Educators act ethically and maintain the integrity, credibility, and reputation of the profession.

It is extremely important to act professionally in a teaching career. When you become a teacher, you are a role model to the children and the families 24/7, inside and outside the classroom. This includes how you act in your daily life. As a teacher, I am excited to find the balance between being myself, and modelling professionalism in the community. Within the schools, this means being cognizant of who, what, why, and how you talk about people or things. I believe that it is a deeply important piece of being a teacher to discuss challenges and collaborate with others while maintaining a boundary of respecting students and family’s privacy.

In the education program, it was amazing to hear from RJay Berra, an educator at Prince George Secondary about his experiences implementing standard two into his practice, and consistently in his life outside the classroom. RJay modelled what standard 2 looks like by discussing his challenges as a teacher to our cohort while maintaining a positive perspective of the school district work environment. RJay talked about his challenges of becoming a teacher and gave us thorough advice while maintaining a positive attitude and refraining from talking badly about any staff members, schools, or students. I admire RJay Berra for telling us his truth while maintaining the positive professional atmosphere that every school environment should flourish.

Maintaining a positive attitude is a practice I will take into my future as an educator. RJay Berra discussed the ability to make connections with students as a driving force in the classroom. Children will not learn if they cannot connect with the teachers they are learning from. Bringing positivity, joy and open-mindedness into the classroom as a teacher can make students feel more comfortable in their learning environment and help students experience success. I believe that by connecting with students and families, teachers maintain the credibility of the profession. I also believe that it is important to be honest and transparent about what the kids are learning to the families and the community. If this connection is built, and families feel they are a deeply rooted part of their child’s education, standard 2 is met and exceeded. As a teacher I will do everything in my power to be a good role model for students inside and outside the classroom in the real world.