Are teachers professionals?

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.

 

My Educational Philosophy

Education is fundamental for children, not only for their academic development but also for their cognitive, social and emotional development as well as the development of life skills and  integration in society. All children have the right to an education and should receive one. Learning does not necessarily always happen in school, children can learn from a parent, sibling relative or even peers. I feel that education is something which I have most definitely taken for granted, especially while I was at school and at the time I don’t think I valued education the same way I value education now.

While in school children should have access to a wide range of subjects, the Curriculum for Excellence has 8 core areas which children should be able to explore. This will allow children to develop knowledge and skills which they can transfer to various different learning experiences. It is important that the teacher has an understanding of the curriculum stages as well as the child’s level of development so the child can be encouraged to build on their learning and skills at a level appropriate to them. Children in school should have access to a variety of resources to aid their development and learning.

I believe that a positive school ethos is key to a child’s learning. Children should feel safe, valued and respected in school. Building a positive environment for children will encourage and motivate them to be active in their own learning. Every child should be treated equally and as an individual, they should also be included in all aspects of  their learning.