According to the Oxford dictionary the term ‘profession’ is defined as, ‘a paid occupation, especially one that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification.’ Of course it would be viable to state based on this definition, that teaching is a profession as it meets this criteria.
As cited in Carr (2000, pg.23) there are 5 criteria of professionalism, however it is stated that teaching does not meet all of these criteria and may perhaps only count as a semi profession. In my opinion teaching as a profession meets four of these criteria. First of which is ‘professions provide an important public service.’ Teachers are highly regarded in society and if appropriately educated and trained can provide an education – a basic need and entitlement for children. Secondly I believe that teaching meets the second criteria, ‘they involve a theoretically as well as practically grounded expertise.’ Teachers must have theoretical knowledge as well as the skills to put these theories into practice in their classroom, for example theories on learning, development or behaviour management. Teachers need to meet and maintain standards of registration with the General Teaching Council(GTC), this meets the third criteria that professions ‘require organisation and regulation for purposes of recruitment and discipline’ The fourth criteria which I feel teaching meets is ‘ they have a distinct ethical dimension which calls for expression in a code of practice’. As a teacher you have to support and guide children in making sense of and developing their own moral values without imposing your own values and beliefs onto the children.
According to the Oxford dictionary there are several definitions of ‘professional’. I fully support the claim that a teacher is a professional and the definition which aids my understanding of a teacher being a professional is ‘a person engaged or qualified in a profession’. A teacher must be qualified in order to meet the standards for registration with the GTC before being able to teach. This qualification is a combination of knowledge and transferable skills which should continually grow and expand as their career progresses.
The most important aspects in my opinion of teachers being professionals is the impact they have on children. Teachers should undoubtedly be positive role models for children, therefore should act in a away which is professional and acceptable. A teacher needs to make sure they do not act in a way which will impact negatively on a child. As a teacher, I believe that you are regarded highly in society therefore there are certain behaviour which are expected of you. Secondly I believe that the teachers’ attitude and self commitment are key attributes of being a professional. Teachers need to be committed to continual development in their career through taking advantage of new learning and training opportunities.
