Teaching is no longer a profession where educators just enter the classroom and start teaching. It is a profession that requires compassion, integrity, and respect for diverse cultures. Our community has become more diverse over the years as our country experiences an influx of migration. Our classrooms are filled with learners from diverse cultural backgrounds at various learning abilities. Professional educators are tasked with not only educating their students, but they must also be knowledgeable in meeting the social and emotional needs of all students.  
 

          As a professional educator, I vow to uphold the values stated in the Professional Disposition of Learners. I will set high expectations for all students regardless of their learning abilities and learning challenges. I strongly believe that all students are capable of learning when they are provided with appropriate learning tools. Our learners are learning at different levels and at a different pace. The saying “There is no one-size-fits-all” cannot be more accurate when it comes to teaching strategies. I will assess my students to get a better understanding of their needs and use the data to identify their learning gaps by collaborating with other supporting staff along with input from students. Next, I will determine instructional strategies that are effective to meet the needs of my students. This could include scaffolding and differentiated strategies that are both proven to be efficient pedagogy in a diverse classroom. As I decide on what is best for my students, I will ensure honesty towards my students and be truthful to them. Being transparent will help me build positive and trusting relationships with my students, believing that I will always treat them fairly while advocating for their needs.  
 

          I had grown substantially in my professional disposition throughout my four short years working in the education system. I work hard to build positive relationships with my students and their families by getting to know them outside of the classroom setting and making a connection with families beyond the academic arena, expressing compassion by genuinely caring about our students so that I can support them in their learning process. I will create a classroom environment that is warm and welcoming. A positive learning environment generates a sense of belonging and familiarity which enables students to strive in their learning journey. I will advocate for positive change that benefits our students’ learning experiences in schools and in our communities (Grand Canyon University. n. d.). As a professional educator, I am dedicated to my profession to better serve our students by maintaining professionalism throughout my career. I vow to treat every student fairly and respect their differences; setting realistic expectations for students based on their learning goals. I will continue to grow professionally by pursuing training that helps to strengthen my teaching skills and reflect on my practices to seek continual improvement. 
 

          The Professional Dispositions of Learners and the Model Code of Ethics have similar values that are expected of professional educators. Both emphasize the importance of maintaining professional conduct throughout one’s teaching career. Educators are expected to commit to high standards by continuing professional training to update content knowledge; and protect students’ confidentiality, using the data assessment to make the best decisions for students’ learning. It is critical that educators protect the integrity of their students by ensuring communications regarding a student are conducted confidentially and abiding by the legal rights of all parties involved, creating a safe and trusting positive learning environment for our learners (Model Code of Ethics for Educators (MCEE). 2023). Both guidelines also mentioned the importance of respecting the differences among students in all aspects, including their cultural practices, religious beliefs, or learning abilities. Additionally, the Professional Dispositions of Learners and Model Code of Ethics stresses the importance of educators’ responsibilities to their students and their communities by enacting a positive role model inside or outside of school settings. It is our civil duty to protect our students from harm.

In my future professional practice, I pledge to be a lifelong learner by continuing to attend professional training to improve my teaching skills. I will seek advice from my mentors and other staff to establish instructional strategies that are beneficial to my student’s learning. Most importantly, I will continue to reflect on my teaching practices to seek continual improvement and to become a more efficient educator. 

 

References:

Grand Canyon University. (n. d.). Retrieved on September 16, 2023, from https://www.gcumedia.com/lms-resources/student-success-center-content/documents/coe/coe-pro-disposition.pdf
 

MODEL CODE OF ETHICS FOR EDUCATORS (MCEE). (2023). nasdtec.net. Retrieved September 10, 2023, from https://www.nasdtec.net/page/MCEE_Doc