Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice
The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
MUSE 350
Any professional in any given discipline will tell you that two of the most important aspects of their career are a thirst for knowledge and the ability to network. Knowledge is gained in a variety of ways, but for teachers it's most beneficial when that knowledge is attained through teaching and self reflection or feedback from an outside source. Reflecting on one's work, such as a video of a lesson plan, helps the teacher learn how to relay information in different ways or notice aspects of their lesson that may not have considered or realized previously. This also helps the students learn information more efficiently because the teacher himself is more aware of what they are doing and how they are communicating. Reflecting on other's work is also valuable. Evaluating a fellow teacher, or taking notes on a masterclass or a clinic at a professional development event, helps one become more aware of their own teaching habits or inspires them to try new ideas in the classroom.
Networking and professional development is equally as important as reflection. Getting involved in professional organizations, school boards, or the community helps a teacher build his reputation and make connections with fellow teachers. Getting to know the parents in a community or being involved in local events is also great for recruiting students, as well as familiarizing oneself with the interests and needs of the students and parents of that community.
My experience at BSU thus far has vastly improved my ability to reflect and evaluate my own performance. Many of my music education courses require video logs or recordings of my field teachings. In fact, my MUSE 350 course requires the class to keep a journal of our experiences and collaborate with our peers in a facebook group. Being able to bounce ideas around with my peers helps me consider new possibilities in teaching and makes me more aware of my own performance. It's important to build connections with my peers as well as current teachers because these are my future colleagues, coworkers, and in some cases employers. Networking not only opens me up to new job opportunities, but innovative ideas as well.
Any professional in any given discipline will tell you that two of the most important aspects of their career are a thirst for knowledge and the ability to network. Knowledge is gained in a variety of ways, but for teachers it's most beneficial when that knowledge is attained through teaching and self reflection or feedback from an outside source. Reflecting on one's work, such as a video of a lesson plan, helps the teacher learn how to relay information in different ways or notice aspects of their lesson that may not have considered or realized previously. This also helps the students learn information more efficiently because the teacher himself is more aware of what they are doing and how they are communicating. Reflecting on other's work is also valuable. Evaluating a fellow teacher, or taking notes on a masterclass or a clinic at a professional development event, helps one become more aware of their own teaching habits or inspires them to try new ideas in the classroom.
Networking and professional development is equally as important as reflection. Getting involved in professional organizations, school boards, or the community helps a teacher build his reputation and make connections with fellow teachers. Getting to know the parents in a community or being involved in local events is also great for recruiting students, as well as familiarizing oneself with the interests and needs of the students and parents of that community.
My experience at BSU thus far has vastly improved my ability to reflect and evaluate my own performance. Many of my music education courses require video logs or recordings of my field teachings. In fact, my MUSE 350 course requires the class to keep a journal of our experiences and collaborate with our peers in a facebook group. Being able to bounce ideas around with my peers helps me consider new possibilities in teaching and makes me more aware of my own performance. It's important to build connections with my peers as well as current teachers because these are my future colleagues, coworkers, and in some cases employers. Networking not only opens me up to new job opportunities, but innovative ideas as well.
