Teachers of impact demonstrate professionalism to both their students and to the profession. Teachers of impact are focused on the student, meaning that no matter what, students are first. This priority may challenge long-held assumptions, past practices, or may be less convenient, but these teachers have a strong moral compass and are guided by what is best for their students. This level of professionalism is shown in many ways. For example, teachers of impact conduct all interactions with honesty and integrity. They also know their students' needs and seek out resources to reach them, even if these are beyond the classroom walls. Teachers of impact will also advocate for their students in ways that may challenge traditions but which are better for the students. Problem solving and decision making are also done with student needs in mind for these teachers. Finally, good teachers of impact adhere to school rules and policies, but if there are outdated or ineffective rules, they will work to improve them. Elements of this include:
Integrity and Ethical Conduct
Teachers of impact must act with honesty and integrity in ALL that they do.
Service to Students
The students are first in all of the teacher's practices and considerations.
Advocacy
Teachers of impact support the best interest of students at all times, even in the face of challenges by tradition.
Decision Making
All decisions should be made with the students' needs as a priority.
Compliance with School and District Regulations
Teachers must adhere to all policies and procedures outlined by the school and district. If these are ineffective, however, teachers should work to improve them.
Implementing in the Classroom/Artifacts Demonstrating Competency
Integrity and Ethical Conduct
Teachers of impact must act with honesty and integrity in ALL that they do.
Service to Students
The students are first in all of the teacher's practices and considerations.
Advocacy
Teachers of impact support the best interest of students at all times, even in the face of challenges by tradition.
Decision Making
All decisions should be made with the students' needs as a priority.
Compliance with School and District Regulations
Teachers must adhere to all policies and procedures outlined by the school and district. If these are ineffective, however, teachers should work to improve them.
Implementing in the Classroom/Artifacts Demonstrating Competency
- After making a mistake, the teacher apologizes to the class
- Teacher leads monthly discussions on how to best integrate technology in the classroom
- Teacher spends lunch period eating with students
- Teacher plays with students at recess
- Teacher advocates for the school to change the rule of no cell phones in class in order to teach students to use the technology responsibly
- Teacher adhere's to school policies
- At IEP meetings, teacher begins by discussing the positive characteristics of the child
- Teacher advocates for the true least restrictive environment for every child, even if it is harder for the teacher
- Create and Share Your #OneSmallThing!. (2018). Share.teacher2teacher.education. Retrieved 24 April 2018, from https://share.teacher2teacher.education/one
- (2018). Static.pdesas.org. Retrieved 24 April 2018, from http://static.pdesas.org/content/documens/danielson_rubric_32.pdf