Samantha Wagstaff: Professional Learning Portfolio

Element 7

Teachers are actively engaged members of their profession and the wider community

I believe that there are many factors which the teacher should be aware of in the classroom. The teacher has a responsibility of care for the students, and needs to understand that they have rights within the classroom. I believe the teacher also needs to understand that they too have rights, to be respected and kept safe within the school. I believe that teaching is not just limited to the transfer of knowledge from the syllabus – it also involves extending knowledge of other skills and values that you bring to the school. I believe it is most valuable to get involved in the wider school community – to make an effort to get to know students, teachers, parents and other members of this community. Teachers should ‘promote an interest in community…issues’ (Groundwater-Smith, Ewing & Le Cornu, 2003, p.325), which will encourage students to act in the same way.

I have made efforts to be aware of regulations and statutes as they relate to teachers’ responsibilities and students’ rights. I hold a current first aid certificate (Evidence A). I have also attended child protection seminars at university and practical experiences, in particular at my practicum in 2006 where I attended a series of staff meetings that addressed the DET code of conduct (NSWDET, 2004), teamwork and abuse.

Evidence A - First Aid Certificate

I have worked with external professionals and community based personnel in situations that enhance my knowledge and skills as a teacher. I have worked with Gymnastics Australia in gaining my Level One accreditation in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics and Sports Aerobics (Evidence B), as well as a certificate in managing the risks of coaching (Evidence C). These experiences have allowed me to develop my skills in organisation, managing student behaviour, transferring knowledge and skills and communicating with parents and colleagues.

Evidence B - Gymnastics Accreditation

Evidence C - Managing the Risks of Coaching Certificate

I have also involved myself in the wider school community, by communicating with fellow staff members and participating in out of school activities, for example attending the school’s Car Boot Sale on the weekend during my 2008 practicum. Final reports from my co-operating teachers acknowledged my community involvement (Evidence D).

Evidence D - 2007 and 2008 Final Report Comments

I will increase my communication with parents and caregivers on my next practicum. I need to introduce myself to parents and caregivers as I begin my practicum, and maintain communication through conversations at school. I will ensure parents are involved in the educative process, so I need to report back to parents about how their students are doing. This is consistent with my goals for Element 3, by administering Curriculum Planning and Programming, Assessing and Reporting to Parents K-12 Policy (NSWDET, 2006).

Element 7 Evidence.doc
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