September 9, 2021


Being professional means being reliable, trustworthy, prepared, educated. Professional identity extends from the workplace to lifestyle practices. Teacher professionalism means that you are relied on to provide education to the best of your ability,  and to create a safe and caring environment for students while upholding the values of the profession.  Professionalism is also impacted by workplace relationships. “Effective professional relationships are essential to the teaching practice.” (Teaching Professionalism) Without mutual respect within these necessary relationships,  teachers may be viewed as unprofessional. Having the skills to resolve conflicts in a respectful, ethical manner is also a part of teacher professionalism.  

Teaching is a twenty-four hour job. The Teaching Professionalism PDF states, “teachers have a responsibility to act at all times in a manner that is worthy of public trust and consistent with the teaching profession’s expectations.” This statement clearly shows that teaching is not only an occupation but it is a way of life. Not only do teachers have after hour tasks such as marking and lesson preparation, they have the career long responsibility of staying current with educational research and best practices. Teachers are also role models for their students at school, at after school events and in the community.   

My job as a Faculty of Education student is: to become familiar with the theories and concepts regarding learning, with the content and curricula I will be teaching, and to gain a deeper understanding of the educational process.  I need to broaden my own education so I am able to create an environment focussed on equity, professionalism, and understanding, for my future students. I am responsible to present myself as a professional within class, and in day to day life in my community. Being a Faculty of Education student means I am an associate member of the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation, therefore I should adhere to all codes and standards they set out.