Description of Vision
A truly transformed educational profession requires visionaries that understand the occupation’s dynamics and its changing technological, social, economic, and political landscape. Having a clear vision ensures that the educator transforms their educational approach to fit the changing circumstances, thereby guaranteeing the students’ quality of education (Choi & Lee, 2018). The clearer the picture, the better the educator will be in creating and implementing policies that drive professional growth and student achievements. It guides and directs administrative and pedagogical approaches, ensuring that the teacher’s effort results in success.
Embracing Challenges and Changes Effectively
Changes and challenges are part of personal and professional growth. They are inevitable, no matter how carefully one tries to avoid them (Choi & Lee, 2018). Thus, every educator must embrace change effectively by preparing mentally early enough. A cautious evaluation of present changes and challenges will help any educator evaluate progress and utilize an outcome framework to chart the way forward. To embrace challenges and change effectively, he or she needs to understand that no situation is permanent (Smalley & Smith, 2017). After that, the educator needs to navigate the matter’s complexity and clarity by considering all the issues at play in the change effort and understanding and prioritizing them. Managed well, change can result in better personal and professional outcomes.
Staying Current with Best Practices
One way to embrace change is to anticipate it with an open mind. Often, this requires that a person becomes familiar with the current best practices through extensive research and inter-disciplinary collaboration (Smalley & Smith, 2017). Using evidence-based practice in the classroom setting improves student outcomes, simplifies the teacher’s work, and improves their experiences. For example, a teacher that stays abreast of current technologies and applies them in their classrooms can enjoy the conveniences of classroom technologies earlier than those who are late in adopting such trends (Alavi & Gill, 2017). Staying current with best practices is also a sign of commitment to the profession and lifelong learning.
Ethical and Responsible Use and Maintenance of Student Information
Teachers must use student information constructively, ethically, and responsibly. The reliable utilization of the data entails changing teaching approaches and related activities to fit into the student’s needs, thereby facilitating their steady academic progression (Alavi & Gill, 2017). An educator can also use the student data responsibly by organizing parent or guardian meetings and discussing the student’s performance and how best to enhance it.
Professional Teaching Experience
Teaching offers individuals an excellent opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, thereby acquiring new knowledge, skills, and experiences. For example, by teaching in a culturally and linguistically diverse classroom, the teachers become aware of students’ different challenges and needs (Smalley & Smith, 2017). The teaching profession also offers participants great opportunities to interact with fellow educators from different backgrounds and settings to exchange ideas and facilitate the profession’s collective improvement.
Meeting Certification Requirements
Teachers must also meet certification requirements as a sign of commitment and dedication to the profession. Teachers must strive to meet the certification requirements because it is the only proof that they can teach students and contribute to their academic development. Credentialing by teacher employers also ensures that teachers have the proper education, training, experience, and qualification to teach their subjects (McEntyre et al., 2018). A person may meet certification requirements by working hard and keeping abreast of the latest developments and changes within the profession.
Obtaining Additional Endorsements or Degree
Lifelong learning should characterize the teacher’s life owing to the nature of their profession and knowledge’s appeal. The teacher should also consider acquiring additional degrees such as guidance and counseling, physical education, nutrition, and dietetics, or higher degrees and PhDs to further career development (McEntyre et al., 2018). It is rewarding for a teacher to continue acquiring knowledge even after the first degree.
Joining Professional Organizations to Enhance Network and Knowledge
Lastly, teachers must join a professional organization for networking purposes and knowledge acquisition. Many registered associations offer teachers the platform and support they need to thrive in their professions and overcome any challenges that may act as stumbling blocks. Professional organizations also facilitate resource sharing and continuous growth.
References
Alavi, S. B., & Gill, C. (2017). Leading change authentically: How authentic leaders influence follower responses to complex change. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 24(2), 157-171. Web.
Choi, E., & Lee, J. (2018). EFL teachers’ self-efficacy and teaching practices. Elt Journal, 72(2), 175-186. Web.
McEntyre, K., Baxter, D., & Richards, K. A. R. (2018). Coordinating effective field experiences: Recommendations for cooperating teachers. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 89(3), 9-16. Web.
Smalley, S. W., & Smith, A. R. (2017). Professional development needs of mid-career agriculture teachers. Journal of Agricultural Education, 58(4), 282-290. Web.