E – Exemplify service to the teaching profession.
E1 – Exemplify professionally-informed, growth-centered practice. Teacher candidates develop reflective, collaborative, professional growth-centered practices through regularly evaluating the effects of his/her teaching through feedback and reflection.
There is a long list of strategies that are inherent to an effective educator. As I step into a new teaching career, my excitement increases as I witness teachers who have been in the profession for years and still love their jobs. Education is a field of many challenges; teachers and administrators must always reflect on the reasons they went into this field. Without passion, the basic pedagogical skills that are essential to a productive learning environment would be difficult to reach. On the other hand, with passion, an educator will have the drive and enthusiasm to design a memorable learning environment for their students, embracing challenges as opportunities to solve problems. While standard teaching skills are essential to effective education, it is most important for educators to consistently enjoy what they do, to embrace a building passion that drives devotion in a field of growth and learning.
A teacher I’ve recently observed embraced an enthusiasm for her profession yet had quite a few challenges to overcome. In addition to a third grade class size of thirty-two, she also had many students on IEPs and still others with varying disabilities. Not only did she find effective strategies to teach to all of her students, she also developed relationships with individuals that could serve as effective aids and tutors to these kids. The students in this third grade classroom had an enthusiasm for learning that was infectious. This teacher’s drive and devotion to teach to the broad spectrum of learners in her classroom created an educational atmosphere that was challenging and enjoyable for everyone.
Effective educators need to inherit many skills but if they truly have passion for their profession and seek opportunities to overcome problems, they will inspire others to appreciate and enjoy learning. Don’t get me wrong, there are many important aspects that are inherent to effective educators but passion is one that should remain with them throughout their career. This will always help drive the motivation to develop all of the necessary skills and flexibility in order to maintain a learning environment that will lead to a continuous love of this profession.
Nicole Kurtz: MAT Portfolio 