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Tuesday, August 27, 2013
September 16…Teaching as a Profession
Do
you think of teaching as a profession? If so, what does this mean to you? Does
your idea of teaching as a profession relate at all to the first blog prompt
(on Ayers)?
Eric says: I definitely think of teaching as a profession. There is a craft to teaching, it comes with a lot of responsibility and accountability. Teachers bring their own values and techniques to the classroom, all while following a code of conduct. Teachers have to go through years of schooling and become certified, and that is part of a profession. My idea of teaching as a profession does not relate to Ayers. Although I do agree with Ayers’ statement, it doesn’t relate to being a profession. Many teachers can meet the professional requirements to teach, but it doesn’t mean they will bring out the best in their students or teach to the best of their abilities.
If I had decided to pursue teaching at a younger age I might have viewed it as a profession. If I’m being honest I have not always wanted to be a teacher; however I’m excited and look forward to being one now. I find it hard to view any job as a profession, I just feel people and situations change. The Ayers prompt doesn’t have an effect on my opinion; I do think anyone that pursues a teaching career should possess the desire for all of their students to reach their full potential. I think there are individuals that do view teaching as a profession because they feel it is their calling. I don’t possess such a strong feeling about teaching. My past experiences and realistic outlook on life has tainted my view on any job being a profession. I believe most of us go into teaching because we hope to make a difference and leave a positive mark on our future generations. I hope that teaching will be my last career choice and that I’m able to create and find mutual satisfaction and fulfillment; who knows maybe I will consider it a profession after I’ve done it for a few years! - Rae Clune
According to the dictionary a profession is “a paid occupation that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification,” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profession). I think that teaching most certainly falls under this category. In order to be a teacher you must have at least a four year college degree, and usually a Master’s degree in most states. A profession requires hands on training, college courses, and someone who is professional. Teachers must have all of those qualities in order to run a classroom. I think that some people view teachers as highly trained babysitters for the school year, and they could not be more wrong. Teachers must have the knowledge to effectively teach twenty or more students at one time. Teachers are seen as role models for students, and should act in a very professional manner both inside and outside the classroom. Unlike business professionals, when teachers are seen outside of their work place they are still expected to act in a certain manner. They are looked at as still a teacher, not someone who is enjoying a night off of work. I think that by being held to this higher standard outside of the classroom definitely makes teaching a profession. Teachers are not only highly educated in their field of study, they are also taught how to serve as a proper role model for students. In our first blog we talked about out teaching helps students reach their full potential. While I think that the policy and law makers do not think of teaching as a profession in the same sense that educators do, we all work towards a common goal. We all know that sometimes teachers do not agree with what the policy makers come up with, they have to act professionally and carry out the rules and regulations. Teachers are seen as people who tap into the minds of children and hopefully help them succeed in every aspect of school, and I do not think anyone who is not a professional could do that job very well.
I find teaching to be a profession because it is not easy to teach others how to do things. A teacher does not just stand up in front of a class and show how to do calculus problems and move on. The teacher has to break down and show every step and ensure that each student understands how to do it. Beyond teaching people how to do things, a teacher must also know how to expand the minds of their students so that they know how to apply it to their own lives beyond tests and class grades. My teaching of history/social studies puts my profession in similar waves of Ayers’ quote because I want my students to learn from history and build their humanity or ethics based on how they view the historical events of the past. One has to be a professional to teach well because it is a career that will definitely test one’s patience.
Of course I think of teaching as profession! I mean hello that's what I plan to do for the next thirty plus years of my life. I believe teaching is one of the most important jobs you could ever have. I mean think about it without a teacher who would have taught Ronald Reagen to read? Bill Gates to compute mathematical equations? Miley Cyrus to twerk? (I'm kidding.) But really without a teacher could you be who you are today? Could you live life fully without the knowledge you've gained from a teacher? I think a teacher is every aspect of the word professional. From the way they dress, to the way they are expected to act in the work environment, even to the way they have are expected to act out in their every day lives. Teachers jobs aren't done at 5 P.M. and they can go home take a load off and get ready for the next work day. No, teachers have to think about their job in every aspect of their life. What am I going to plan for tomorrow, the next day, next week, next month, and so on. So of course I think of this career path as a profession. I obviously can see how this question relates to the Ayers one before but I more strongly agree with teaching as a profession than a fulfillment of your humanity.
When I think about teaching, I do consider it a profession. I have always thought of the definition of a “profession” as something one has studied and learned enough about to be considered a “professional” of sorts in that particular field. Teachers are trained through field experience and classes, they learn from experts on the subject of education and are always taking what they learn and applying it in their classrooms in order to help their students succeed. There are also rules, regulations and standards teachers have to meet, just like in any other type of profession or career. To me, teaching as a profession is all about collaboration with other teachers or experts in the field in order to continue to develop new and clever ways to inspire and teach students in a classroom setting and improve our education system as a whole.
With every profession, there are always goals and accomplishments you work toward in your career. Teachers are definitely not exempt from this idea. They are always thinking of different ways to inspire their students, new ideas to try out in their lesson plans, new goals to set for their classroom. In short, teaching always comes back to the students. As Ayers points out, teaching at its best is concerned with helping students become the best people they can be. In terms of teaching as a profession, if one were to define a “goal” for teachers everywhere, it would be just that.
I think teaching is definitely considered a profession. When I think of a profession, or a professional, I think of someone who has had training, whether it be from an education stand point or hands on experience, and has studied the field for a given period of time. A profession can be a line of work that not everyone could do without the proper training. To me, being a teacher falls under that category. Teachers have to meet certain characteristics and have enough training in order to be an effective teacher. Just like in other professions, teachers must work together with each other, with families, and with the students to continue their development. I like how Eric mentioned above that teachers may meet the professional qualifications to be a teacher but may not use those skills effectively when running a classroom. This can go for all professions and is just another example of why I believe teaching is a profession. When thinking about Ayers quote, I still agree with what was said, but do not feel like it relates teaching as a profession.
A profession is described as "a paid occupation, especially one that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification." Based on this definition, I would definitely agree that teaching is a profession. I think the real question is whether or not teaching can be considered a "career." I think teaching should definitely be considered a career because many people focus their whole lives around teaching. Teaching is a lifelong commitment that many people undertake. There are also many opportunities for advancement in the teaching profession. Teaching isn't just a career, it becomes part of someone's life.
Katherine says, I think teaching is definitely a profession. It is a valid and important occupation we need for society to function and that to me is the definition of a profession. Not only is it a profession but I would argue its one of the most important and meaningful professions out there. The first reason I believe this does in fact relate to the first post. As teachers we can shape students into model humans, productive citizens, and life long learners. Secondly, our teaching of others allows almost all other professions. Doctors, Lawyers, and other “professionals” would not be here if it were not for teachers. As teachers we teach those students to read, write, understand history, and do the mathematical computations they need to accomplish their professions. Teaching is a very important profession if we are going to learn and grow as people and a society.
I agree, Katherine, with the importance the teaching profession that other professions may not be as easy to access by everyone if not for teachers, nor even be provided with well educated individuals if teachers did not exist. Other professions would probably exist, but they would mostly be filled by the rich who could privately educate their children similar to many scenarios of the past prior to public education
Teaching definitely is a profession. To me a profession is a job that you have studied and trained for. Teachers are now required to have at least four years of college and with the requirements from No Child Left Behind the standards for teachers are becoming even more stringent. Teachers are also held to professional standards when it comes to dress and actions. In fact part even practicum students receive paperwork on professional dress and action when we enter the classroom. The high standards teachers are held to are at least in part an indication that this is a profession not just a job. One of my previous professors said that a profession has to have some type of redeeming social value. Teaching most definitely meets this criterion. To relate back to the first blog post, many of us are becoming teachers to help our students become the best, most human, versions of themselves. I can think of very few examples of redeeming social value higher than that.
I definitely think that teaching is profession. I think that a profession involves skill and training which we have both. I think that it's insulting when people assume what we do is easy and that anyone can do it. I think with all professions, you need to be good at it and it takes a natural ability. I think this is the case even more so because the natural ability plays into it so strongly. It is also not easy to teach someone to do something. There are elements at play when it comes to teaching them. These elements include motivation and practice. As student teachers, we receive a lot of practice and are held to high degree. Like other professions, we have jargon, dress codes, continuing training, unions. Our profession is one that creates all the others.
Teaching is definitely a profession. Honestly, I think teaching is one of the most important careers available. We are responsible for educating the future leaders of our county. Teaching requirements have even changed over the years. Every teacher has to at least have a Bachelors degree, but now many states are requiring teachers to obtain a Masters degree as well. We are required to be thoroughly trained, so we are completely prepared for our future classroom. According to Webster’s Dictionary a profession is “a job that requires special education, training or skill”. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profession) Teaching requires all of those traits and more! I want to also show my future students that I am always there for them as well set a good example as a role model for the students. The more education teachers have the better than performance in their own classroom, I hope. I feel prepared at this point in my educational position to go out and teach, so after next semester I should be all set to go! In the first blog, we discussed what we thought about teaching and how it helps students fulfill their full measure of humanity. I strongly agree with Ayers about how teaching can help fulfill students’ measure of humanity and I also agree that teaching is a profession. I think that teachers sometimes do not get the credit they deserve. We are here to teach and inspire the students!
I do believe teaching is a profession since it requires proper training, qualifications and salary. I also believe that teachers should probably be held to a higher standard at some point to ensure that all teachers are properly trained with better qualifications. I may consider that teaching is my profession, but I did not decide to become a teacher for the sake of having an official job or making money, obviously, as I could have done something else with a Biology degree. I really feel this is what I want to spend my life doing and contributing to society. It may be a profession, but I would rather consider it my life’s work. I do think this does relate to the first blog in that it strips away some of the formality of having a profession and shows a deeper value for why teachers should teach. Teaching, like many other professions, provide a necessary service to society that cannot be eliminated for the good of the public. If only certain individuals had access to an education, we would strip necessary freedoms and opportunities which would then defeat the human rights in our country or humanity as a whole.
Ryan D. - I believe teaching is a profession and not necessarily a calling because teachers need to go through extensive training and licensing exams in order to become certified. Like with all professions, teachers become experts in their field as they continue to gain experience so they begin to see things from the point of view of a teacher. For example, an experienced teacher can remedy a situation in which a student is having difficulty in a certain subject by seeing where the problem lies and then developing activities tailored to how that student learns. I also happen to think that teaching is more than just what content knowledge a person happens to possess. I have discussed this a lot with one of my best friends who's training to be a doctor, but just like in medicine, part of being a professional is being humane towards the people we work with since teachers can use their authority for good or bad and influence lives that way. So overall, I would say my idea of teaching as a profession relates to Ayer's ideas.
When thinking of a profession I often times think of things like doctors and lawyers, however after some time and thinking and really looking at what a profession is I completely agree with the idea that teaching is a profession. According to http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/profession?s=t a profession is a vocation requiring knowledge of some department of learning or science. To me this is exactly teaching, as teachers we are required to have knowledge of some parts of learning, which is explicitly stated in the definition. We all think of careers as the 9-5 job, however I feel a profession is more than that. We as future teachers are at an understanding that we are not about to acquire the typical 9-5 job we in fact are about to take on much more than that. We are required to essentially be at the request of our students, with long demanding hours that don’t end at the “end of the day.” I think teaching is a profession that is admirable, and takes a very strong willed individual knowing that we can change everything in one day also requires teachers to be dedicated. I feel that teaching in many ways is just as challenging of a profession as being a doctor or a lawyer, because of the demanding-ness which truly falls outside of the “job description.” I feel I am very passionate about my career as a future teacher and strive to be the very best teacher I can be day in and day out. I hope others around me can feel my passion and willingness to work hard to reach my goals as a professional and as a leader in the classroom on a day to day basis.
I do believe teaching is a profession. There may be some differences in how one would classify a teacher. Is the man who taught me how to fish any different then my high school English teacher? Both people give me some sort of knowledge that helps me become a more well rounded individual. The difference between the two lies within the standards and qualifications that each go by. The high school English teacher has a professional code, training, and is held to a high standard. There are guidelines that guide the teacher's thinking and engagement with the students. On the other hand the man teaching me how to fish is free form. He does not get paid or have an overseer. There is no one to tell him how or what to teach, it specifically comes from his own personal knowledge. Both can be beneficial forms of teaching and both extend in many ways some form of professional code. So in whether teaching is a profession or not, I believe it is because of the fact there needs to be some form of structure behind what is being taught. Knowledge needs to be guided so that the student is able to grasp and keep it. Because there are so many sides to teaching there needs to be a humanistic element in the methods of how you teach. It will give the student a better chance to connect and learn from the subject being taught. The classification of teaching as a profession lies within the way in which there needs to be a structure to help guide knowledge to the student.
Mandy-I definitely think of teaching as a profession. It’s what I’m going to school for. It’s the career I’m going to pursue after college. It’s what I’m going to get paid to do in order to support myself. All these factors I think make teaching a profession. However, I think in order to truly be a successful teacher you have to realize that what you’re doing is important. There is much more to it than simply teaching addition and grading papers. You’re job goes beyond teaching a student how to read, but teaching them even though something may be challenging if you work hard you can succeed.
Brittany Maiden writes: When I think about the example of teaching as a profession, I think about Ms. Gruwell in the movie "Freedom Writers." From the moment I finished watching this movie, my view on teaching changed completely. Not only do I view teaching as a profession, but I view it as an opportunity to become a leader for students. Without Ms. Gruwell's leadership examples and the love she has for her profession, the "at-risk" high school students that she taught would have never gained the confidence to succeed. Teachers are held to a high standard when it comes to the way they dress, the way they behave, and the experience they have behind them because they must set the example and be the role model for their students. Teaching to me IS a profession and I have to disagree with Ayers' view- I believe it is much more than just acquiring the knowledge and skills to be a great teacher. Success in teaching comes from the excitement and the ability to boost a child's confidence and their ability to learn.
Valerie Siira: I do think of teaching as a profession, but I will focus on counseling for this post, since that is what I will be doing. In any case, I think of counseling as a profession as well. Both teachers and counselors are professionals who have specialized training, and who practice their craft as a career. To me, counseling as a profession means that I have a duty to serve my students well and guide them toward positive development. Being a professional entails many things, but what comes to mind is upholding ethics, treating all students with dignity and equity, maintaining confidentiality (when appropriate), and generally being a supportive person who students can turn to as they navigate the various issues of their lives. My idea of counseling as a profession relates to the first blog prompt in that, as professionals, counselors should aim to help students reach their full potential. I think this is an important goal of education in all of its aspects. To truly help as many students as possible to "reach the full measure of their humanity" seems difficult to achieve though. I feel like something more could always be done. If I really did all that I could, I think all of my time would be taken up by my profession. The counseling program is very focused on wellness. We are encouraged to keep ourselves well in all dimensions so that we can be effective and empathic practitioners. That being said, I think professionalism demands that we not always think about our students. I want to do the best I can while also taking care of myself. Otherwise, I think burnout would inevitable. I want to be there for students in the long-run.
Caitlin Mewborn: I do consider teaching a profession because teachers get specific degrees in education, they must be licensed, and they are held to high personal standards. Teachers' school/work days don't end when the bell rings; their responsibilities extend before and after school. Teachers must also continue their education throughout their careers in order to be recertified.
In addition to these requirements, teachers are emotionally invested in their career and in their students' educational, physical, and social well being. This reasoning does relate to the previous blog prompt. If teaching were just a job and not a profession teachers wouldn't necessarily be concerned about helping shape students' lives. In order to help someone reach his or her full measure of humanity teachers must go beyond their basic requirements of transmitting information to the students. A teacher fulfills many roles outside his or her job description including parent, nurse, referee, custodian, performer, etc. In my opinion this also contributes to teaching being considered a profession.
Caitlin Mewborn: I do consider teaching a profession because teachers get specific degrees in education, they must be licensed, and they are held to high personal standards. Teachers' school/work days don't end when the bell rings; their responsibilities extend before and after school. Teachers must also continue their education throughout their careers in order to be recertified.
In addition to these requirements, teachers are emotionally invested in their career and in their students' educational, physical, and social well being. This reasoning does relate to the previous blog prompt. If teaching were just a job and not a profession teachers wouldn't necessarily be concerned about helping shape students' lives. In order to help someone reach his or her full measure of humanity teachers must go beyond their basic requirements of transmitting information to the students. A teacher fulfills many roles outside his or her job description including parent, nurse, referee, custodian, performer, etc. In my opinion this also contributes to teaching being considered a profession.
I think of teaching as a profession because the teachers need to go through proper education and use skills in which they morally and ethically have to think about situations that happen in their classrooms. Teachers are required to make decisions based on what their ethical values are based on the students emotional and physical being. As a teacher you become a role model for your students, and i feel it is our job as teachers to encourage students to succeed. To be successful in the profession of a teacher you truly need to know yourself and what you stand for and hopefully pass this along to your students. it is important to reflect on situations and see all sides and how others might view your decision that you made in a situations. As a teacher it is also important to believe truly in your decision and be able to back your opinion with your beliefs. Having these beliefs is not only be the authoritarian leader but to show equality and humanizing society so everyone can have an opinion or have a contribution to the classroom.
Teaching is most definitely a profession. We are in the process of getting a Master's degree and have had to pass several tests to be considered qualified. Teaching however, is not a regular 9 to 5 "professional" job. We are constantly working, grading papers, making lesson plans, etc. We also have to become recertified every so often. We are always perfecting our craft. We put everything we have into helping our students succeed.
I do consider teaching a profession because teachers get specific degrees in education, they must be licensed, and they are held to high personal standards. Teachers' school/work days don't end when the bell rings; their responsibilities extend before and after school. Teachers must also continue their education throughout their careers in order to be recertified.
In addition to these requirements, teachers are emotionally invested in their career and in their students' educational, physical, and social well being. This reasoning does relate to the previous blog prompt. If teaching were just a job and not a profession teachers wouldn't necessarily be concerned about helping shape students' lives. In order to help someone reach his or her full measure of humanity teachers must go beyond their basic requirements of transmitting information to the students. A teacher fulfills many roles outside his or her job description including parent, nurse, referee, custodian, performer, etc. In my opinion this also contributes to teaching being considered a profession. -Caitlin Mewborn
Do you think of teaching as a profession? If so, what does this mean to you? Does your idea of teaching as a profession relate at all to the first blog prompt (on Ayers)?
I feel teaching is a profession in that it should be done professionally and one should want to become a teacher. Professionalism is something that I pride myself in with my conduct and with my approach. I feel to be a professional, one must act like a professional. Professionalism is not clocking out when its 5pm and always trying to become better at your profession, even during the "off-hours". Professionalism is going to work and enjoying it, yet taking your profession seriously.
I feel teaching is a profession in that the standards need to be high to become a teacher, as they should be. Standards of morality, mutual respect, honesty and fairness should be the cornerstones of the teacher profession.
A profession is a “paid occupation that usually requires prolonged training and formal qualification”. Teaching is a profession as defined by that definition and so much more. Yes the work is paid….but what about the hours spent grading or the time spent planning, or the hours spent trying to figure out how to meet a particular student, or group of students needs…that is where teaching is more. Yes it does require training…but what about the mental training and preparation that a teacher must experience when dealing with challenging students, administrators, or parents…that is where teaching is more. Yes it does require formal qualification…but what about the hidden qualifications such as being dedicated to improving students needs and being flexible to deal with the unplanned issues…that is where teaching is more. Teaching to me is more than a profession. It truly is a lifestyle. You form relationships with the students and want to be there to help them succeed in every aspect of their lives. As discussed in the first prompt about Ayers quote on teaching helping students reach their full humanity, you have the power to do great things in your role as a teacher. You may be someone’s only hope and it’s up to you whether you step up to the plate and go above and beyond to make teaching not just a profession but a lifestyle.
Rob here- I believe teaching is a profession, one on equal footing with all other public servants. As discussed in class, we hit all the right notes in terms of being a professional. We are a paid occupation that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification. Beyond that, we are surrogate parents for our students, sometimes up to 40-50 students at a time. We also have to continue to learn as technology and research updates what we know to be best practices, meaning we need to be researchers as well in order to find the latest and greatest trends. This relates to our previous post because some people demean our profession, thinking we work too little for the pay we get. Many teachers burn the midnight oil correcting papers, planning, and researching for planning. However, because the children are in school for only six –seven hours, teachers must be free afterwards. Another issue with our profession is that some of our colleagues don’t pull their share. We all had a lazy teacher at some point, or the teacher whose professionalism is lacking. It is on us to understand that we represent so much more than ourselves, the school, and the community we also represent each other.
Do I think teaching is a profession? Of course! I went to school to study the subject’s I want to teach, I continued my education to attain the skills, means and ways of reaching out to my students, and I will continue to further my education even after I become a teacher to stay in line with the current norms, trends, and laws required for me to stay in the field. If I were a teacher right now I will be given a classroom filled with kids to teach, and in turn, I will be paid for it. Therefore, yes it is a profession. Now does having the knowledge, skills, and qualifications of being a teacher make me a good teacher- no. I could just memorize the facts that the students are required to know for the SOL test and teach to the very minimum, and technically, I am still working within a profession. I could excel throughout school, understand every aspect of reaching out to students and helping them learn, but if I cannot apply those tools in the classroom than I am not a good teacher- however, I am a professional none the less. I went to school, received my qualifications, have the job, and I’m getting paid.
My view of teaching as a profession does not relate at all to my post last week. Last week my post was about what it took to be a good teacher, and the role of a teacher in a students life. I talked about what a teacher needs to do to reach out to kids to help them reach their full potential. The things I wrote about last week are what I believe make a teacher successful, but even the teachers that are unable to reach out to their students in that manner are professionals.
Do I think teaching is a profession? Of course! I went to school to study the subject’s I want to teach, I continued my education to attain the skills, means and ways of reaching out to my students, and I will continue to further my education even after I become a teacher to stay in line with the current norms, trends, and laws required for me to stay in the field. If I were a teacher right now I will be given a classroom filled with kids to teach, and in turn, I will be paid for it. Therefore, yes it is a profession. Now does having the knowledge, skills, and qualifications of being a teacher make me a good teacher- no. I could just memorize the facts that the students are required to know for the SOL test and teach to the very minimum, and technically, I am still working within a profession. I could excel throughout school, understand every aspect of reaching out to students and helping them learn, but if I cannot apply those tools in the classroom than I am not a good teacher- however, I am a professional none the less. I went to school, received my qualifications, have the job, and I’m getting paid.
My view of teaching as a profession does not relate at all to my post last week. Last week my post was about what it took to be a good teacher, and the role of a teacher in a students life. I talked about what a teacher needs to do to reach out to kids to help them reach their full potential. The things I wrote about last week are what I believe make a teacher successful, but even the teachers that are unable to reach out to their students in that manner are professionals.
Maria says- Teaching as a profession? Absolutely! To me, a profession is acquired after much instruction, training, and practice- and clearly, a teacher goes through all of those things and more. To call something a profession means that it requires one to become a professional at what you do. Teachers go through rigorous programs to become professionals at what they do, which definitely goes way beyond simply teaching from a textbook. Some see teaching as a meager profession that can be an alternative in case their intended career plan fails or they have trouble exercising their degrees in such field. They think that teachers are merely there to babysit or ‘watch over their children’ and at the same time teaching them to read and do arithmetic while they are at work. I understand that people who have maybe had very dramatic experiences in school, like poor education or an inadequate learning environment, may not have much respect for teachers and their profession, but those are rare cases most people are usually just ignorant to how much training and learning goes into becoming a teacher. Traditionally, teachers have had the roles of teacher to parent and everything in between. Although parents are more involved than ever in the classroom, such roles continue to be part of a teacher’s duties. Today, however, more and more is expected of teachers, not only education-wise but in all aspects of a child’s life. Teachers must be able to look for, determine, and support any ability a child may be lacking or has not developed. This includes cognitive, physical, and emotional difficulties a child may be facing. To be ready for all of these tasks and much more, a teacher must be well prepared and thus become a professional in their field.
Eric says: I definitely think of teaching as a profession. There is a craft to teaching, it comes with a lot of responsibility and accountability. Teachers bring their own values and techniques to the classroom, all while following a code of conduct. Teachers have to go through years of schooling and become certified, and that is part of a profession. My idea of teaching as a profession does not relate to Ayers. Although I do agree with Ayers’ statement, it doesn’t relate to being a profession. Many teachers can meet the professional requirements to teach, but it doesn’t mean they will bring out the best in their students or teach to the best of their abilities.
ReplyDeleteIf I had decided to pursue teaching at a younger age I might have viewed it as a profession. If I’m being honest I have not always wanted to be a teacher; however I’m excited and look forward to being one now. I find it hard to view any job as a profession, I just feel people and situations change. The Ayers prompt doesn’t have an effect on my opinion; I do think anyone that pursues a teaching career should possess the desire for all of their students to reach their full potential. I think there are individuals that do view teaching as a profession because they feel it is their calling. I don’t possess such a strong feeling about teaching. My past experiences and realistic outlook on life has tainted my view on any job being a profession. I believe most of us go into teaching because we hope to make a difference and leave a positive mark on our future generations. I hope that teaching will be my last career choice and that I’m able to create and find mutual satisfaction and fulfillment; who knows maybe I will consider it a profession after I’ve done it for a few years! - Rae Clune
ReplyDeleteAccording to the dictionary a profession is “a paid occupation that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification,” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profession). I think that teaching most certainly falls under this category. In order to be a teacher you must have at least a four year college degree, and usually a Master’s degree in most states. A profession requires hands on training, college courses, and someone who is professional. Teachers must have all of those qualities in order to run a classroom. I think that some people view teachers as highly trained babysitters for the school year, and they could not be more wrong. Teachers must have the knowledge to effectively teach twenty or more students at one time.
ReplyDeleteTeachers are seen as role models for students, and should act in a very professional manner both inside and outside the classroom. Unlike business professionals, when teachers are seen outside of their work place they are still expected to act in a certain manner. They are looked at as still a teacher, not someone who is enjoying a night off of work. I think that by being held to this higher standard outside of the classroom definitely makes teaching a profession. Teachers are not only highly educated in their field of study, they are also taught how to serve as a proper role model for students.
In our first blog we talked about out teaching helps students reach their full potential. While I think that the policy and law makers do not think of teaching as a profession in the same sense that educators do, we all work towards a common goal. We all know that sometimes teachers do not agree with what the policy makers come up with, they have to act professionally and carry out the rules and regulations. Teachers are seen as people who tap into the minds of children and hopefully help them succeed in every aspect of school, and I do not think anyone who is not a professional could do that job very well.
I find teaching to be a profession because it is not easy to teach others how to do things. A teacher does not just stand up in front of a class and show how to do calculus problems and move on. The teacher has to break down and show every step and ensure that each student understands how to do it. Beyond teaching people how to do things, a teacher must also know how to expand the minds of their students so that they know how to apply it to their own lives beyond tests and class grades. My teaching of history/social studies puts my profession in similar waves of Ayers’ quote because I want my students to learn from history and build their humanity or ethics based on how they view the historical events of the past. One has to be a professional to teach well because it is a career that will definitely test one’s patience.
ReplyDeleteOf course I think of teaching as profession! I mean hello that's what I plan to do for the next thirty plus years of my life. I believe teaching is one of the most important jobs you could ever have. I mean think about it without a teacher who would have taught Ronald Reagen to read? Bill Gates to compute mathematical equations? Miley Cyrus to twerk? (I'm kidding.) But really without a teacher could you be who you are today? Could you live life fully without the knowledge you've gained from a teacher? I think a teacher is every aspect of the word professional. From the way they dress, to the way they are expected to act in the work environment, even to the way they have are expected to act out in their every day lives. Teachers jobs aren't done at 5 P.M. and they can go home take a load off and get ready for the next work day. No, teachers have to think about their job in every aspect of their life. What am I going to plan for tomorrow, the next day, next week, next month, and so on. So of course I think of this career path as a profession. I obviously can see how this question relates to the Ayers one before but I more strongly agree with teaching as a profession than a fulfillment of your humanity.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about teaching, I do consider it a profession. I have always thought of the definition of a “profession” as something one has studied and learned enough about to be considered a “professional” of sorts in that particular field. Teachers are trained through field experience and classes, they learn from experts on the subject of education and are always taking what they learn and applying it in their classrooms in order to help their students succeed. There are also rules, regulations and standards teachers have to meet, just like in any other type of profession or career. To me, teaching as a profession is all about collaboration with other teachers or experts in the field in order to continue to develop new and clever ways to inspire and teach students in a classroom setting and improve our education system as a whole.
ReplyDeleteWith every profession, there are always goals and accomplishments you work toward in your career. Teachers are definitely not exempt from this idea. They are always thinking of different ways to inspire their students, new ideas to try out in their lesson plans, new goals to set for their classroom. In short, teaching always comes back to the students. As Ayers points out, teaching at its best is concerned with helping students become the best people they can be. In terms of teaching as a profession, if one were to define a “goal” for teachers everywhere, it would be just that.
I think teaching is definitely considered a profession. When I think of a profession, or a professional, I think of someone who has had training, whether it be from an education stand point or hands on experience, and has studied the field for a given period of time. A profession can be a line of work that not everyone could do without the proper training. To me, being a teacher falls under that category. Teachers have to meet certain characteristics and have enough training in order to be an effective teacher. Just like in other professions, teachers must work together with each other, with families, and with the students to continue their development. I like how Eric mentioned above that teachers may meet the professional qualifications to be a teacher but may not use those skills effectively when running a classroom. This can go for all professions and is just another example of why I believe teaching is a profession. When thinking about Ayers quote, I still agree with what was said, but do not feel like it relates teaching as a profession.
ReplyDeleteA profession is described as "a paid occupation, especially one that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification." Based on this definition, I would definitely agree that teaching is a profession. I think the real question is whether or not teaching can be considered a "career." I think teaching should definitely be considered a career because many people focus their whole lives around teaching. Teaching is a lifelong commitment that many people undertake. There are also many opportunities for advancement in the teaching profession. Teaching isn't just a career, it becomes part of someone's life.
ReplyDeleteKatherine says, I think teaching is definitely a profession. It is a valid and important occupation we need for society to function and that to me is the definition of a profession. Not only is it a profession but I would argue its one of the most important and meaningful professions out there. The first reason I believe this does in fact relate to the first post. As teachers we can shape students into model humans, productive citizens, and life long learners. Secondly, our teaching of others allows almost all other professions. Doctors, Lawyers, and other “professionals” would not be here if it were not for teachers. As teachers we teach those students to read, write, understand history, and do the mathematical computations they need to accomplish their professions. Teaching is a very important profession if we are going to learn and grow as people and a society.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Katherine, with the importance the teaching profession that other professions may not be as easy to access by everyone if not for teachers, nor even be provided with well educated individuals if teachers did not exist. Other professions would probably exist, but they would mostly be filled by the rich who could privately educate their children similar to many scenarios of the past prior to public education
DeleteTeaching definitely is a profession. To me a profession is a job that you have studied and trained for. Teachers are now required to have at least four years of college and with the requirements from No Child Left Behind the standards for teachers are becoming even more stringent. Teachers are also held to professional standards when it comes to dress and actions. In fact part even practicum students receive paperwork on professional dress and action when we enter the classroom. The high standards teachers are held to are at least in part an indication that this is a profession not just a job. One of my previous professors said that a profession has to have some type of redeeming social value. Teaching most definitely meets this criterion. To relate back to the first blog post, many of us are becoming teachers to help our students become the best, most human, versions of themselves. I can think of very few examples of redeeming social value higher than that.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think that teaching is profession. I think that a profession involves skill and training which we have both. I think that it's insulting when people assume what we do is easy and that anyone can do it. I think with all professions, you need to be good at it and it takes a natural ability. I think this is the case even more so because the natural ability plays into it so strongly. It is also not easy to teach someone to do something. There are elements at play when it comes to teaching them. These elements include motivation and practice. As student teachers, we receive a lot of practice and are held to high degree. Like other professions, we have jargon, dress codes, continuing training, unions. Our profession is one that creates all the others.
ReplyDeleteTeaching is definitely a profession. Honestly, I think teaching is one of the most important careers available. We are responsible for educating the future leaders of our county. Teaching requirements have even changed over the years. Every teacher has to at least have a Bachelors degree, but now many states are requiring teachers to obtain a Masters degree as well. We are required to be thoroughly trained, so we are completely prepared for our future classroom. According to Webster’s Dictionary a profession is “a job that requires special education, training or skill”. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profession) Teaching requires all of those traits and more! I want to also show my future students that I am always there for them as well set a good example as a role model for the students. The more education teachers have the better than performance in their own classroom, I hope. I feel prepared at this point in my educational position to go out and teach, so after next semester I should be all set to go! In the first blog, we discussed what we thought about teaching and how it helps students fulfill their full measure of humanity. I strongly agree with Ayers about how teaching can help fulfill students’ measure of humanity and I also agree that teaching is a profession. I think that teachers sometimes do not get the credit they deserve. We are here to teach and inspire the students!
ReplyDeleteI do believe teaching is a profession since it requires proper training, qualifications and salary. I also believe that teachers should probably be held to a higher standard at some point to ensure that all teachers are properly trained with better qualifications. I may consider that teaching is my profession, but I did not decide to become a teacher for the sake of having an official job or making money, obviously, as I could have done something else with a Biology degree. I really feel this is what I want to spend my life doing and contributing to society. It may be a profession, but I would rather consider it my life’s work. I do think this does relate to the first blog in that it strips away some of the formality of having a profession and shows a deeper value for why teachers should teach. Teaching, like many other professions, provide a necessary service to society that cannot be eliminated for the good of the public. If only certain individuals had access to an education, we would strip necessary freedoms and opportunities which would then defeat the human rights in our country or humanity as a whole.
ReplyDeleteRyan D. - I believe teaching is a profession and not necessarily a calling because teachers need to go through extensive training and licensing exams in order to become certified. Like with all professions, teachers become experts in their field as they continue to gain experience so they begin to see things from the point of view of a teacher. For example, an experienced teacher can remedy a situation in which a student is having difficulty in a certain subject by seeing where the problem lies and then developing activities tailored to how that student learns. I also happen to think that teaching is more than just what content knowledge a person happens to possess. I have discussed this a lot with one of my best friends who's training to be a doctor, but just like in medicine, part of being a professional is being humane towards the people we work with since teachers can use their authority for good or bad and influence lives that way. So overall, I would say my idea of teaching as a profession relates to Ayer's ideas.
ReplyDeleteWhen thinking of a profession I often times think of things like doctors and lawyers, however after some time and thinking and really looking at what a profession is I completely agree with the idea that teaching is a profession. According to http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/profession?s=t a profession is a vocation requiring knowledge of some department of learning or science. To me this is exactly teaching, as teachers we are required to have knowledge of some parts of learning, which is explicitly stated in the definition. We all think of careers as the 9-5 job, however I feel a profession is more than that. We as future teachers are at an understanding that we are not about to acquire the typical 9-5 job we in fact are about to take on much more than that. We are required to essentially be at the request of our students, with long demanding hours that don’t end at the “end of the day.” I think teaching is a profession that is admirable, and takes a very strong willed individual knowing that we can change everything in one day also requires teachers to be dedicated. I feel that teaching in many ways is just as challenging of a profession as being a doctor or a lawyer, because of the demanding-ness which truly falls outside of the “job description.” I feel I am very passionate about my career as a future teacher and strive to be the very best teacher I can be day in and day out. I hope others around me can feel my passion and willingness to work hard to reach my goals as a professional and as a leader in the classroom on a day to day basis.
ReplyDeleteI do believe teaching is a profession. There may be some differences in how one would classify a teacher. Is the man who taught me how to fish any different then my high school English teacher? Both people give me some sort of knowledge that helps me become a more well rounded individual. The difference between the two lies within the standards and qualifications that each go by. The high school English teacher has a professional code, training, and is held to a high standard. There are guidelines that guide the teacher's thinking and engagement with the students. On the other hand the man teaching me how to fish is free form. He does not get paid or have an overseer. There is no one to tell him how or what to teach, it specifically comes from his own personal knowledge. Both can be beneficial forms of teaching and both extend in many ways some form of professional code. So in whether teaching is a profession or not, I believe it is because of the fact there needs to be some form of structure behind what is being taught. Knowledge needs to be guided so that the student is able to grasp and keep it. Because there are so many sides to teaching there needs to be a humanistic element in the methods of how you teach. It will give the student a better chance to connect and learn from the subject being taught. The classification of teaching as a profession lies within the way in which there needs to be a structure to help guide knowledge to the student.
ReplyDeleteMandy-I definitely think of teaching as a profession. It’s what I’m going to school for. It’s the career I’m going to pursue after college. It’s what I’m going to get paid to do in order to support myself. All these factors I think make teaching a profession. However, I think in order to truly be a successful teacher you have to realize that what you’re doing is important. There is much more to it than simply teaching addition and grading papers. You’re job goes beyond teaching a student how to read, but teaching them even though something may be challenging if you work hard you can succeed.
ReplyDeleteBrittany Maiden writes:
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about the example of teaching as a profession, I think about Ms. Gruwell in the movie "Freedom Writers." From the moment I finished watching this movie, my view on teaching changed completely. Not only do I view teaching as a profession, but I view it as an opportunity to become a leader for students. Without Ms. Gruwell's leadership examples and the love she has for her profession, the "at-risk" high school students that she taught would have never gained the confidence to succeed. Teachers are held to a high standard when it comes to the way they dress, the way they behave, and the experience they have behind them because they must set the example and be the role model for their students. Teaching to me IS a profession and I have to disagree with Ayers' view- I believe it is much more than just acquiring the knowledge and skills to be a great teacher. Success in teaching comes from the excitement and the ability to boost a child's confidence and their ability to learn.
Valerie Siira:
ReplyDeleteI do think of teaching as a profession, but I will focus on counseling for this post, since that is what I will be doing. In any case, I think of counseling as a profession as well. Both teachers and counselors are professionals who have specialized training, and who practice their craft as a career. To me, counseling as a profession means that I have a duty to serve my students well and guide them toward positive development. Being a professional entails many things, but what comes to mind is upholding ethics, treating all students with dignity and equity, maintaining confidentiality (when appropriate), and generally being a supportive person who students can turn to as they navigate the various issues of their lives.
My idea of counseling as a profession relates to the first blog prompt in that, as professionals, counselors should aim to help students reach their full potential. I think this is an important goal of education in all of its aspects. To truly help as many students as possible to "reach the full measure of their humanity" seems difficult to achieve though. I feel like something more could always be done. If I really did all that I could, I think all of my time would be taken up by my profession. The counseling program is very focused on wellness. We are encouraged to keep ourselves well in all dimensions so that we can be effective and empathic practitioners. That being said, I think professionalism demands that we not always think about our students. I want to do the best I can while also taking care of myself. Otherwise, I think burnout would inevitable. I want to be there for students in the long-run.
Caitlin Mewborn:
ReplyDeleteI do consider teaching a profession because teachers get specific degrees in education, they must be licensed, and they are held to high personal standards. Teachers' school/work days don't end when the bell rings; their responsibilities extend before and after school. Teachers must also continue their education throughout their careers in order to be recertified.
In addition to these requirements, teachers are emotionally invested in their career and in their students' educational, physical, and social well being. This reasoning does relate to the previous blog prompt. If teaching were just a job and not a profession teachers wouldn't necessarily be concerned about helping shape students' lives. In order to help someone reach his or her full measure of humanity teachers must go beyond their basic requirements of transmitting information to the students. A teacher fulfills many roles outside his or her job description including parent, nurse, referee, custodian, performer, etc. In my opinion this also contributes to teaching being considered a profession.
Caitlin Mewborn:
ReplyDeleteI do consider teaching a profession because teachers get specific degrees in education, they must be licensed, and they are held to high personal standards. Teachers' school/work days don't end when the bell rings; their responsibilities extend before and after school. Teachers must also continue their education throughout their careers in order to be recertified.
In addition to these requirements, teachers are emotionally invested in their career and in their students' educational, physical, and social well being. This reasoning does relate to the previous blog prompt. If teaching were just a job and not a profession teachers wouldn't necessarily be concerned about helping shape students' lives. In order to help someone reach his or her full measure of humanity teachers must go beyond their basic requirements of transmitting information to the students. A teacher fulfills many roles outside his or her job description including parent, nurse, referee, custodian, performer, etc. In my opinion this also contributes to teaching being considered a profession.
I think of teaching as a profession because the teachers need to go through proper education and use skills in which they morally and ethically have to think about situations that happen in their classrooms. Teachers are required to make decisions based on what their ethical values are based on the students emotional and physical being. As a teacher you become a role model for your students, and i feel it is our job as teachers to encourage students to succeed. To be successful in the profession of a teacher you truly need to know yourself and what you stand for and hopefully pass this along to your students. it is important to reflect on situations and see all sides and how others might view your decision that you made in a situations. As a teacher it is also important to believe truly in your decision and be able to back your opinion with your beliefs. Having these beliefs is not only be the authoritarian leader but to show equality and humanizing society so everyone can have an opinion or have a contribution to the classroom.
ReplyDeleteTeaching is most definitely a profession. We are in the process of getting a Master's degree and have had to pass several tests to be considered qualified. Teaching however, is not a regular 9 to 5 "professional" job. We are constantly working, grading papers, making lesson plans, etc. We also have to become recertified every so often. We are always perfecting our craft. We put everything we have into helping our students succeed.
ReplyDeleteI do consider teaching a profession because teachers get specific degrees in education, they must be licensed, and they are held to high personal standards. Teachers' school/work days don't end when the bell rings; their responsibilities extend before and after school. Teachers must also continue their education throughout their careers in order to be recertified.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to these requirements, teachers are emotionally invested in their career and in their students' educational, physical, and social well being. This reasoning does relate to the previous blog prompt. If teaching were just a job and not a profession teachers wouldn't necessarily be concerned about helping shape students' lives. In order to help someone reach his or her full measure of humanity teachers must go beyond their basic requirements of transmitting information to the students. A teacher fulfills many roles outside his or her job description including parent, nurse, referee, custodian, performer, etc. In my opinion this also contributes to teaching being considered a profession.
-Caitlin Mewborn
Do you think of teaching as a profession? If so, what does this mean to you? Does your idea of teaching as a profession relate at all to the first blog prompt (on Ayers)?
ReplyDeleteI feel teaching is a profession in that it should be done professionally and one should want to become a teacher. Professionalism is something that I pride myself in with my conduct and with my approach. I feel to be a professional, one must act like a professional. Professionalism is not clocking out when its 5pm and always trying to become better at your profession, even during the "off-hours". Professionalism is going to work and enjoying it, yet taking your profession seriously.
I feel teaching is a profession in that the standards need to be high to become a teacher, as they should be. Standards of morality, mutual respect, honesty and fairness should be the cornerstones of the teacher profession.
Ryan Goulet
A profession is a “paid occupation that usually requires prolonged training and formal qualification”. Teaching is a profession as defined by that definition and so much more. Yes the work is paid….but what about the hours spent grading or the time spent planning, or the hours spent trying to figure out how to meet a particular student, or group of students needs…that is where teaching is more. Yes it does require training…but what about the mental training and preparation that a teacher must experience when dealing with challenging students, administrators, or parents…that is where teaching is more. Yes it does require formal qualification…but what about the hidden qualifications such as being dedicated to improving students needs and being flexible to deal with the unplanned issues…that is where teaching is more.
ReplyDeleteTeaching to me is more than a profession. It truly is a lifestyle. You form relationships with the students and want to be there to help them succeed in every aspect of their lives. As discussed in the first prompt about Ayers quote on teaching helping students reach their full humanity, you have the power to do great things in your role as a teacher. You may be someone’s only hope and it’s up to you whether you step up to the plate and go above and beyond to make teaching not just a profession but a lifestyle.
Rob here-
ReplyDeleteI believe teaching is a profession, one on equal footing with all other public servants. As discussed in class, we hit all the right notes in terms of being a professional. We are a paid occupation that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification. Beyond that, we are surrogate parents for our students, sometimes up to 40-50 students at a time. We also have to continue to learn as technology and research updates what we know to be best practices, meaning we need to be researchers as well in order to find the latest and greatest trends.
This relates to our previous post because some people demean our profession, thinking we work too little for the pay we get. Many teachers burn the midnight oil correcting papers, planning, and researching for planning. However, because the children are in school for only six –seven hours, teachers must be free afterwards.
Another issue with our profession is that some of our colleagues don’t pull their share. We all had a lazy teacher at some point, or the teacher whose professionalism is lacking. It is on us to understand that we represent so much more than ourselves, the school, and the community we also represent each other.
Do I think teaching is a profession? Of course! I went to school to study the subject’s I want to teach, I continued my education to attain the skills, means and ways of reaching out to my students, and I will continue to further my education even after I become a teacher to stay in line with the current norms, trends, and laws required for me to stay in the field. If I were a teacher right now I will be given a classroom filled with kids to teach, and in turn, I will be paid for it. Therefore, yes it is a profession. Now does having the knowledge, skills, and qualifications of being a teacher make me a good teacher- no. I could just memorize the facts that the students are required to know for the SOL test and teach to the very minimum, and technically, I am still working within a profession. I could excel throughout school, understand every aspect of reaching out to students and helping them learn, but if I cannot apply those tools in the classroom than I am not a good teacher- however, I am a professional none the less. I went to school, received my qualifications, have the job, and I’m getting paid.
ReplyDeleteMy view of teaching as a profession does not relate at all to my post last week. Last week my post was about what it took to be a good teacher, and the role of a teacher in a students life. I talked about what a teacher needs to do to reach out to kids to help them reach their full potential. The things I wrote about last week are what I believe make a teacher successful, but even the teachers that are unable to reach out to their students in that manner are professionals.
Do I think teaching is a profession? Of course! I went to school to study the subject’s I want to teach, I continued my education to attain the skills, means and ways of reaching out to my students, and I will continue to further my education even after I become a teacher to stay in line with the current norms, trends, and laws required for me to stay in the field. If I were a teacher right now I will be given a classroom filled with kids to teach, and in turn, I will be paid for it. Therefore, yes it is a profession. Now does having the knowledge, skills, and qualifications of being a teacher make me a good teacher- no. I could just memorize the facts that the students are required to know for the SOL test and teach to the very minimum, and technically, I am still working within a profession. I could excel throughout school, understand every aspect of reaching out to students and helping them learn, but if I cannot apply those tools in the classroom than I am not a good teacher- however, I am a professional none the less. I went to school, received my qualifications, have the job, and I’m getting paid.
ReplyDeleteMy view of teaching as a profession does not relate at all to my post last week. Last week my post was about what it took to be a good teacher, and the role of a teacher in a students life. I talked about what a teacher needs to do to reach out to kids to help them reach their full potential. The things I wrote about last week are what I believe make a teacher successful, but even the teachers that are unable to reach out to their students in that manner are professionals.
Maria says- Teaching as a profession? Absolutely! To me, a profession is acquired after much instruction, training, and practice- and clearly, a teacher goes through all of those things and more. To call something a profession means that it requires one to become a professional at what you do. Teachers go through rigorous programs to become professionals at what they do, which definitely goes way beyond simply teaching from a textbook. Some see teaching as a meager profession that can be an alternative in case their intended career plan fails or they have trouble exercising their degrees in such field. They think that teachers are merely there to babysit or ‘watch over their children’ and at the same time teaching them to read and do arithmetic while they are at work. I understand that people who have maybe had very dramatic experiences in school, like poor education or an inadequate learning environment, may not have much respect for teachers and their profession, but those are rare cases most people are usually just ignorant to how much training and learning goes into becoming a teacher. Traditionally, teachers have had the roles of teacher to parent and everything in between. Although parents are more involved than ever in the classroom, such roles continue to be part of a teacher’s duties. Today, however, more and more is expected of teachers, not only education-wise but in all aspects of a child’s life. Teachers must be able to look for, determine, and support any ability a child may be lacking or has not developed. This includes cognitive, physical, and emotional difficulties a child may be facing. To be ready for all of these tasks and much more, a teacher must be well prepared and thus become a professional in their field.
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