• Write a 200- to 300- word paper in which you list 3 to 5 factors that define teaching as a professional career. Elaborate on how these factors are employed by teachers on a daily basis.
Here is what I have thus far. i was having trouble elaborating on the final area discussed. Any feedback would be much appreciated.
Teaching as a Professional Career
The educational system is a vital part of the sophisticated civilizations of today. The school system is demanding higher standards and accountability of teachers than ever before and yet some individuals continue to have difficulty identifying teaching as a profession. However there are several aspects and requirements of teaching that qualify this career as a profession. There are five main components that a career must possess to qualify as professional. The first includes an emphasis on decision making. It is essential that educators possess the ability to make effective decisions on the spot based on their experience and understanding of the teaching profession. Every day in the classroom teachers are faced with countless decisions to be made. For example teacher must decide daily; how to group students for assignments, how long a topic should be studied, what the most effective delivery of new information would be, how to incorporate multicultural lessons, and so on. In fact teachers make more decisions in a day than various other professional positions might make in weeks. In addition to making critical decisions a profession also requires reflection of the decisions that one makes. Teachers must continually reflect on the important decision made within the classroom to gauge the effectiveness of the approach and to determine what could be done differently to receive a different outcome. Self analysis is crucial when holding a teaching position it will allow for continual personal growth and further development of one’s philosophy of teaching. A specialized body of knowledge is also a key characteristic of a professional.
A person cannot teach something with which he/she is unfamiliar. Not only do teachers need to thoroughly understand their subject matter, but they also have to be able to relate it to the learners.
Thank you, Ms Sue!
To elaborate on the final area discussed, you can explain how teachers employ a specialized body of knowledge on a daily basis in their profession. Teachers possess a deep understanding of subject matter, pedagogy, and child development, which is reflected in their lesson planning, instructional strategies, and assessment methods.
Firstly, teachers use their specialized knowledge to design and plan effective lessons. They consider the content standards and objectives, breaking them down into manageable parts for their students. They also consider the different learning styles and abilities of their students, adapting their lessons to meet individual needs. For example, they may use visual aids, hands-on activities, or technology to enhance student learning.
Secondly, teachers employ their specialized knowledge to deliver instruction in a way that engages and motivates their students. They use various teaching strategies, such as direct instruction, cooperative learning, or inquiry-based learning, depending on the needs of their students and the subject matter. They also incorporate different modalities for instruction, including auditory, visual, and kinesthetic, to address diverse learning styles.
Furthermore, teachers use their specialized knowledge to assess and evaluate student progress. They design and administer assessments that measure student understanding and mastery of the content. They analyze the results to identify areas of strength and weakness, then adjust their teaching strategies accordingly. They may provide additional support or enrichment activities to meet individual student needs.
In addition to their subject matter expertise, teachers also possess knowledge of child development. They understand the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of their students at various stages of growth. This knowledge helps them create a supportive and nurturing classroom environment, build positive relationships with students, and address their individual needs and challenges.
Overall, the specialized body of knowledge that teachers possess is crucial to the effective functioning of their profession. They continuously apply their expertise to make informed decisions, plan and deliver instruction, and assess student learning. By doing so, they play a vital role in the education and development of their students, making teaching a professional career.