INTASC 9. Professional Learning and Ethical Practice

The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.

 

     It is vital for social studies teachers to engage in professional learning and ethnical practices. Teaching is one of most important professions in terms of informing and influencing the minds of children. Especially with teaching social studies, teachers have to walk a fine line in dealing with many sensitive subject matters that need to be taught. However, it is critical that social studies teachers do not use the classroom to promote a political agenda, as the purpose of social studies teachers is to give students both sides of the story. It is also important for social studies teachers to act professional at all times, as it unfortunately seems like many teachers struggle to do that.

     Part of teacher professionalism also involves teachers willing to critically assess their teaching and improve through professional development. I consider professionalism and ethical practice to be one of the biggest things I can control when being a teacher. Even if a lesson does not go well I can come to school on time, be decently dressed, and be approachable to students, co-workers, administrators, or parents. I honestly did not need to be taught about this, as this is something that has been emphasized to me by my parents since I was a kid. Having said that it is critical for me to self-evaluate my teaching. In the Fall I had the opportunity to reflect on what I did through a mid-term and final reflection for my cooperating teacher. For both the Fall and Spring I had the opportunity to assess myself through my blog (See Evidence 1). Throughout the school year I also had supervisors and my cooperating teachers evaluating me. It was through this self-evaluation and evaluation by my superiors that I have, as well as continue to improve as a teacher (See Evidence 2 and 3).  In the Spring I also had students survey my performance early during my student teaching (See Evidence 5).  I also went to some professional development sessions to help me improve as a teacher as well. Throughout the school year I went to SIM Routine sessions at the Virginia Tech TTAC office (See Evidence 4). Also, in the Fall I went to a professional development session done by the Virginia Geographic Alliance.

     In my future teaching career I will continue to be professional and engage in ethical practices. I have been known as a dependable worker in the other jobs I have held and will continue to do so. I will continue to be approachable to students, parents, co-workers, and administrators. I will also continue to self-reflect on my teaching, and look for ways to improve. I will also continue to go to professional development sessions to improve upon my teaching in order to ultimately help my students succeed.

 

Evidence

 

Evidence 1. Reflections on my Blog