EDF 2005 Chapter 2 Becoming a Professional Educator

Two General Organizations for Teachers National Education Association (NEA) –Strikes? – How do you feel? –Some control over: Teacher preparation Qualifications for hiring Content of courses Selection of learning materials Identification of instructional methods

Two General Organizations for Teachers American Federation of Teachers (AFT) –Affiliated with AFL-CIO American Federation of Labor Congress of Industrial Organizations –Teachers viewed as those in large corporations –Since teachers are “distant” from district administration, teachers should have a strong organization to influence decisions

Preparation as a Process Teaching, as with anything learned, is progressive NEAAFT Common Bond

Professional Development Phases Pretraining –Personal experiences –Your education –People of influence Formal Preparation –Accreditation bodies –Core studies –Specialization and majors –Professional education Internships / Observations

Professional Development Phases Induction Years –Prepared day one? –A lot learned during the first few years –Special assistance Mentors Orientation programs Staff development

Professional Development Phases Continuing Growth –Staff development In-serviceWorkshopsSeminarsConferences Within district and outside of district –College and University Courses –Professional Group Involvement – p.38

Education’s Code of Ethics Refer to pages 40-41

Teaching Portfolios Teacher Prepared Material Contribution of Observers –Formal evaluations and assessments –Letters of recommendation –Peer-evaluations & letters Learners’ Work

Teaching Portfolios Organizational Formats –Personal background –Context information –Instruction related information –Responses to special needs of students –Contributions to school –TECHNOLOGY!

Roles for Educators Classroom Teachers –Individual –Teams Grade-Level Leader –Team leader, Grade chair, Department head Curriculum Leader –CRT School Administrator –Principal, Assistant Principal, District administrator School Counselor State Education Agency Employee Teacher Educator Private Sector Opportunities