As a Career teacher I reflect on my teaching practice to support student learning. I maintain an attitude of lifelong learning. I establish professional goals and engage in continuous and purposeful professional growth and development and formulate professional development plans that are based on my reflection and analysis. I collaborate with teachers, administrators, education specialists, paraeducators, and staff to ensure that all students' diverse learning needs, interests, and strengths are met. I collaborate with colleagues and engage in the broader professional community to support teacher and student learning. I value and respect students' families and appreciate their role in student learning. I engage local communities in support of the instructional program and challenge myself intellectually and creatively throughout my career. I manage professional responsibilities to maintain motivation and commitment to all students. I demonstrate professional responsibility, integrity, and ethical conduct. I remain informed of, understand, and uphold the professional codes, ethical responsibilities, and legal requirements applicable to the profession.
As an educator and classroom facilitator, I am continuously reflecting on my teaching. Not only am I analyzing and assessing my instructional decisions, I am also reflecting on my inactions as well. Over the course of any given week, I ask myself questions such as, “How did I hook my students’ attention? Did I maintain their engagement throughout the lesson? Did my instruction allow for students to better understand the content presented to them?” and countless others. I try my best to provide myself with immediate feedback after each lesson but I also realize this is not always possible. However, I do set aside time after each and everyday for personal meditation and reflection. The art of teaching is the art of revision.
An additional essential component of my successful teaching career is my dedication to continuing my personal journey as a learner. I believe that an individual never stops learning. This is especially true of educators. Over the course of my time as an educator, I have continued to grow my knowledge base by attending as many professional development opportunities as possible.