Professionalism is multifaceted and takes place in and outside of the classroom. The ultimate goal is that students benefit from the teacher’s pursuit of knowledge and influence in the community. Teachers benefit from professionalism through organizations that cater to their content knowledge, licensure areas, and academic interests. This enables them to further enrich their classrooms and their students’ learning.
Professional Practice Standard 6: Professionalism
Community
An important aspect of professionalism is community involvement. Being present at sports events, fundraisers, and other aspects of community life shows that the teacher is committed, not only to the students, but to the well-being of the entire community.
Certifications
As a professional working with children and young adults, I have obtained certification in CPR/First Aid, Dyslexia, and Identifying Abuse & Neglect.
Organizations
Being a member of professional education organizations is an important and valuable resource for my professional career. The following are three organizations of which I am a member.
The NEA offers a number of resources for teachers, including lesson plans, classroom management tips, and teaching strategies.
As an English teacher, the NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) is a valuable resource. They provide information, resources, and strategies for teaching writing and literature at all grade levels.
The ILA (International Literacy Association) is another valuable professional resource. They provide a variety texts, teaching strategies, and other resources for students of all reading levels.