Professionalism

Standard 5:

Professionalism To increase the achievement of all students, teachers engage in continuous learning and self-improvement; collaborate with colleagues to create and adopt research-based best practices to achieve ongoing classroom and school improvement; and adhere to the Alabama Educator Code of Ethics and federal, state, and local laws and policies.

Standard 5:

Rationale Current research relates teacher collaboration, shared responsibility for student learning, and job-embedded learning in professional community to higher levels of student achievement. This research challenges the independence and isolation that have historically characterized the teaching profession and calls for deprivation of practice. An underlying premise of professional learning communities is the power of ongoing, continuous learning that takes place in a culture where risk and experimentation are rewarded. In schools where there is a strong professional community, teachers actively participate in creating and sustaining such a learning environment and in maintaining its focus upon improved student learning. Beyond collaboration, teachers exhibit professionalism by demonstrating a personal commitment to continuous learning and improvement; by adhering to high ethical standards; and by maintaining currency with regard to federal, state, and local laws and policies. Teachers assume increased leadership for school wide improvement initiatives and for mentoring of colleagues as they move along their professional pathways.

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The main focus for a teacher is to base learning and environment around students in a professional manner. A good professional environment will allow educators some freedom to try new things and grow together in a positive environment. 

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