Domain Four: Professional Responsibility
Standards 9-11
Professional responsibility is paramount for teachers in the 21st century as it encompasses the ethical and legal obligations that guide their conduct and decision-making. Without professional responsibility, there would be multiple issues in the classroom which could affect the dynamic between students and teachers. With the increasing cultural diversity, and evolving educational standards, teachers must uphold high ethical standards to ensure the safety, well-being, and academic success of all students. Adhering to professional responsibility fosters a positive learning environment, promotes equity and inclusivity, and upholds the integrity of the teaching profession. It also builds trust among students, parents, colleagues, and the community, enhancing the overall effectiveness and credibility of educators in the 21st century.
Professional learning is vital for 21st-century teachers as it emphasizes continuous growth and development, as standard nine highlights. In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, teachers must stay updated with the latest research, technologies, and teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of their students effectively. Further, this standard encourages teachers to engage in ongoing professional learning, both individually and collaboratively, to enhance their skills and knowledge. By doing so, teachers can improve their teaching practices, leading to better student outcomes, allowing schools to reflect a higher level of success. Additionally, standard nine highlights the importance of using evidence-based practices and data analysis to inform teaching decisions, ensuring that instruction is effective and tailored to meet the needs of all learners. In standard ten, leadership and collaboration are magnified throughout the standard. Further these aspects are crucial for 21st-century teachers to effectively support student learning and advance the teaching profession. This standard recognizes that teachers play a significant role not only in the classroom but also as leaders and collaborators within the broader educational community. Additionally, standard eleven highlights the importance of maintaining confidentiality, respecting students' dignity, and upholding professional standards. In the digital age, where information is easily accessible, teachers must model safe and ethical use of technology, including social media. By adhering to these ethical principles, teachers demonstrate their commitment to the profession and contribute to a positive public perception of educators. Overall, standard eleven underscores the critical role that ethical practice plays in shaping a teacher's impact on students and the broader community, making it a fundamental standard for 21st-century educators.
By demonstrating professional responsibility, educators cultivate a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment conducive to student success. Additionally, upholding ethical principles fosters mutual respect, collaboration, and trust among stakeholders, ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness and impact of teaching practices in an ever-evolving educational landscape.
Standard 9, Professional Learning:
For a 21st-century teacher, standard nine discusses a dynamic approach to professional development and the art of teaching. It emphasizes the teacher's commitment to continuous learning, both individually and collaboratively, with the goal of enhancing student learning outcomes so that they can have better success in the classroom. By engaging in ongoing professional learning, including action research and best practices, teachers should be aiming to expand their repertoire of skills. Also, teachers should be using strategies and resources to better meet the needs of each student in their classroom. This involves using evidence of student achievement and various forms of data to evaluate teaching outcomes and make informed adjustments to their practice. Furthermore, teachers should be practicing self-assessment and problem-solving, as well as the ability to use learner data to differentiate instruction effectively. Standard nine also highlights the teacher's responsibility to stay informed about current education policy and research, while being mindful of personal biases and their impact on student expectations and relationships. Overall, standard nine reflects on how teachers should focus on growth, reflection, and adaptability in order to best serve their students and the profession as a whole.
As I have started to teach more concepts in my ELA classes, I have to realize that I need to integrate more creative concepts to help students gain a better understanding. So, I took the time to read "Creative Schools" by Sir Ken Robinson which aligns closely with standard nine. As standard nine emphasizes on the importance of educators engaging in ongoing learning opportunities to enhance their skills and practices, Robinson focuses on these continuous learning concepts. He argues that educators must continuously learn and adapt their practices to meet the diverse needs of students in a rapidly changing world. The book encourages educators to expand their repertoire of skills, strategies, and ideas through collaboration with colleagues, experimentation with new teaching methods, and a commitment to lifelong learning. By embracing these creative principles, educators can create dynamic and engaging learning environments that inspires creativity and foster a love of learning in students. The book highlights the importance of educators continuously expanding their skills and knowledge to meet the diverse needs of students. Notably, Robinson emphasizes the role of collaboration and experimentation in professional learning, encouraging educators to work together to develop and share best practices. He suggests that educators should be open to new ideas and approaches, willing to take risks, and committed to lifelong learning. So, within my “Fun Friday” activities, I have made a genuine effort in helping students take their creativity to new heights. Mainly, I tasked my students throughout the year with various creative projects that asked to integrate different subject areas and principles that allowed them to practice experimentation and idea development. For Dr. Seuss’ birthday, I tasked students with continuing the story of Green Eggs and Ham, all they had to do is be creative and provide at least eight continuing lines (results pictured above). Students during this time were able to channel their inner creative selves and learn with other students on how to rhyme and work effectively. Once we finished the lesson, I hung up some of the best pieces in the hallway. Overall, "Creative Schools" serves as a compelling call to action for educators to embrace professional learning as a means of improving student outcomes and transforming education for the 21st century.
Standard 10, Leadership and Collaboration:
Standard ten reflects a multifaceted role that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of the classroom. It highlights the teacher's commitment to leadership, collaboration, and advocacy in order to ensure student growth and growth in the profession. Further, the teacher is expected to take on various leadership roles, both within the school and in the broader education community. Standard ten emphasizes on the how it’s the teacher’s duty to advocate for learners and enact positive change within the student-body. This involves collaborating with colleagues, families, and community members to create a supportive learning environment that meets the diverse needs of learners. The teacher is also responsible for fostering a culture of continuous improvement, engaging in professional learning, and contributing to the knowledge and skill of others. Especially in the 21st century, it’s vital that the teacher is continuously growing their knowledge, besides their subject-area. Mainly, teachers should also maintain knowledge in areas such as social-emotional learning and cultural competency. Additionally, the standard emphasizes the importance of using technology and communication strategies to build local and global learning communities, as well as respecting and working collaboratively with families to support student achievement. Overall, this approach reflects a teacher who is proactive, adaptable, and dedicated to ensuring the success of all learners.
In the past I have taken the time to observe teachers in various classes can which showcases standard ten on leadership and collaboration. Mainly, observing teachers provides insight into how teachers take on leadership roles and collaborate with others to promote student learning and advance the profession. Through observation, I was able to see teachers actively participating on instructional teams, giving and receiving feedback, and analyzing data to improve student learning outcomes. I was also able to witness how teachers collaborate with other school professionals to plan and facilitate learning that meets the diverse needs of learners, especially in the inclusion classes. Additionally, observing teachers allowed me to see how they engaged collaboratively in schoolwide efforts to build a shared vision and monitor progress towards common goals. Overall, observing teachers in various classes can provide a comprehensive view of how they demonstrate leadership and collaboration in their practice, which is essential for promoting student growth and advancing the profession. When I was observing at Cherry Hill East in the fall of 2022, I maintained an observation log daily that was filled with feedback on the teacher’s lesson and methods. Within a English 4AP on September 12th, I logged the following note, “Encourages students to make connections with students in their essays. Pushes students to step outside of the box. Asks students what they mean by their thoughts – “What is it that you trying to express?” When I was planning for our Argumentative Writing Unit, I wanted to take a similar approach as they were tasked with writing about their perspective on AI. Mainly, I tasked students with making personal connections to their argument as they are currently growing up with this new technology. Later, I was able to see students make connections in their essays to AI by delving into their personal identities.
Standard Eleven - Ethical Practice:
This standard emphasizes the importance of ethical practice and integrity in the role of a 21st-century teacher. Mainly, it requires teachers to act in accordance with legal and ethical responsibilities, using fairness and integrity to promote the success of all students. This means that teachers must reflect on their personal biases and actively seek to understand cultural, ethnic, gender, and learning differences to create inclusive and relevant learning experiences. Teachers must also advocate for, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of information and technology for their students. This also includes proper documentation of academic sources and respectful use of social media. Additionally, teachers are expected to maintain confidentiality, maintain professional relationships, provide access to diverse viewpoints, and foster a safe and inclusive school environment. This standard focuses on the teacher's responsibility as a role model and advocate for students, requiring a high level of professionalism and ethical conduct in all interactions and decision-making processes. Moreover, the standard extends beyond the classroom, highlighting the teacher's role as a professional within the larger education community. This includes understanding and adhering to laws and regulations related to learners' rights and teacher responsibilities, as well as fostering productive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders. Overall, this standard serves as a guiding principle for teachers to act ethically, responsibly, and with integrity in all aspects of their professional practice.
When it comes to showcasing this standard, I have made an effort to make my classroom as safe as possible. Within emergencies, I feel that it is of the utmost importance to make sure I am prepared for any scenario. Furthermore, a CPR/AED certification showcases standard eleven by demonstrating my commitment to the well-being and safety of my students. By obtaining a CPR/AED certification through Rutgers University-Camden, I am equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in emergency situations, potentially saving lives of any of my students. This certification reflects my dedication to maintaining a safe learning environment and highlights my readiness to act responsibly and ethically in challenging circumstances. Additionally, the process of obtaining CPR/AED certification involves learning about legal and ethical considerations related to emergency response, further emphasizing the my commitment to ethical practice and student safety. By undergoing CPR/AED certification, I was engaged in a process that equips myself with life-saving skills but also showcases my dedication to creating a secure and nurturing learning environment. This certification signifies that I am prepared to handle unforeseen emergencies, such as cardiac arrest or choking incidents, with competence and confidence, ensuring that students are safe and protected.
Want to reach me?
Feel free to send any questions or comments in the box below!