In modern society, the role of a teacher is undergoing substantial changes. Instead of being an authoritative figure, a modern teacher strives to become a role model, an inspiration, and a coach to students, developing their global competence and preparing them to face life challenges. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how I see the role of a teacher, problems and challenges, dispositions critical to the profession, and importance of a collaborative partnership between teachers, families, and communities.
The Role of a Teacher
In their practice, teachers face different types of social conflicts between peers, colleagues, school management, and parents. Agolli notes that some of the main causes of conflicts are “individual differences among students, lack of communication on different levels, cultural differences, disciplinary offences, lack of parental supervision, and lack of strict discipline” (Agolli & Rada, 2015, p. 69). I think that every teacher should strive to develop their conflict management skills in order to be able to successfully resolve conflicts and focus on academic work. Open communication with colleagues, students, and their families and adherence to a standard procedure of addressing conflicts helps to resolve all possible tensions timely and effectively.
The role of a teacher is particularly important in the society because they shape children’s mindset preparing them for future life and career. For me, being a teacher is hard because a teacher has to be a role model for students and a good leader with a set of distinctive personal qualities. A good teacher is kind, caring, optimistic, empathetic, disciplined, and creative, he/she is passionate about their job and is able to engage and motivate students. In my work, I would try to foster a classroom climate based on respect, enthusiasm, and practical application of theoretical knowledge in students’ daily life. I think it is crucial to find a balance between academic aspirations and personal relations, both teaching students and encouraging them to develop as thinkers, learners, leaders, and individuals. My vision of running a classroom involves strict adherence to professional ethics, implementation of innovative technologies and teaching methods, respects towards all students, positive attitude, and a constant search for new sources of inspiration.
Dispositions Critical to the Teaching Profession
Equality is the first principle that should be observed. I believe that all children should be treated equally regardless of their background, gender, culture, and ethnicity. A teacher should focus on creating a friendly and supportive classroom environment encouraging students to respect their classmates and be tolerant. All children can learn and should have access to knowledge, and it is our job to ensure that no child is left behind.
The second principle that should be observed is continuous professional development. Every teacher who remains active in the profession should strive to improve their knowledge, skills, and practice, and develop both their professional and personal qualities. I am particularly interested in learning new teaching tools and methods and implementing new digital technologies in my teaching practice. Digital technologies have been gradually changing the way which we teach and learn, and I think that incorporating them in our practice greatly enhances student learning.
The third principle is advocating for students and for education policies that support best practice. In my work, I strive to observe the following rules: always choose what is best for my students, take a stand for my students, create a positive environment, listen to students’ feedback, and try to see things from their perspective. I believe that teachers and students can act as partners in order to pursue a common goal of achieving academic success.
The fourth principle is strict adherence to professional ethics. It includes treating every student with kindness, fairness, and respect, and developing such character traits as honesty, patience, responsibility, and support. I see my role as not just being an authoritative figure, but also an inspirational influence that helps to bring desirable changes in students’ behavior. For me, having the sense of professional ethics also means treating students with love, care, affection, and commitment, and address their academic, personal, and social needs.
The fifth integral quality is the passion for teaching and learning and commitment to sharing my experience with colleagues and future teachers. I think that desire and enthusiasm are prerequisites for a successful career in education, and only a teacher who is passionate about learning can instil this sense in their students. Participation in conferences and workshops helps to gain new experience, share my expertise, expand my professional network, and learn new things.
Importance of Collaborative Partnership
I believe that it is the responsibility of every teacher to engage in a collaborative partnership with colleagues, students’ families, and the local community to support students’ learning and well-being. Effective communication between teachers within an education institution includes protecting colleagues’ reputation, treating them with the respect that they deserve, and demonstrating that I value their ideas, methods, opinions, and contributions. Collegial collaboration helps to plan and implement strategies that meet the needs of all learners. Collaboration initiatives include trading classes, co-teaching, and organizing schoolwide projects. By setting an example of effective teamwork, we inspire students to learn how to cooperate with each other to achieve common goals.
Consistently communicating with students’ families and engaging them in school activities helps to develop a consistent education process and provides continuity between classroom and home environments. Families involvement can range from helping students with homework and attending sports events to parents joining school councils and committees and participating in the decision-making process. School partnerships play an important role in supporting school planning, facilitating fundraising and volunteerism, and improving the school environment. In my work, I try to focus on encouraging open communication between parents and teachers and increasing and sustaining parents’ participation in the decision-making process.
On the community level, collaboration can be achieved through sponsorships and business partnerships, volunteer projects, student participation in local community activities, and their involvement in local councils and committees. I pay particular attention to student volunteer work, encouraging local businesses to open their doors for student volunteer programs. It is vital for a school and each teacher to maintain good relationships with local community organizations and businesses to make it easier for students to get involved in community activities.
Conclusion
Being a successful teacher requires a profound understanding of the teaching mission and professional responsibilities. My vision of a teacher’s role includes strict adherence to professional ethics and standards, development of conflict management skills and a certain set of personal qualities, and collaborative partnership with colleagues, families, and local communities. My main ambition is to become an inspiration and a role model for my students, helping them to find their place in life and achieve success.
Reference
Agolli, I., & Rada, A. (2015). Teachers’ experience and perceptions on conflicts at schools: their solution and addressing. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 5(2), pp. 69–72. Web.