Professionalism and professional values
As a trainee teacher, it is important to understand the concepts of professionalism and professional values in the field of education. Professionalism refers to the conduct, qualities, or standards that characterize a professional person. In the context of teaching, professionalism is the demonstration of appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes that promote student learning and development.
Wider professional practice is the concept of engaging with other professionals in the education field, including teachers, teaching assistants, and other support staff, to promote high-quality teaching and learning. Collaboration and communication with other professionals can benefit both teachers and students, as it can lead to the sharing of ideas, knowledge, and experiences, as well as the development of new teaching strategies.
Effective communication is another important aspect of professionalism in education. Teachers must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with students, parents, and colleagues to ensure that everyone is working together to achieve common goals. Good communication skills are vital for building positive relationships and promoting effective learning.
Professional values are the beliefs and principles that underpin professional conduct. These values include respect, integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to lifelong learning. By upholding these values, teachers can promote a positive learning environment and contribute to the wider community.
Dual professionalism is the concept of having professional expertise in both teaching and a subject area. Teachers are expected to have a deep understanding of the subjects they teach, as well as the necessary pedagogical knowledge and skills to effectively convey this information to students.
Professional development is an essential component of maintaining professionalism in the education field. Continuing professional development (CPD) allows teachers to stay up-to-date with the latest research, teaching techniques, and educational policies. It is important for teachers to participate in CPD regularly to ensure they are providing high-quality teaching and learning experiences for their students.
In conclusion, understanding and upholding the concepts of professionalism and professional values are crucial for trainee teachers. By engaging in wider professional practice, effective communication, and continuing professional development, teachers can create a positive learning environment and promote the success of their students.
Further reading:
Academic Articles:
- Flanagan, K., Jacobs, R. L., & O’Brien, K. R. (2015). Teaching professionalization: An essential but elusive ingredient in STEM teacher preparation. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 26(7), 667-686. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10972-015-9444-4
- Hargreaves, A. (2000). Four ages of professionalism and professional learning. Teachers and teaching, 6(2), 151-182. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/713698714
- Guo, Y., Ko, H. C., & Chen, N. S. (2014). Developing and validating a teacher professionalism scale. Teaching and Teacher Education, 38, 43-52. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0742051X14000958
Online Articles:
- National Education Association. (2017). Professionalism in teaching. https://www.nea.org/resource-library/professionalism-teaching
- TeachThought. (2020). Professionalism in teaching: What it means and why it matters. https://www.teachthought.com/professional-development/professionalism-in-teaching-what-it-means-and-why-it-matters/
- Edutopia. (2019). What is a professional teacher? https://www.edutopia.org/article/what-professional-teacher
Videos:
- The Art of Teaching. (2019). Professionalism in teaching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btL8IV_uuIY
- U.S. Department of Education. (2015). The teaching profession. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7lNUlNtQfI
- National Center for Teacher Quality. (2014). What is teacher professionalism? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckzSfT7SSMk
