EDU 6134 Professional Issues Reflection

8. 2 Growing and Developing Professionally

Teachers occupy a position of trust. They are upheld as role models within the community and as such bound by a high moral code of ethics and policies. Throughout this course, we have discussed the underlying responsibilities and trouble areas teachers encounter. Beneath the designing of lessons and tests, there lies an array of policies and procedures that a new teacher needs to be aware of. These policies and responsibilities govern many aspects of the teaching profession including interactions with parents and students, collaboration with colleagues, reporting suspected abuse or neglect, and pursuing professional development.

One topic covered that has really stuck with me is the isolation factor of teaching. “It is ironic that in a profession which is so centered around human interaction, teachers can find themselves feeling very isolated in their environment” (Teacher Isolation). Every teacher behind a closed door does not promote a sense of comradery. All teachers, especially new teachers, need support and a chance to connect with one another. The push for teacher collaboration and communication within schools and in the teaching field in general seems a necessary step in education reform and with today’s technology is readily available. There is a multitude of organizations and online teaching communities teachers can join. Teacher collaboration is beneficial not only to teacher development but also student success. (Desimone 2011). The article by Brown (2012), Now that I Know, relates the importance of new teachers to make connections with colleagues to “pick colleagues’ brains, figure out what works, and apply it to your class” (p. 27). Meaningful collaboration in staff meetings, as well as, grade level team meetings has really been a guiding force in my first year of teaching.  Discussions with and observations of colleagues has been an informal but powerful part of my developing professionally, as well as, in building my “teaching persona”. I have been observed by many members of my school’s administration, colleagues, and an ESD coach. I look forward to them sitting in and giving me real time feedback, so I can improve my teaching ability.  I always welcome feedback, and I can see how I have improved my teaching instruction and classroom management through their advice and feedback.

Another area I found enlightening was the legalities involved in teaching. Teachers are responsible for student well-being. This idea pertains not only to classroom and academics but to the mental and physical well-being of students. Teachers are by law “mandatory reporters” of child abuse, violence, and neglect, as such, teachers need to be cognizant of the legal nuances and responsibilities that accompany their profession. Federal laws set forth that “Agency and school personnel are legally and ethically obligated to safeguard the confidentiality of student data” (Protecting the Privacy of Student Records). Understanding the responsibilities and procedures for maintaining student confidentiality and reporting suspected child abuse or neglect are critical elements of a teacher’s professional responsibilities.  

Overall, this course has illustrated that teaching is a “profession” with an emphasis on how to establish a professional persona and what it means to be part of a community of professionals. It has provided an understanding of my role and work as a teacher in regards to legal and ethical issues within the school and community.

Reference

Brown, D. (2012, May). Now That I know. Educational Leadership 69 (8), 24-28.

Desimone, L. M. (2011). A Primer on Effective Professional Development. Phi Delta Kappan, 92(6), 68-71. doi:10.1177/003172171109200616

Protecting the Privacy of Student Records: Guidelines for Education Agencies. (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2016, from http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=97527

Teacher Isolation. (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2016, from http://www.educ.ualberta.ca/staff/olenka.bilash/Best of Bilash/isolation.html