Professional Growth
It appears that nowadays, it depends on people’s individual points of view of professional educators.
Just identifying educators as professionals might get met with comments of those two words together being oxymorons.
After all, many non-educators claim we simply play with kids all day and then have summers off.
However, if you come across a person who has had a teacher make a profound impact on their life, their point of view of professional educators would be quite different.
Obviously, peers view education professionals as actual professionals in their areas of expertise, understanding the amount of knowledge, effort, and dedication required to be an educator, especially recently as the learning environment has been so dynamic. (Palmer, 2015)
Ions ago, way before I became a teacher, even before I worked corporately, I was just a kid in her room with my Cabbage Patch kid and various stuffed animals seated in their “desks” as I taught them. Occasionally, there was also a baby cousin or nephew in my “class.” I mention all of that to say that even back then, I knew what it meant to carry myself as an education professional. I knew how I behaved with and without students, how I dressed, the development of my lesson plans, and how I presented myself mattered.
Fast forward to today and I still focus on carrying myself as a professional. I am mindful of when and where to have conversations regarding students and their needs. I consistently use personal reflection and research on theories and proven strategies to enhance my classroom teaching, whether it is online, in person, thorough paper packets, or any combination of those methods. Additionally, I take what I do seriously and carry myself accordingly. My school has recognized these attributes and chosen me to represent them within and outside of the district. The district has recognized my professionalism as well. I do not take it lightly that I am on curriculum writing teams, interview teams, and that my professional opinion has been requested and valued. Beyond the district, I am working on making professional connections like sitting on panels.
When I mention that I have taken the plunge to work towards my MS in Education, specifically in STEM, the overall response is that it is a perfect professional progression. It incorporates many of my loves into one place. I am always studying, learning, and desiring to learn something new daily. As a previous technology professional, STEM allows me to stay current in technology and to use what I learn in a way that will benefit my students. If I am excited about what I am teaching, the kids will see that my excitement is genuine and perhaps, they too will become excited!
References
Palmer, T. (2015, June 20). 15 Characteristics of a 21st-Century Teacher. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/15-characteristics-21st-century-teacher
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