Standard 8 focuses on educators’ commitment to contributing to the profession and ensuring that the teaching profession continues to grow and evolve positively and meaningfully. Teachers are not only responsible for educating students, as well as ourselves but also for contributing to the broader educational community.
This standard emphasizes the importance of teachers engaging with and contributing to the professional community – within their schools and the wider field of education. It highlights the idea that educators are not just passive participants but active contributors who help shape and advance the profession. Through collab, leadership, mentorship, research, or advocacy, educators play a crucial role in improving the quality of teaching and learning for all students.
As teachers, we are expected to grow in our practice. This includes engaging in professional development such as conferences or workshops, ensuring we stay up to date with the latest educational trends and focus. It is also important for teachers to advocate for the value of teaching & for improvements in the educational system.
I was able to take part in multiple collaboration sessions while at DP Todd, and the learning was invaluable. Being able to collaborate and work with seasoned teachers, who were more than willing to help me, answer any questions, or look through activities/assignments I had planned, helped me grow a substantial amount as an educator. My coaching teacher and I collaborated a lot, we worked together to create new and fun assignments for students (which they loved) and to create units that were well-rounded, inclusive, and informative. These collaboration sessions were a huge factor in my success with my teaching, and I am deeply grateful.
