Reflection_of_the_Roles_and_Responsibilities_of_a_Teach

Reflection of the role and responsibilities of the teacher “Responsibility is literally what it says – our ability to respond” (Visser, 2011) thorough In this assignment the author will demonstrate the role and responsibilities of a teacher. The researcher will give a detailed report of what they consider are the most important necessities of a teacher and what the teacher is responsible for when taking on this vital role in education. To prepare for this essay research will be conducted by means of the internet, books, journals and articles to find the thoughts and ideas of others. The author will also express a personal thought as to what they believe the role and responsibilities of a teacher are. The first role of a teacher is that of a facilitator. He should impart all the knowledge and skills related to a particular field...... He must provide his students with guidance, support, and inspiration so that they can find the right path, be it in career or in life. (Dhavale, 2010) It is in the opinion of the author, that most teachers are born to teach and their passion and enthusiasm show when they deliver a lesson. Their passion is passed onto the student; therefore the student also inherits a passion for the taught subject. Knowledge of subject matter is an essential part of the role of a teacher. To teach all students according to today’s standards, teachers need to understand subject matter deeply and flexibly so they can help students create useful cognitive maps, relate one idea to another, and address misconceptions. Teachers need to see how ideas connect across fields and to everyday life. This kind of understanding provides a foundation for pedagogical content knowledge that enables teachers to make ideas accessible to others (Shulman, 1987). The role of a teacher goes beyond creating a learning environment for the students. Respecting the personal values of the student plays a large role as the must also listen to their thoughts and problems. The teacher must take into consideration religion and beliefs, sexual orientation, age, gender, learning styles and disability. This covers a professional standard in section D, planning for learning, planning to promote equality, support diversity and to meet the aims and learning needs of learners. Being aware of safeguarding is vital; the teacher is responsible for the students and must raise alerts if they think the student is coming into harms way by means of ‘abuse, neglect, and ensure they are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care.’ http://www.safeguardingchildren.org.uk/ The teacher has a responsibility to the student to identify and act on any difficulties or skills the learner may have such as behaviour, learning obstructions or styles in order to support and teach the students accordingly. Some studies show that identifying a student's style and then providing instruction consistent with that style contribute to more effective learning. (http://www.ntlf.com/html/lib/bib/88dig.htm) Barth (1990) stated "Change that emanates from teachers lasts until they find a better way.” As a teacher you must be enthusiastic to develop new skills and improve existing ones. Undertaking continuous professional development (CPD) and participating in staff training activities helps to reflect, review and document learning and develop and update professional knowledge and skills. Assessment is an important role of the teacher as it determines whether the expected skills, knowledge and concepts are being covered and understood by the students. During a lesson planned and delivered by the author, assessment was utilised to ensure that all students understood the tasks set out. Assessment was carried out by observing the students and marking their work. The author could then establish how many students were able to carry out the work to a satisfactory level and how many struggled. This answered whether the lesson plan required a reassessment. There are many ever-changing roles and responsibilities of a teacher but it is their job to ensure that the students learn all that they can learn in a positive environment. It is a choice we make whether to be attentive to our children’s needs, whether to be mindful of the plight of those less fortunate, whether to be considerate of the impact we have on the earth and others. To be responsible is to be proactive in the world, to be sensitive to the interconnections, and to be willing to do something constructive as a way of giving back. (Visser, 2011) Bibliography Wayne Visser (2011). The age of responsibility Gheeta Dhavale (2010). What is the role of a teacher' Shulman, L. (1987).  Knowledge and teaching: Foundations of the new reform.  Harvard Educational Review Roland Barth (1990). Improving Schools From Within Webliography http://www.ntlf.com/html/lib/bib/88dig.htm http://www.safeguardingchildren.org.uk/