In today’s class, we had guest speaker, Jesse Miller, educate and share his knowledge on Social Media in the classroom. Jesse particularly emphasized the responsibilities as an educator in relation to the internet, as well as the potential effects that personal social media accounts may have on an individual’s career. As I reflect on the discussion from the class, the topic of professionalism, and the impact it may have on my career, looms heavy on my mind. It is disconcerting to think that decisions on hiring or disciplinary actions could be influenced by images or activities from my personal life, no matter how far removed from the present date.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/professional-standards-teachers-mukta-verma
Here I have provided a link directly to the Professional Standards for BC Educators
There is no denying the fact that teachers find themselves held to a higher standard in comparison to many other professions. It is then ironic to think that for a significant period of time, teaching was not even considered or recognized as a professional occupation. Unlike doctors, lawyers, professional athletes, or musicians, whose fields were esteemed for requiring specialized skills and knowledge that the average person couldn’t easily attain, teaching was often regarded as something anyone could do. This outdated notion contributes to the unequal expectations placed on teachers, who not only shape the minds of future generations, but are also subjected to a level of scrutiny and expectation that may not align with the recognition and compensation granted to other professions. I won’t argue against the certainty that teachers should be held to a high standard, as they assume the role of primary caregiver and are responsible for nurturing the learning of future generations, but it does raise questions for me.
One striking example that emerged during our discussion was the possibility of educators not being hired based on photos from years ago. The permanence of digital footprints raises concerns about the weight these snapshots of our past might carry in determining our professional future. Furthermore, the realization that a casual Friday night outing, where I might be seen enjoying a drink, could become a subject of scrutiny. These factors add an extra layer of complexity to this challenge.
The fear of judgment from parents or colleagues poses the question: How do we ensure our personal lives remain distinct from our professional personas? How do I ensure my work life does not consume my personal life? While my job is, and will be important to me, how do I prevent burnout?
Educators are held to a higher standard and are accountable for their conduct on duty and off duty. Educators understand the law as it relates to their duties. Educators’ individual conduct contributes to the perception of the profession as a whole.
professional Standards for bc educators