Figure 5.1 Characteristics of a Profession A profession:  Requires strong intellectual skills.  Provides an essential service.  Requires extensive specialized training.  Allows autonomy in decision making.  Emphasizes service to its clients.  Identifies professional standards of behavior.  Assumes individuals are responsible for their own actions and decisions.  Engages in self-governance. T-49 Henniger The Teaching Experience: An Introduction to Reflective Practice Copyright ©2004 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Figure 5.2 Beginning Salaries for Selected Occupations OccupationBeginning Salary Engineering$50,033 Computer Science$49,749 Math/Statistics$49,548 Sales/Marketing$40,033 Chemistry$41,190 Accounting$40,779 Liberal Arts$37,143 Teaching$28,986 Source: From Survey & Analysis of Teacher Salary Trends 2001, by Nelson, F.H., Drown, R., & Gould, J. (2002). Washington, D.C.: American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO: Reprinted with permission. T-50 Henniger The Teaching Experience: An Introduction to Reflective Practice Copyright ©2004 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Table 5.1 Professional Organizations for Teachers TypeExamples Educational levelNational Association for the Education of Young Children (birth – age 8) National Middle School Association Subject matterNational Council of Teachers of Mathematics National Council for the Social Studies National Council of Teachers of English SpecialtyNational Association for Gifted Children Council for Exceptional Children National Association for Multicultural Education GeneralistAssociation for Supervision and Curriculum Development Phi Delta Kappa International T-51 Henniger The Teaching Experience: An Introduction to Reflective Practice Copyright ©2004 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Table 5.2 Education Reform Efforts EmphasisDescription Higher standards for studentsFocused efforts to get students to take more rigorous course work Development of broad standards for core subjects Increased use of standardized testing More rigorous teacher certification Testing requirements for entrance into, and exit from, teacher education programs Improving the curriculum students in teacher education must take Mandating continuing education following initial teacher certification T-52 Henniger The Teaching Experience: An Introduction to Reflective Practice Copyright ©2004 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Figure 5.3 Sample Professionalism Statement Students are expected to familiarize themselves with, seek clarification of, and adhere to the expectations of university faculty, school principal, and classroom teachers regarding: 1.Conducts self ethically 1.1 Maintains confidentiality of privileged information 1.2 Interacts with students in an adult professional manner 1.3 Displays sensitivity and balance when treating controversial issues 2.Works productively 2.1 Makes expected contributions to solving student academic/conduct problems 2.2 Makes expected contributions to maintaining communications with parents 2.3 Maintains professional manner in dealings with parents, faculty, and others T-53 Henniger The Teaching Experience: An Introduction to Reflective Practice Copyright ©2004 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. (continued)

Figure 5.3 Sample Professionalism Statement (continued) 3.Displays initiative by using a variety of resources 3.1 Maintains expected teacher hours/schedules 3.2 Submits plans and other requested information punctually 3.3 Attends school and department/grade level meetings 3.4 Adheres to established standards for dress and grooming 4.Initiates personal growth in subject area(s), learning theories, and/or instructional practices; establishes goals for professional improvement 4.1 Sets goals for learning 4.2 Solicits and considers suggestions from others 4.3 Completes any prescribed training or self-study to attain goal 4.4 Meets university expectations T-54 Henniger The Teaching Experience: An Introduction to Reflective Practice Copyright ©2004 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. (continued)

Figure 5.3 Sample Professionalism Statement (continued) 5.Utilizes knowledge of families and community resources to enhance support for children and families, including those from diverse racial and ethnic groups 5.1 Demonstrates an awareness of factors such as family structure, life styles, culture, and special challenges/stressors that can make an impact on parent participation/involvement 5.2 Demonstrates awareness of agencies/resources available to support families and knowledge regarding access to such services Source: The professionalism statement of the Woodring College of Education, Western Washington University. Reprinted with permission. T-55 Henniger The Teaching Experience: An Introduction to Reflective Practice Copyright ©2004 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.