Professionalism is a key factor in both an individuals journey through the Faculty of Education, as well as their career as a teacher. It plays such an important role in the impressions left on colleagues, students, and parents/guardians.
Two quotes that stood out to me in the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) document on Teacher Professionalism are both valuable concepts to continuously remember. One from Professional Practice and Context explains, “responsibility to act at all times in a manner that is worthy of this public trust and consistent with the teaching professions expectations”. I think that this is very important to remember because it says “to act at all times”, which simply proves that you are a teacher 24 hours a day. Being a teacher 24 hours a day means to maintain professionalism both at your workplace and outside of your workplace, whether that is at the grocery store, restaurant, through curricular activities, etc. Behaving in a professional manner 24 hours a day will ensure a healthy trust and relationship between all people involved. These impressions are evaluated by everyone watching. Another quote that stood out out to me was under Professional Relationships which stated, “effective professional relationships are essential to the teaching practice”. This quote ties in so perfectly with the first one because as mentioned before being a professional 24 hours a day will build these professional relationships, which is fundamental to this career choice. Trust is needed and required in both directions.
As a student in the Faculty of Education, I think that it is expected we begin to work, build, learn, and continually grow on this professionalism behaviour. Doing this will ensure that we can act and respond properly and appropriately in the future as we work towards our goals in becoming teachers.