TEACHING PROFESSION

The Nature of Teaching

In its broadest sense, teaching is a process that facilitates learning. Teaching is the specialized application of knowledge,
skills and attributes designed to provide unique service to meet the educational needs of the individual and of society.
The choice of learning activities whereby the goals of education are realized in the school is the responsibility of the
teaching profession.

In addition to providing students with learning opportunities to meet curriculum outcomes, teaching emphasizes the
development of values and guides students in their social relationships. Teachers employ practices that develop positive
self-concept in students. Although the work of teachers typically takes place in a classroom setting, the direct interaction
between teacher and student is the single most important element in teaching.

Teaching as a Profession Teaching as a Profession

 The continued professionalization of teaching is a long-standing goal. Some association continues to work to advance
teaching as a goal. Professionalism is a complex and elusive concept; it is dynamic and fluid. The expectations for the
professional practice of teachers related to interim and permanent certification are found in the Teaching Quality
Standard Applicable to the Provision of Basic Education. The Teaching Quality Standard defines the knowledge,
skills and attributes all teachers are expected to demonstrate as they complete their professional preparation, enter the
profession and progress through their careers.

The teaching profession fulfills those criteria in the following ways:

 Teachers have an organized body of knowledge that separates the group from all others.

 It serves a great social purpose.

 There is cooperation achieved through a professional organization.

 There is a formal period of preparation and a requirement for continuous growth and development.

 There is a degree of autonomy accorded the professional.

 The profession has control or influence over education standards, admissions, licensing, professional development,
ethical and performance standards, and professional discipline.

Teachers as Professionals

 The certificated teacher is the essential element in the delivery of instruction to students, regardless of the mode of
instruction.

 A teacher has professional knowledge and skills gained through formal preparation and experience. Teachers provide
personal, caring service to students by diagnosing their needs and by planning, selecting and using methods and
evaluation procedures designed to promote learning.

 The processes of teaching include understanding and adhering to legal and legislated frameworks and policies;
identifying and responding to student learning needs; providing effective and responsive instruction; assessing and
communicating student learning; developing and maintaining a safe, respectful environment conducive to student
learning; establishing and maintaining professional relationships; and engaging in reflective professional practice.

Social Standards in Teaching Profession

It is a teacher who prepares students to behave appropriately within campus and in the society. Social norms and cultural
values are considered part of professional and social life transferred from a teacher to student. This necessitates academia
to become a role model leaving a positive impact on students in and out of the classroom. Teachers are expected to meet
the following social standard code of ethics:

 Social interaction
 Good human being
 Good relations with colleagues
 Good relations with students
 Positive attitude
 Passion for public service
 Fairness in dealings
 Loyalty to country and nation

Professional Standards in Teaching Profession

Professional Standards in Teaching Profession

Attitude towards work reflects professionalism of university teachers. The teaching profession demands:

 Good communication with professional experts, colleagues and students.

 Sound knowledge in the subject and related duties that is to be performed

 Technical skill of teaching explicitly and focused content orientation

 System evaluation and opening a new spectrum of information

 Firm determination & commitment with the profession of teaching

 Refined values and behavior

Elements of a Profession

What is professionalism?

 Different fields - May look differently in different fields Any examples?

 Profession - Occupation or vocation requiring training in the liberal arts or sciences and advanced study in a
specialized field; a body of qualified people
 Professional - Having great skill or experience in a particular field; an assured competence in a field
 Professionalism - Professional status, methods, character, or standards

Elements of a profession

 Body of Knowledge
 Institutions which transmit Professional knowledge
 Creation of professional authority as a result of public approval
 Code of ethics
 Commitment to profession ideals
 Professional Associations

o Body of Knowledge
 Research
 Publications

o Institutions which transmit Professional Knowledge

 Colleges and Universities
 Development of Accreditation Standards
 Programs are accredited
 People are certified and/or licensed

o Code of Ethics
 NRPA code of ethics
 ATRA code of ethics

o Certifications
 CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist)
 CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional)
 o Professional Associations
 Networking
 Promote Standards of Practice
 Recognition
 Liability benefits
 Advocacy
 Educational opportunities
 Communication

Characteristics of a Professional

 Make sound decisions

 Function as leaders
 Put clients first
 Commit to profession
 Strong work ethic
 Appreciate diversity
 Accept responsibility
 Positive attitude
 Timely completion of tasks
 Balance professional relationships
 Punctuality
 Clothing choices
 Morality and ethics
 Professional organizations
 Cell phones and pagers
 Certification

What can I do now?

 Volunteer
 Think about your resume
 Develop activity resources
 Join professional organizations
 Put this information into action in all your classes