Courtney Cameron

Foundations of Elementary/Special Educators

Barnes T/TH 10:50

April 7,2015

Ethical Principles and Professional Standards of Excellence Paper

Each person, no matter what their career is has their own set of standards for

themselves. Sometimes they can be set high and sometimes they can be set low. No

matter what one decides to do with their life, there will always be a standard or

expectation of how it should be done and accomplished. As teachers, there are pages

upon pages of standards that they are expected to attain and follow. A better word for

standards would be principles. These principles, when it comes to being a teacher, are

basically an outline of how teachers are expected to professionally act, accomplish task in

the classroom, and how to become an effective teacher. Teachers must be able to

understand how a child grows and develops, how to adapt to diverse students, and how to

reflect on themselves and grow professionally. These set of ACEI standards will help

accomplish the task that are set in front of teachers.

I believe teachers are extra special people because not everyone is cut out to be a

teacher. It takes a special person to have patience with thirty children in a room by

themselves. In ACEI standards in the section labeled quality it states, We believe that

educational experiences are enhanced by instructional strategies and learning

environments that offer the very best opportunities for children's learning within the

context of the nation, community, city, town or village in which children live. Its not

just about standing up in front of a classroom and presenting material and hoping the
students get it. When teaching, it is important to use proper English, keep them engaged,

and allow them to speak their opinion. Students look up to their teachers and often mimic

what they do. Therefor it is important for teachers to constantly be aware of how they are

acting and communicating. Teachers need to understand the importance of incorporating

childrens experiences into their lesson plans to allow children to engage in the topics

presented. Using experiences is a big way to get students involved and connected. In

school, children often complain about the books presented to them because they are

unable to connect to the situations that appear in the books. Reading is very crucial

because it causes you to think and also learn to make your own opinions. Teachers call

this critical thinking. Teachers are required to take students conclusions and allow them

to communicate their insights on paper or to their classmates. These concepts are

important because they are the foundation for education. If students are pushed to expand

their mind through reading and communicating their ideas then they have set a great

foundation for their learning. These ideas that are set before me allow me to learn the

responsibility I have for influencing their future education experience. I want to be a

teacher that pushes her students and motivates them to love learning.

Its hard for a child to love learning if they are having a hard time understanding

what is going on or have distractions outside of school. Obviously no child is the same or

comes from the same background, but the background can play an important part in how

they learn at school. In ACEI standards under the section labeled uniqueness it states,

We believe each child possesses a unique set of gifts and talents. Educators and others

invested in the education of children should value each child as a unique and special

individual. It is crucial for a teacher, if they want to be an effective teacher, to

understand their students and the ways they learn best. It is quite likely their classroom

will be diverse, and they need to know how to handle that. Incorporating students

experiences, talents, cultures, languages, and traditions to the lesson can really engage all

of the children. Each student has their own set of unique gifts and talents and it is

important for teachers to let them shine. All students learn in different ways, thus

educators should implement different content material that reaches all types of students.

It is important for teachers to emphasize that all students are unique in their own way and

should value that. When I was in third grade I was very good at reading aloud, which was

one of my unique gifts. My teacher valued my gift and often allowed me to read aloud

during reading lessons. This teacher made a difference in my life and made me feel

special. This is a part of the reason I feel called to be a teacher today. I could greatly

impact a students life just by setting their unique talents apart from the other students

and making him or her feel special.

As teachers it is important to be fair and honorable. A teacher should not show

any kind of favoritism towards one particular student but should treat all students the

same. In ACEI standards under the topic equality it states, We believe all children

should be educated in environments of fairness where there is freedom from bias or

favoritism and where access to, and participation in, educational experiences are the

cornerstone of the home, school and community. The classroom environment should be

a safe place for students to freely speak their ideas and opinions without being judged. If

a teacher does not implement this standard it can cause harm to their classroom

management. If a teacher does not respect what his or her students have to say then his or

her students will not respect what his or her has to say. Education experiences are the
cornerstone of the child is going to communicate in their homes and in their community.

It is important to establish a classroom where all students feel equally treated and are free

to communicate their opinions.

Although our job is to teach kids, teachers have to take time to teach themselves

as well. The standard that states, to encourage continuous professional growth of

educators, is important for educators professional growth and development. Teachers

have to realize that there is always room for improvement. It is important for all teachers

to support and constantly advice their fellow colleagues. In my future teaching career I

hope to have more experienced teachers give me advice in all areas of my classroom to

ensure the best for my students. Teachers are encouraged to constantly uplift their fellow

teachers and unit together to make a positive influence. If two teachers are arguing with

each other than what will the students and parents think of not only the school system but

also the teachers? It is important to face all conflicting views that teachers might have

with one another in a professional manner. Teachers must continually grow and adapt to

new ideas for their profession on a yearly basis. All areas of reflection, growth, and

adaptation are beneficial to becoming a successful teacher.

Looking over these standards of the Association of Childhood Education,

International I realized how huge the responsibility is to have these standards

implemented into my future classroom. Teachers have a heavy weight on their shoulders

to attain all the standards and being effective when attaining them. I believe it is a good

thing that these standards are so detailed and precise. The only part that might make it

difficult would be the lack of flexibility it gives teachers to change things when it seems

to be needed. I believe these standards will help outline the kind of teacher I want to
become. I love having what is expected of me written out in stone. These standards dont

just focus on the subject manner that is to be taught, but they relate to other skills that can

positively impact the classroom environment. I believe communication and building

relationships is key to becoming an effective teacher. If students dont feel safe in their

classroom environment then they will not grow. I believe it is important to present

material that the children can relate to and draw conclusions from their own life

experiences. These standards are an accurate display of what I believe teaching is all

about!

Teacher is a difficult and time consuming job, but the time and effort put into it is

priceless. Teachers have high standards that are set before them and are expected to attain

every single one of them. The ACEI standards give all teachers in Arkansas the same

principles to follow so each child is getting the same educational experience. These

standards are set to insure excellence in not only the children but also the teachers. I will

be a better teacher due to these effective standards.