Educators act ethically and maintain the integrity, credibility and reputation of the profession.
I believe that standard two is an important part of the educators profession. I value and am dedicated to ensuring the privacy of my students and maintaining the reputation of the teaching profession.
When you become a teacher, you are adopting a lifestyle and I wholeheartedly believe this. I will always strive to act ethically, with integrity, and credibility in and outside of the classroom. I grew up in a family that owned their own business. My dad inherited VanValve from my Granny’s parents. Therefore, I feel as though withholding a professional identity has been embedded into who I am since I was little. We were always taught to know our individual limits and boundaries and stay within those. Furthermore, we were taught that purposefully or accidentally going against our morals, boundaries, and limits there would be repercussions. Therefore, I feel as though I have a sufficient understanding of how to uphold a professional identity.
In the last few years to now of being a part of School District 57, I strive to have a professional approach when inside and outside the classroom. I want to be a role model for my students, peers, mentors, etc. I practice and will continue to practice respect, integrity, credibility, calmness, and kindness. While withholding the professional teaching identity and approach in my time with the School District, I have learned the importance of relationship development. Relationships with my students, peers, myself, the community, the land, and others I will be working alongside. In my opinion, withholding a professional teaching identity goes hand in hand with relationship development.
However, I do believe that it is important to maintain a healthy balance of personal life and work life. A major part of who I am is a socializer, friend, sister, concert lover, memory maker, entertainer, and so much more. I believe that I would not be who I am today without these attributes. I would not carry the same values of truth, kindness, collaboration, authenticity, life-long learning, and more. My values, attributes, and who I am at the core are how I develop relationships with people that I encounter. Therefore, I will not lose myself in the profession and promise myself that I will uphold what makes me – me, because at the end of the day, that is what got me here, that is my why, and that is how I am going to make a difference as a teacher.
As I head into Block 2 of the Education Program I feel that I am representing UNBC, the Education Program as a whole, my cohort, my mentors, peers, family, and educators. I plan to show my respect for this opportunity, by showing up early, professionally dressing and caring for myself, and being well prepared. In the theme of being prepared, I believe it is important to familiarize oneself with the school’s mission as well as make myself known to the custodian, principal, vice principal, secretary, coaching teacher, and all ELL/support teachers. I am extremely grateful to this program, this opportunity, and all the amazing human beings who make this possible.
Thank you for reading what standard 2 means to me! I look forward to coming back throughout my journey and scaffolding and adding new experiences/learnings to this page!