Quote to live by
-Benjamin Franklin-
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember,
involve me and I learn.”
My Top Three Principles In Teaching
Commitment to Students and Student Learning
I am dedicated my care and commitment to all my students. In my classrooms students are treated equitably and with respect and I am aware of sensitive factors that influence individual student learning. I acknowledge that each student is a contributing citizens of Canadian society.*
Professional Knowledge
I will strive to be current in my professional knowledge and recognize its relationship to practice. I understand and reflect on student development, learning theory, pedagogy, curriculum, ethics, educational research and related policies and legislation to inform professional judgment in practice.*
Leadership in Learning Communities
I promote and participate in the creation of collaborative, safe and supportive learning communities. I recognize my shared responsibilities and my leadership roles in order to facilitate student success. I try to maintain and uphold the principles of the ethical standards in these learning communities.*
My Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession
At the heart of a strong and effective teaching profession is a commitment to students and their learning.
Care
Students need to be shown compassion, acceptance, interest and insight in order for the development of their potential. The students’ well-being and learning will be expressed through positive influence, professional judgment and empathy in practice.*
Trust
Fairness, openness and honesty are key features of my classroom. A teachers’ professional relationships with students, colleagues, parents, guardians and the public are based on trust.*
Respect
Teachers need to honour human dignity, emotional wellness and cognitive development. Throughout my professional practice, I have modeled respect for spiritual and cultural values, social justice, confidentiality, freedom, democracy and the environment.*
Integrity
Honesty, reliability and moral action are embodied in the ethical standard of Integrity. Continual reflection assists teachers in exercising integrity in their professional commitments and responsibilities.*
My Self-Assessment
Fun. Fun. Fun.
Attendance
The teaching area will be prepared at least 15 minutes before morning classes start, and at least five minutes before afternoon classes start. (s.20 of Education Act, Reg. 298.)
Teachers need to be role models. If students see teachers being on time and following the rules it will motivate them to hopefully do the same.
Attire
Students tend to model the behavior and appearance they see in the classroom. As such, following the dress code policy allows teachers and staff to gain the respect needed to set a positive example for their students.
Use of Personal Devices
Electronic communication and social media create new opportunities for extending and enhancing education. However, as the number of communication forms increase, so does the chance of an unintentional mistake. Ontario Certified Teachers must be aware of the potential risks associated with electronic communication and social media so that they can use them safely and appropriately. By being aware, risks can be minimized and model the digital professionalism. Maintaining professional boundaries in all forms of communication, technology-related or not, is vital to maintaining the public trust and appropriate professional relationships.
Manners, Speech and Communication
Teaching is all about communication - listening, speaking, reading, presenting and writing. Teachers who hone their communication skills are prepared to instruct, advise and mentor students entrusted in their care. Having great manners, speech and communication skills will help teachers build great relationships with everyone around them.
Confidentiality
When considering privacy, teachers should remember that all student personal information belongs to the student and therefore should be kept private. Teachers can ensure students’ privacy by empowering them to share only the information they want and helping them understand how sharing their personal information can impact them. Students trust their teachers to keep their data confidential and share it carefully. Teachers are responsible for holding every student’s data in confidence and sharing it only with necessary parties such as parents, other teachers, and administrators. Finally, teachers should also be careful about the information they themselves share about their private lives. Once teachers open up to the students, the students will feel more connected to the teacher. It is important for students to see teachers as human being.
Respect, Care, Trust, and Integrity
Teachers are not only educators, but role models as well, and must uphold the highest standard of respectful and responsible behavior (Provincial Code of Conduct, PPM 128). Teachers are expected to show respect, civility and responsible citizenship. This includes demonstrating "honesty and integrity”. It also requires that teachers respect and treat others fairly regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability. (Provincial Code of Conduct, PPM 128) Teachers are expected to model respect for human dignity, spiritual values, cultural values, freedom, social justice and democracy, and the environment (Ontario College of Teachers' "Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession”).
Extra-Curricular Activities
Teachers who are involved in after-school programs can get to know their students in a different atmosphere. One of the most important things a young student can gain from his or her education is the bond made with their teacher in a less traditional environment. It is extremely important for teacher to build good and strong relationships with their students. Providing students with a place to relieve stress, avoid trouble and learn new things, extra-curricular activities are essential to building balanced and intelligent pupils.