Educators act ethically and maintain the integrity, credibility and reputation of the profession.
For me, and every other teacher, this standard is non-negotiable. As educators, we deal with parents’ children, their little babies. When we first came into the teaching program, we were told that we need to be careful and caring when we are dealing with students because they people’s children and their most cherished beings. We were told that as educators, we play a role in molding these students into the future citizens they will become. For me, these statements really helped me form my perspective on teaching and what being in charge of all the kiddos day in and day out truly means.
Coming into this profession, my mindset had to change from being a student to now being a teacher. I realized that I will now be a model and a mentor to growing students. I need to take that job very seriously and that means always (always, always) being ethical and maintaining my integrity and credibility.
Relationships are always at the forefront of my teaching beliefs. I know I need to know my students well in order to teach them meaningfully. Standard 2 comes in with what information is shared, what isn’t and how you can still gain trust and build a relationship with your students while maintaining a professional relationship.
I do also believe that being a professional in these teaching situations but also when dealing with co-workers has really impacted by ability to transition between being a student teacher and into a full-time teacher. In this transition, I have also noticed a difference as the students have now really started to shift from seeing me as a student teacher to a teacher that they love and respect, and to me, and that’s what it is all about. I strive to always be someone that my students can feel comfortable, safe and included with. To do this, it will mean constantly building relationships and maintaining my integrity with standard 2.