptors to the above question. I can tell you I did not grow up my whole life thinking that I wanted to be a teacher. I first wanted to be a stay at home mom. Next, was a hairdresser, optometrist, retail buyer (by the way, who wouldn’t want to be a buyer for Bloomingdales, like Rachel off of the TV show Friends?) lawyer, teacher and last but not least, work in finance. These careers changed all of the time (I am not the most decisive person)! The reason why they changed so much was a result of the role models I had in my life. These role models were my parents, my parent’s friends, my aunts and uncles and finally my teachers. These people allowed me to dream to be all of these careers through their love, support and encouragement. I hope that as a teacher, whatever “phase” a student is going through, whether that is being the next WWE wrestler (world wrestling entertainer) or a Grade 5 teacher, I hope that I can help support that student, as was done for me.

I am excited, as well as nervous and whole mix of other emotions to start my career in teaching. I think this next year and half will fly by and we all we be busy in our first year of teaching! After writing this blog I can sum this question up a lot easier now. Why teach? To be inspirational, to be someone who people can depend on and go to for help, to encourage others to go for their dreams and support them on their journey there.