Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/professional-teacher
For anyone stepping into the world of teaching, or looking to refine their existing practice, the Coursera course ‘Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Being a Professional’ offers a comprehensive and insightful journey into the core tenets of educational professionalism. This course, designed for educators across all contexts – from K-12 classrooms to workplace training – provides a robust understanding of what it truly means to be a professional in the field of education.
The syllabus is thoughtfully structured, beginning with an exploration of personal beliefs about teaching and the societal expectations placed upon educators. This initial module encourages a deep, personal reflection on one’s own teaching philosophy, a crucial first step in developing a strong professional identity. Following this, the course delves into the critical areas of ethics, codes of conduct, and professional standards. It meticulously outlines the mechanisms in place to ensure these standards are met, including accreditation, registration, appraisal, and performance management. The legal and administrative responsibilities of a teacher are also thoroughly examined, with a focus on duty of care, student rights, and the rights and responsibilities of parents and caregivers. This section is particularly valuable for understanding the practical, day-to-day legal landscape of teaching.
A significant portion of the course is dedicated to developing a personal philosophy of teaching, grounded in research and evidence-based practices. It highlights the impact of teaching on student learning and development, discussing how views on this impact have evolved and addressing the challenges in ensuring equitable access to quality education. The course also emphasizes the importance of socio-economic status and its influence on student achievement.
Furthermore, ‘Being a Professional’ places a strong emphasis on the power of professional learning communities (PLCs). It explores research on the impact of PLCs on teacher quality and student outcomes, showcasing collaborative approaches like action learning and cycles of inquiry. The role of leadership in professional learning is also highlighted, with a look at effective instructional leadership strategies.
Finally, the course concludes by stressing the continuous nature of professional development. It encourages self-assessment, reflection, and the creation of personal development plans. Tools for professional growth, such as feedback and observation rubrics, are introduced, empowering participants to chart their future learning trajectory.
Overall, ‘Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Being a Professional’ is an exceptional course for anyone seeking to build a strong foundation in teaching professionalism. The insights gained are invaluable for enhancing practice, understanding ethical and legal obligations, and fostering a commitment to lifelong learning. I highly recommend this course to aspiring teachers, early-career educators, and even seasoned professionals looking for a refresher and a deeper understanding of their role.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/professional-teacher