P3

Conceptual Definition of the Professional Teacher

A professional teacher is defined as a licensed professional who maintains a high level of dignity and a strong reputation characterized by high moral values. This individual must possess both technical and professional competence. According to the Code of Ethics of Professional Teachers (1997), a teacher is one who adheres to, observes, and practices a strict set of ethical and moral principles, standards, and values.

Professional Attributes and Knowledge Bases

Professionalism in teaching is rooted in a sense of efficacy, which is the teacher's perception of themselves as an individual capable of affecting change or facilitating learning. This efficacy is built upon two primary pillars of expertise:

  • Subject Matter Knowledge: Expertise in the specific content or discipline being taught.

  • Pedagogical Knowledge: Expertise in the methods, strategies, and science of how to teach effectively.

According to Arends (1994), several specific attributes define a professional teacher:

  • Control of the Knowledge Base: The ability to manage and utilize the knowledge base of teaching and learning to guide the both the science and the art of their specific teaching practice.

  • Repertoire of Best Teaching Practices: The possession of a diverse set of proven instructional strategies used to teach children in classroom settings and to collaborate with adults within the school environment.

  • Dispositions and Skills: The maintenance of a reflective, collegial, and problem-solving approach to every aspect of professional work.

  • Lifelong Learning: The perspective that learning to teach is a continuous, lifelong process, accompanied by the skills necessary to improve their own teaching performance and contribute to the improvement of the school as a whole.

Personal Attributes and Teacher Identity

Personality is the sum of an individual's personal characteristics and constitutes their identity. In the field of education, teachers are often held to a higher standard of judgment than other professionals. The personality projected by a teacher determines the professional and personal impressions made upon students and colleagues alike. While personalities are often categorized as authoritarian, weak, dynamic, or "magnetic," a teacher's personality must remain natural and genuine.

Authenticity is critical; a teacher's persona must be devoid of pretenses and artificiality. Effectiveness is tied to being consistent, true, and authentic. Certain outstanding personal qualities are recognized for their ability to win over and successfully lead a class of students.

Core Personal Qualities of Effective Teachers

  • Passion: This quality drives teachers to care for their students. Passionate teachers demonstrate spontaneity in addressing the needs of their students, particularly those who encounter learning difficulties. This care is often expressed through appropriate reformative passion intended to help students improve.

  • Humor: A teacher's sense of humor acts as a magnet that connects them with their students. Humor serves as a bridge, merging the two worlds of youth and maturity.

  • Values and Attitude: Teachers serve as constant models of values. These values represent established standards, a code of ethics, and strong internal beliefs. Key examples include:

    • Open-mindedness

    • Fairness and impartiality

    • Sincerity and honesty

  • Patience: In the context of the classroom, patience is defined as a teacher's uncomplaining nature, coupled with self-control and persistence.

  • Enthusiasm: This quality is synonymous with eagerness and excitement in the pursuit of teaching.

  • Commitment: A committed teacher is characterized by being caring and dedicated to their craft and their students.

Learning Application and Critical Reflection

Understanding the elements of teaching involves reflecting on the interaction between feelings, emotions, and the learning process. The following concepts guide the evaluation of teaching and learning dynamics:

  • Affective Impact: The way feelings and emotions directly influence a learner's ability to process and retain information.

  • Self-Assessment: The identification of personal strengths and weaknesses as a learner or educator.

  • Sensory Limitation: Evaluating whether a learner can imagine or conceptualize something that has not first been experienced through the physical senses.

Questions & Discussion

  • Question: Are good teachers born or made?

  • Question: A Chinese proverb states, "Teachers open the door. You enter by yourself." What is the meaning of this?

  • Question: How many effective teacher characteristics can be identified when recalling a favorite teacher?