What do you Value?

My own values and beliefs about education

As an educator I value time spent with students in discovering what works best for them, as education will only benefit the student if they are inspired to believe in their worth.  If they learn how important they are to their community, they will start to build the confidence that will ensure their success.  I have always held this conviction and as a teacher of adults and I believe many times the self esteem issue is what holds them back from reaching their potential.  

I see how my values align with the ethical standards of trust, care, respect and integrity.  This is where I have (some say) gone too far.  When a student having a baby has no provisions for her infant would it be ethical for me to organize a gathering of necessities for this girl?  Should I buy groceries for a student trying to survive on carrots for the month?  

Perhaps there should be a set of standards designed for adult education teachers.  I feel the standards set out in the document are a great framework but, in some areas I feel being a model for social justice issues can be risky.  My students are over 18 and out protesting issues, having problems with FACS or ODSP etc… they are in the community. I am teaching sociology and social responsibility….how can I avoid getting involved on that level?

What is your responsibility as both an educator and learner?

As an educator of adults, my responsibility for continuing my learning is for the benefit my students, as  I do believe learning is the most productive thing anyone can do.  In my experience, I have seen many students in dire need of holding on to something in their life, where sometimes a classroom will give them the avenue to make positive changes.  School can give them direction.

Are these standards relevant to teaching and learning in 21st Century? Do these standards encourage innovation, risk taking and on-going learning?

While the standards indicate collaborative communities of learning as having an innovative direction, it leaves not many guidelines in way of technology use.  In fact, the document mentions the word technology once!

The Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession, the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession and the Professional Learning Framework (PLF) present a collective vision of teacher professionalism in Ontario. Every teacher in Ontario was recently emailed a survey regarding the revision of the PLF because the  Standards of Practice and Education Committee is currently processing a review.  This document has not been revised since 1999.  I am sure you will agree its about time we should all be up to standard!

If you would like to see or complete the survey the OCT has given permission for me to post this. It is rather long but necessary to collect the empirical data.

Where do I need to improve?

First and foremost I need a job!  Being in the adult education department means that I only have a contract to teach for 6 weeks at a time, for a 3 hour class daily.  Everything is contingent on enrollment in our department and presently the numbers are very low.  

I continually take courses to upgrade my skills and have certification to teach at all levels, yet because I am on the AE seniority list only, I am not qualified to supply teach. This is a difficult point for me as I have been with this board for 26 years, working my way up form cafeteria worker, cleaner, educational assistant, yet presently unemployed?   Kinda makes it difficult for me to model how education will open doors for my students when I get left out in the cold!

I have just sent out application to both Niagara boards and  while I know I could teach any grade, my passion is in helping those who didn't get the help first time round!