The competent teacher is an ethical and reflective practitioner who exhibits professionalism; provides leadership in the learning community; and advocates for students, parents or guardians, and the profession.
Charlotte Danielson Framework - Teacher Interview
This paper reflects on the four domains in Charlotte Danielson's framework for teaching and how it may be used in practice. After interviewing a high school teacher, I described how her teaching style fit into each of the four domains. This paper demonstrates that an active teacher "understands the importance of modeling appropriate dispositions in the classroom (9H)" with her modeling for the robotics team and within her classroom. The teacher also values her students and families which supports standards 9L, "communicates with families, responds to concerns..." and 9M, "communicates...using a variety of technology and digital-age media and formats" by how she keeps families informed about class activities and any concerning issues that have arised with her students. I find that my 27 years of corporate work in accounting and finance will lend toward strong professionalism and leadership within the education community. My performance evaluations support strong communication with my staff and with the greater department. The Danielson framework is similar to core competencies that I was evaluated in my annual performance reviews. While my audience is changing from executives and professionals to students and families, I will always demonstrate professionalism and respect to all. This interview helped me reinforce the importance of maintaining professionalism but at a level that makes connections with students to enhance learning.
Trinity Christian College Education Program Learning Outcome #3
At the end of my Adult Studies Education Program at Trinity Christian College, I was asked to speak on learning outcome 3, "Exemplify professional responsibilities, attitudes and behaviors." I spoke at our luncheon recognizing the various student teachers for completing their student teaching but also earning their degree or their teaching license. This was the narrative I wrote so I was prepared to speak to my fellow classmates, college supervisors and professors.
This speech supports learning standard 9 - professionalism, leadership and advocacy. "The competent teacher is an ethical and reflective practitioner who exhibits professionalism...and advocates...for the profession." I agree with this statement completely as I have heard too many comments on how teachers are not professionals like attorneys or doctors or executives. I disagree with those comments and do voice my opinion in a calm, debate like manner. I disagree because teachers have earned not only their bachelors degree but in many cases their masters degree in the education field. Teachers continue professional development as part of their job. This is done in addition to creating lesson plans, collaborating with other teachers and administrative staff, instructing students, mentoring other teachers and students, grading assignments, researching creative ways to deliver content and the list goes on. I have witnessed this in my student teaching but also as a parent.
I understand what goes into teaching and this career choice. Now are there less than stellar teachers? Yes but that is true in any profession! I have witnessed that during my 27 years working in the corporate sector. As a former corporate professional, I plan to bring that professionalism to my teaching career. I want to be an advocate for the profession and lead by example that all teachers strive to do their best and educate our future. Through my student teaching experience, I had excellent mentors in the business department and not just my cooperating teachers. I have found many of the teachers I came into contact with to be direct, helpful, courteous and driven. They want to do their best for their students. The teachers carry themselves with strength through this pandemic and lead by example for the student body. They not only teach their content, but provide opportunities to allow students to feel and express themselves in a safe environment. I was fortunate to have such a positive student teaching environment to work.