1. Chapter 12: Growing Toward the Teaching Profession

2. Focus Questions
How can I practice professionalism during teacher preparation?
How does professionalism look in the various relationships involved in teaching?
How can I develop as a professional when I am a teacher?
What do I have to offer the teaching profession?
What is my role as a professional in education reform?

3. Six Practical Goals for Student Teaching
Find out what teaching is really like
See if you really like teaching
See if you really can do it
Learn some skills and modify certain habits and characteristics
Begin to develop your own approach or style
Apply what you’ve learned in college to real students and to real classrooms

4. Ways to Invite Families to Participate
Welcome letter
Classroom newsletter
Homework hotline
Phone calls
Electronic communication

5. How to Develop Professionally
Organized professional development
Informal professional development using 21st-century accessibility
Advanced degrees
National board for professional teaching standards certification
Teacher evaluation as opportunity for professional growth

6. Concluding Thoughts
It is possible to spend an entire career accepting responsibilities to families, community, colleagues, the educational system, the profession, self-growth, and students. Fulfilling each responsibility brings opportunities to affect students’ lives and to enjoy a career filled with challenge and satisfaction.