VIT Standards for Graduating Teachers
Professional Engagement
Teachers are active members of their profession
Graduating teachers will:
Teachers are active members of their profession
Graduating teachers will:
8.1 be aware of the ways teachers typically engage with their profession, and demonstrate a capacity to do so themselves.
Teachers most commonly engage with their profession through avenues such as professional learning and development. I intend to pursue as much professional development as I can, but I also engage daily with the wider education community through social media including twitter and education blogs, as well as subscribing to various newsletters produced by websites like Education Week. I am also a member of various education community groups on Diigo.
8.2 demonstrate a capacity to contribute to a professional learning community, in a school and in the wider community (e.g. by engagement with a professional teaching body).
I am a currently a student member of both the Australian Education Union and the Geography Teachers' Association of Victoria. I intend to upgrade both memberships once I obtain formal employment in the teaching profession, and also join other method specific professional bodies such as the History Teachers' Association of Victoria, the Victorian Commercial Teachers' Association and the Mathematical Association of Victoria.
8.3 understand the social, political and ethical dimensions of education and within that framework can articulate a vision or philosophy of the role of a teacher generally, and of their work specifically.
The process of completing the Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education including the teaching placements I have participated in have really shaped my outlook on education and teaching. My personal education philosophy is founded on respect and responsibility, equity and equality, pursuit of academic success, and a belief that teaching should help students to place their learning in a global context and become critical thinkers and citizens of the world.
8.4 understand the professional behaviour and ethical conduct expected of a teacher and demonstrate attitudes which support professional behaviour.
I have participated in seminars given by the Australian Education Union on issues of professional behaviour and ethical conduct, including in terms of social media usage. I have read the VIT Code of Conduct for teachers and intend to demonstrate nothing but ethical behaviour in my role as a teacher.
