Education is constantly changing; therefore, educators must be prepared to adapt and grow as the profession evolves
Education is constantly changing; therefore, educators must be prepared to adapt and grow as the profession evolves. As Piaget theorized, cognitive development occurs in stages, just as one grows as a professional educator. Setting professional goals, demonstrating high expectations, reflecting on personal biases and values, as well as developing a plan to meet your goals are crucial to support professional growth and lifelong learning. Imagine you are applying for a teaching position. Create a 12-15 slide digital presentation and video to share with the hiring committee prior to your interview.
Part 1: Digital Presentation For the digital presentation, provide a statement on each of the following and how they may influence your teaching and student learning:
Describe your personal values and biases. Include a discussion of ethical behaviors and the cultural framework you will bring to the classroom and the potential effects on student learning. Note: Refer to the Respect for the Diversity of Others, Fairness, and Professional Conduct in the “Professional Dispositions of Learners,” as well as Principles 1 and 3 of the Model Code of Ethics (MCEE) for ideas to support your statements.
Discuss what high expectations in the profession personally mean to you in each of the following areas: effective communication (Principles 1 and 4 - MCEE), technology (Principle 5 - MCEE), professional standards of practice (Principle 2 - MCEE), relevant laws and policies (Principle 1 - MCEE). Note: Refer to High Expectations, Professional Conduct, and Honesty in the “Professional Dispositions of Learners” document to support your claims.
Identify and discuss 2-3 professional learning goals and 2-3 professional development topics relevant to Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) that will support your future professional practice. Note: Refer to Reflection and Dedication in the “Professional Dispositions of Learners” document and Principle 2 of the MCEE to support your claims.
Sample Solution
Here is a detailed outline for a 12-15 slide digital presentation and video, structured to address the requirements for a teaching position application. The content is designed to demonstrate professional awareness and a commitment to growth.
Slide 2: Introduction
Digital Presentation Outline
Slide 1: Title Slide- Title: My Professional Teaching Philosophy and Commitment
- Name: [Your Name]
- Position Applying For: [Teaching Position]
- School District: [School District Name]
Slide 2: Introduction
- Briefly introduce myself and express enthusiasm for the opportunity.
- State the purpose of the presentation: to share my professional vision and commitment to student success.
Personal Values and Biases
Slide 3: My Personal Values- Statement: My core values include empathy, equity, and resilience. I believe every student deserves a compassionate and fair learning environment.
- Effect on Teaching: These values drive me to create a classroom where students feel safe, seen, and supported. I will approach each student with empathy, understanding that their backgrounds and experiences shape who they are.
- Statement: I recognize that my own upbringing and experiences may create unconscious biases. For example, I might have a bias towards students who are more verbally expressive, potentially overlooking the quiet, reflective learners.
- Effect on Teaching: To counter this, I commit to actively reflecting on my interactions, seeking feedback, and using a variety of instructional strategies to ensure all students have an opportunity to participate and succeed.
- Statement: My ethical framework is built on respect for diversity and professional conduct. I will create a culturally responsive classroom that celebrates the unique backgrounds of my students.
- Effect on Teaching: I will integrate diverse perspectives into the curriculum, use culturally relevant examples, and foster an environment where students feel proud of their heritage. This approach, aligned with MCEE Principle 1 (commitment to the student) and Principle 3 (commitment to the profession), promotes a sense of belonging and enhances student engagement.
High Expectations in the Profession
Slide 6: Effective Communication- Statement: High expectations for communication mean being clear, transparent, and respectful with students, parents, and colleagues. I will use various communication channels to ensure everyone is informed and involved.
- Connection to MCEE: This aligns with MCEE Principle 1 (fostering student well-being) and Principle 4 (collaborating with the community), as open communication builds trust and a strong support network for students.
- Statement: High expectations for technology mean not just using it, but leveraging it to enhance learning, foster collaboration, and provide equitable access to resources.
- Connection to MCEE: In line with MCEE Principle 5, I will use technology responsibly and ethically, teaching digital citizenship and ensuring that its use serves the pedagogical goals of the lesson.