The video titled ‘What makes a teacher who makes a difference’ on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U58EFAwnKpw covered a variety of thoughts on the matter of professionalism.
The video highlights the need for teachers to maintain a high level of professionalism in order to complete their job successfully eg. assisting and helping children to learn. The video makes a comparison between teachers and nurses by illustrating that a lack of professionalism leads to a breakdown in the working environment and therefore the job cannot be completed effectively. Where nurses risk people’s lives by being unprofessional, teachers risk the futures of students and pupils.
The video also focuses on the individual views of a group of teachers. It discusses which attributes are required to excel in the role of a teacher who makes a difference. The first skill mentioned is the importance of teamwork. I agree with this statement as I feel that in order to create an effective and positive learning environment teamwork must be used. According to the second teacher, teachers must be approachable by both pupils and their families as well as the community. This is vital in creating a good relationship with children and their parents and will minimise the risk of any conflict arising. The third teacher highlights the importance of loving your job. I too believe in this idea as how can you possibly be able to effectively do your job without having a passion for it. By being passionate this will in turn inspire your pupils. Dedication is another factor that is key in being a teacher. A teacher must be dedicated to providing the best education for their pupils. In addition to this sacrifice is also necessary. Teaching isn’t just a 9-5 job, there is a great deal more to it. For example planning lessons is a time consuming task which may eat into your free time however it is necessary and is required if you want to be that teacher who makes a difference. We all know it is nice to be fun in the classroom but a degree of discipline is necessary. Children need discipline in their lives in order to develop as individuals and develop an understanding of what is right and what is wrong.
The video then goes onto discuss three teachers who have gone the extra mile in their profession:
Teacher 1: The first of the three teachers illustrates the commitment to education within her local community. She worked within adult language classes and thus aided the attendants of her class with life requirements such as paying bills and filling out essential forms. I feel that this dedication and commitment to her local community is a well developed and professional aspect of her teaching as she helps others create a strong “can do” attitude by helping them to gain confidence in completing allocated tasks. This not only makes her exceptional as a teacher but also a strong role model to her younger pupils who will in turn recognise the importance of going the extra mile for others.
Teacher 2: The second teachers shows an understanding of her need to improve in her mathematic ability in order to continue to effectively educate her pupils as the curriculum in which they work in evolves and develops. I feel that self awareness is key as a teacher as experience in a classroom may be a crucial element in becoming a great teacher but ultimately it is not enough when it comes to being well equipped for teaching learning students and pupils. Over the years I have heard the expression that “everyday is a school day” and I feel that this couldn’t be more true. Yes, teachers teach the pupils but it is not only the pupils that are required to learn. To be that teacher that who makes a difference it is so important that we can recognise the areas in which we ourselves must develop.
Teacher 3: The third teacher shows the importance of a good relationship with the people who work around you. I feel that she acts as a catalyst for success within the working environment as she encourages and helps her colleagues to develop confidence in their job position. This sense of leadership in the way of looking out for others is a strong aspect in her willingness to go the extra mile as she supports her fellow teachers and helps establish a working environment that will consistently go under positive and effective change.
Finally, it is clear to see that the teachers in the video have all gone out of their way to make a difference in their profession. I agree that simply acting in a “textbook” fashion is not enough to become an outstanding teacher. Going beyond the everyday expectations is what shows dedication and skill within the job and I feel that this is where I want to excel. I want to continue to learn as I teach, I want to inspire and help those around me and I want to be an effective leader within my working environment. Ultimately, I want to be that teacher who makes a difference.
