Describe the duties of elementary and secondary school teachers in terms of the recognized criteria for a profession. What are the major differences in duties?
If you're thinking about becoming a teacher, you need to answer this question yourself.
I'll be glad to critique your answer.
If you can't answer this question, please learn to say, "Do you want fries with that?"
The duties of elementary and secondary school teachers align with the recognized criteria for a profession, which can be described using the following elements:
1. Specialized Knowledge and Skills: Both elementary and secondary school teachers possess specialized knowledge and skills related to their subject matter or grade level. They have obtained a degree in education or in a specific subject area, along with teaching certifications.
To find the specific duties of elementary and secondary school teachers, we can refer to credible sources such as educational institutions' websites or official government documents. These sources typically provide detailed information about the responsibilities, roles, and expectations of teachers at different education levels.
For example, an elementary school teacher's duties may include:
- Teaching a range of subjects to a single class of students.
- Creating lesson plans and instructional materials.
- Evaluating and assessing student performance.
- Communicating with parents or guardians regarding student progress.
- Providing guidance and support to students in personal and academic matters.
On the other hand, secondary school teachers, although they share some duties with elementary teachers, have additional responsibilities due to teaching older students. Some of these unique duties may include:
- Teaching specific subjects in greater depth, often specializing in a particular subject area.
- Preparing students for standardized tests, college applications, or career pathways.
- Supervising extracurricular activities or clubs related to their subject area.
- Guiding students in career planning and offering advice on their academic future.
2. Autonomy and Decision-Making: Like other professionals, teachers have a degree of autonomy in their classrooms to make decisions that best serve their students' needs. However, the level of autonomy in decision-making may vary depending on the educational institution, curriculum requirements, and administrative policies.
To better understand the extent of autonomy and decision-making for elementary and secondary school teachers, studying teaching guidelines, educational research, and teacher testimonies can provide valuable insights. Professional teaching organizations and associations are excellent resources for exploring these aspects.
3. Ethical Standards: As professionals, teachers are expected to adhere to ethical standards and codes of conduct established by their profession. They are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of student information, treating students and colleagues with respect, and promoting an inclusive and safe learning environment.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the ethical standards expected from teachers, researching teaching ethics resources and reviewing relevant policy documents, such as codes of conduct or professional guidelines, will provide valuable information.
In conclusion, elementary and secondary school teachers have duties that align with the recognized criteria for a profession. Their roles may differ in terms of the subjects taught, the ages of the students, and the specific responsibilities associated with each level. By referring to credible sources, such as educational institution websites or government documents, one can explore and compare the specific duties and expectations of teachers at different education levels.