To be a professional means doing your work seriously and adhering to schedules not because you must but because of respect to colleagues and those around you because it makes a difference to them. Similarly, to be a professional in the teaching industry means (Saskatchewan Teachers Federation, pg.2),” The public trusts professional teachers because they have the qualifications, including specialized knowledge, skills and judgment, to serve students’ educational needs.” These qualities lead to the professionalism skills you must have in order to serve students. Behaving so gains the trust of students, colleagues and the public so you can succeed at this career.
To be a teacher 24 hours per day is not really justifiable but being a professional is. I do not find it very possible to be a teacher 24/7. I do find it possible to portray the characteristics of a teacher 24/7 and being a professional 24/7. Your beliefs and skills you have acquired during teaching will shine through to your daily life such as having a caring demeanor, being a problem solver, and having the self respect to be confident to teach and supply those around you. Also, you can not be posting inappropriate things on social media as another example. You are expected to be a professional 24/7 and if that was the case, general public trust would be lost.
The focus of the ‘Direction 2025’ document is “advancing the interests of teachers and advocating for excellence in public education. (Saskatchewan Teachers Federation, pg.2)” I found it a supplement to express the need for high quality education as well as the direction we need to move towards. It addresses the issues and variables teachers face that are needed in order to succeed in providing education and reach our full potentials. It teaches us the route to reconciliation to improve experiences for teachers and students as well.
Something that surprises me that has some relevancy to the documents is the resiliency of children who come from different backgrounds or tough home lives and how they can succeed with some care, the right tools, and adequate education. These children move mountains with the basic tools needed but with advanced tools and everything necessary, they can overcome more than we think. This is also what I see the ‘Direction 2025’ document meaning.
Something that gives me hope is the advancements in technology and internet in rural communities so that students are able to succeed and have more opportunities to learn if they have different learning styles. You do not have to be in a city or private school anymore to receive top notch education. New opportunities are being brought to our hands to give students the best options for them.
What excites me to become a teacher is making a difference to someone’s life. I will get to be a direct influence on another human and nourish them with knowledge and care not only to succeed in the books but day to day life.