4f: Demonstrating Professionalism

Expert teachers demonstrate professionalism in service both to students and to the profession. Teaching at the highest levels of performance in this component is student focused, putting students first regardless of how this stance might challenge long-held assumptions, past practice, or simply the easier or more convenient procedure. Accomplished teachers have a strong moral compass and are guided by what is in the best interest of each student. They display professionalism in a number of ways. For example, they conduct interactions with colleagues in a manner notable for honesty and integrity. Furthermore, they know their students’ needs and can readily access resources with which to step in and provide help that may extend beyond the classroom. Seeking greater flexibility in the ways school rules and policies are applied, expert teachers advocate for their students in ways that might challenge traditional views and the educational establishment. They also display professionalism in the ways they approach problem solving and decision making, with student needs constantly in mind. Finally, accomplished teachers consistently adhere to school and district policies and procedures but are willing to work to improve those that may be outdated or ineffective.

(Danielson, C. 2013)

Artifact 4f-1

Being a professional means that one meets required formal qualifications, in both manner and dress. Wearing professional attire does improve ones image and demonstrates their dedication to the work. During the end of 2020 I had the ability to teach in an face-to-face class in my literacy practicum. This was the first time returning to a face-to-face experience for many students. In the school that I taught at, it was only required for faculty to wear a mask, not the students. As an apprentice and representative of Brigham Young University of Idaho, I felt it necessary for me to wear a mask along with the faculty of the school. By wearing a mask, as I was asked to from the university, I showed professionalism by taking the correct actions in order to keep the students and faculty around me safe and healthy. This subject was very sensitive at the time, and there was a lot of debate and anger on this topic. I wore a mask to show courtesy for others during this stressful and tense time.

Artifact 4f-2

A professional is one that is always learning and growing as an individual. They are constantly reflecting on their own actions and pondering their ability to improve. An honest reflection and self- evaluation is a common action that professionals take. They take into consideration the opinions and observations of others. Overall, they seek to improve who they are, this could be spiritually, emotionally, physically, or mentally. They understand that this growth is rational through goals and planning. I have been able to make my own goals and plan in order to improve. I have done this in many aspects of my life, including in my desired profession, teaching. Here is a link to my Individual Professional Learning Plan, a set out plan of how I would like to improve my understanding and teaching within certain domains in the Danielson Domain Framework. Within this document is a set of plans for the improvement of my teaching capabilities within certain domains.

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