Foundations of Education

Overview

Introduces the Standards of Practice.

Key Concepts

  • Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession

Graded Tasks

  • contribute to the LMS forums

The Standards of Practice

CREDIT: The text below is excerpted from: The Ontario College of Teachers website. License: Used with permission per the website's terms and conditions. URL: https://www.oct.ca/public/professional-standards/standards-of-practice
The Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession provide a framework of principles that describes the knowledge, skills, and values inherent in Ontario's teaching profession. These standards articulate the goals and aspirations of the profession. These standards convey a collective vision of professionalism that guides the daily practices of members of the Ontario College of Teachers.

The purpose of the Standards of Practice are:

  • to inspire a shared vision for the teaching profession
  • to identify the values, knowledge and skills that are distinctive to the teaching profession
  • to guide the professional judgment and actions of the teaching profession
  • to promote a common language that fosters an understanding of what it means to be a member of the teaching profession
Below are the five standards of practice for the teaching profession in Ontario.
📌 The Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession are among the most important principles that you will encounter in the teacher education program. They will underpin your practice as a teacher during your career and also your growth and development as a concurrent education student and teacher candidate at Brock University.

Commitment to Students and Student Learning

Members are dedicated in their care and commitment to students. They treat students equitably and with respect and are sensitive to factors that influence individual student learning. Members facilitate the development of students as contributing citizens of Canadian society.

Professional Knowledge

Members strive to be current in their professional knowledge and recognize its relationship to practice. They understand and reflect on student development, learning theory, pedagogy, curriculum, ethics, educational research and related policies and legislation to inform professional judgment in practice.

Professional Practice

Members apply professional knowledge and experience to promote student learning. They use appropriate pedagogy, assessment and evaluation, resources and technology in planning for and responding to the needs of individual students and learning communities. Members refine their professional practice through ongoing inquiry, dialogue and reflection.

Leadership in Learning Communities

Members promote and participate in the creation of collaborative, safe and supportive learning communities. They recognize their shared responsibilities and their leadership roles in order to facilitate student success. Members maintain and uphold the principles of the ethical standards in these learning communities.

Ongoing Professional Learning

Members recognize that a commitment to ongoing professional learning is integral to effective practice and to student learning. Professional practice and self-directed learning are informed by experience, research, collaboration, and knowledge.
📌 Although not directly related to teaching, Brock University's Campus-wide Co-Curriculum program provides Brock students with professional development experiences, many of which are indirectly related to teaching.

Graded Task: Professional Learning Experiences

Log into the LMS and answer the following question which is a graded task:
Q5.3: Describe a professional learning experience, directly or indirectly related to teaching, which you have participated in over the last two years. Alternatively, describe a professional learning experience which you plan to participate in over the next two years. (Actions: Post (Mon-Sun) | 125 - 175 words total)
LMS Forum Question