Category Archives: 1 Prof. Values & Personal Commitment

Values Module Input

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I found this week’s Values module input an important and interesting insight into racism and patriarchy. The lecture tackled these difficult topics in a respectful manner, which I found engaging.  Although difficult, it is important not to shy away from these topics. Many lecture attendees got involved in discussion and contributed points I had not previously considered.

As a Primary teacher I believe that it is my job to raise my awareness of racism and sexism in order to educate my pupils and prevent these issues in the classroom.  I feel it is important to highlight to young people that everyone is equal and deserves the same respect and opportunities, regardless of their background.  As a Primary teacher must also ensure that no genders are subconsciously favoured.

Values Workshop Reflection

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The Values workshop on Tuesday was an interesting and thought provoking experience which shed a great deal of light on structural inequalities in society and how easy it is for us to not even notice them. The group I was part of had the most resources and encouragement from the tutor, making me totally oblivious to the lack of resources and help the other teams were given. I was horrified that I did not notice these basic inequalities in the classroom, nor did I notice how downhearted the other teams were. However the exercise definitely opened my eyes to issues people deal with on a daily basis. I hope not to make this oversight again during my professional career or in life in general.

As a teacher I believe it will be my duty to identify and work past inequalities and deliver lessons accessible and inclusive to all, regardless of the different barriers students may face. This correlates to The General Teaching Council for Scotland’s ‘Standards for Professional Registration’, which states it is essential to show trust and respect for all by “Demonstrating a commitment to motivating and inspiring learners, acknowledging their social and economic context, individuality and specific learning needs and taking into consideration barriers to learning.”

It is also important that young people feel their voices are heard and valued by their teacher, who must accept everyone for who they are. Social justice should be at the forefront of education and a core value for all teachers. The GTCS states that teachers must be “Committing to the principles of democracy and social justice through fair, transparent, inclusive and sustainable policies and practices in relation to: age, disability, gender and gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion and belief and sexual orientation.” I believe children need to be given all the facts about a subject in order to allow them to come to their own conclusions, without pressure or bias from outside sources. As a professional I know it is vital that I never let my personal opinions come through.

My Teaching Target

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I have always wanted to be a Primary teacher because I believe every child deserves a fair start in life and has the potential to succeed.  I want to help each child build their confidence and find their own voice, as I have.  I want to give pupils the keys to unlock their learning, the opportunity to pursue their passions, and the chance to thrive in a positive environment regardless of their background.  I hope to be a supportive and inspiring teacher. I believe it is crucial that learning is made fun and accessible to all.

I have wanted to be a Primary teacher for all of my life, apart from when I wanted to be a lollipop lady in nursery!  I even remember writing a poem in Primary 4 called ‘Teacher Tastic’ about all the tasks I would love to do as a teacher, such as preparing the paint for art lessons and making the class rules.  I love teaching and helping people to do new things and feel an enormous sense of fulfilment when someone achieves something they have previously struggled with.  I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to inspire and shape the lives of future generations.

Volunteering twice weekly at my local Primary school, during my final years at high school, gave me a huge insight into the role and responsibilities of a teacher.  I observed that being a Primary teacher is challenging but highly rewarding.  There was never a dull moment!

Welcome to your WordPress eportfolio

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Welcome to your ePortfolio. This is where you will document and share your professional thoughts and experiences over the course of your study at the University of Dundee and beyond that when you begin teaching. You have the control over what you want to make public and what you would rather keep on a password protected page.

The ePortfolio in the form of this WordPress blog allows you to pull in material from other digital sources:

You can pull in a YouTube video:

You can pull in a Soundcloud audio track:

You can upload an image or pull one in from Flickr or any other image sharing site.

Teacher, Lorraine Lapthorne conducts her class in the Grade Two room at the Drouin State School, Drouin, Victoria

You can just about pull in anything that you think will add substance and depth to your writing.