Becoming a Professional Educator | Origin: EC101
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Your First Year as a CTE Teacher (Part 1) --> Becoming a Professional Educator
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
I've learned that the field of education is both VERY rewarding and, concurrently, almost gut-wrenching and seemingly thankless. It can become quite difficult (quite quickly) to navigate the inner-"realm" as one strives to do the very best that he or she can.
This is compounded by the reality of where I live and work: Alaska. Up here, just as we have educators that seem to get hired because they "have a pulse," we also have some VERY bad building (and Central Office) administrators. In Alaska, the CTE "world" is almost without limits--IF one can grapple with administrators that know almost nothing about what we do...or why.
What have you learned from this module and how do you intend to apply it?
I've learned it's important to separate home and school involvements. Professionalism in the workplace as a teacher means to have clear boundaries an never post or send anything that will be inappropriate.
Becoming a CTE teacher allows one to provide real world experience to students beyond the traditional academics that everyone experiences in their education paths. What was once known as vocational education has become a more intricate pathway for students to be able to both pursue particular interests in a career, and be able to make the academic aspect relevant to that career...and the real world. But the CTE teacher is the glue that makes it all come together. It's very rewarding to be involved in helping students pursue successful careers.
Good afternoon All,
After reviewing this module there are a multitude of wonderful tidbits to take away. I feel setting boundaries and expectations are key component to a successful CTE classroom/lab. I have 20 years of CTE classroom experience which gives me a different perspective and lense for this course.
What are some areas that new CTE teachers are struggling with in the classroom?
Becoming a teacher and a role model and keeping things professional and keeping my private life separate. Setting boundaries is as important as teaching content.
I learned the difference between rules and boundaries. Set boundaries for students for professional learned environments.
What I learned from this module is the importance of boundaries and maintaining a professional teacher to student relationship. There is a big difference between students in a classroom, and apprentices on job site. Being from the electrical field and working for years on construction sites with apprentices much younger than me I can see that line getting blurred.
Understanding the importance of not being students new best friend, safety is first priority in the classroom and out of classroom. Professionalism and accountability are important
From this module, I learned that being a professional educator is about a lot more than just teaching content. It includes things like being ethical, working well with others, continuing to learn, and always keeping students’ best interests in mind. I also learned how important professionalism is in the way we communicate, handle challenges, and represent ourselves in and out of the classroom.
I plan to apply this by staying open to feedback, continuing my professional growth, and building positive relationships with students, families, and coworkers. I want to model professionalism for my students while creating a supportive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
I have learned the importance of following rules, establishing and maintaining boundaries and to exemplify professionalism as a teacher.
Comment on John McGlaughlin's post: Absolutely! Setting clear boundaries is key to maintaining a professional relationship with students. Watching your online presence and being mindful of interactions helps protect both you and your students, while still keeping the classroom a supportive learning environment.
This module helped me see the professional side of being a CTE teacher. I learned there are fewer CTE teachers than regular teachers, so our role in preparing students for careers is really important.
I also learned why it’s important to know educational terms, set boundaries with students, and remember that we are role models. Talking with mentors about things like social media use can help keep those boundaries clear. I plan to apply this by modeling professional behavior, staying approachable, and keeping communication open with students and colleagues.
Keep a professional barrier between you and the students and be cognisant of your position at all times.
Never share cell phone number. Students are students not your friends.
To model understanding/provide support/encourage problem solving/and be a good listener.
Maintain your professionalism and don't become friends with students.
Set good boundaries and watch your online presence.
It is important to set rules and boundaries in the class from the beginning.
I learned that although I can be a mentor and love doing so that boundaries have to be set . Professionalism is always a huge thing and I got a through reminder of all the accronyms.
