Meycauayan College City of Meycauayan GRADUATE SCHOOL EDUC203 Educational Sociology

PEOPLES PERCEPTION TO TEACHERS

Ma. Ana F. Regino MAED-Filipino

Dr. Annabel Quilon Professor

INTRODUCTION

Teaching is the noblest profession. It is said to be the greatest vocation in the world. Teachers are molders of the youth, role model to everyone and the second parents of our children. Teaching is not just a job but more on commitment, dedication, and service.

One of the reasons why teachers teach is that they recognize the importance of preparing the young not only to live their lives, but also to pass along the responsibility for our shared future. Teachers who care for their students like friends may not be willing to make the difficult decisions needed to prepare their pupils for life.

As teachers we are proud of our students. It is important to us that we support our students on their path to a successful life. Like the mother bird who must push her chicks out of the nest so that they will learn to fly on their own, even if they fall to the ground first, we teachers launch our students into the world. Once the student exits the classroom for the very last time we hope and pray for their success. We reflect on our efforts over the course of the year with each and every student that we have taught. Hopefully we stand there on the last day of school or at the graduation ceremony with complete confidence that we left it all in the classroom, and that if nothing else we gave our students everything we could and that we taught them something they will use in their lives. This work suggests that people have different perception to teachers in the teaching profession which will focus on factors like professional security, the status of teachers, the challenges offered by education, job prospects and promotion opportunities. The less positive

perception that many learners have of the remuneration package of teachers and the uninspiring image of education portrayed by some teachers should also not be underestimated as powerful deterrents that dishearten learners.

PEOPLES PERCEPTION TO TEACHERS Young and old are aware that teaching is a career choice which is well understood and both have a clear outlook about the relative advantages and disadvantages of the teachers roles. Teaching is not a high rank profession despite compelling considerable amount of skills and trainings, and having a great influence on the lives and minds of the young. Teachers do not have the capacity or chance to possess the essential elements of status. However, lack of essential elements does not seem in any way to decline the attraction of teaching as a profession, though there is a connection in salary, for those seeking high salary jobs are less likely to consider a teaching profession. Despite of not having fame, power and money, teaching is anyway a highly regarded profession. Most people agree that teachers are admired, important and reliable. "There are two kinds of people; those who do the work and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there. -- Indira Gandhi

There are three primary drivers of individuals social or professional standing: These are money, fame and power. And there are two other factors that affect the status of a professional: the amount of skills or trainings and the required proficiency, and the scope to

which the impact on other peoples lives. But, these additional factors do not elevate individuals social or professional standing unless they result in extravagant level of money, fame and power. These are the causes why teachers do not have high professional standing in society. Despite of the fact that teachers are identified as well trained and favorably favored professionals, and they are known as being greatly influential on community or society, none of the three primary drivers made them being rich, famous and powerful. On the contrary, however, there were no proofs in the discussions to uphold the idea that these lacks of high regard necessarily prevent people from pursuing to become teachers. Some group participants observe that only the teachers with personal interests and who are attracted through the power of teaching gives them the feeling of power over the children. In general, teaching has been observed with great worth, a noble and respectable profession but again, none of these delivers status. There is however an occasion for individual teachers to increase status if the profession highlights its top performers in a manner of leadership and performance outcomes. Of the highest importance, teachers are admired, praised, valued, trusted, and respected. Because teaching is such an impressionable profession, there are comparatively few influences on peoples perception beyond their clear experiences with teachers themselves. Almost no other career choice is as well known and well understood everyone has been through the educational institution, so believes they have personal knowledge of what teachers do.

The advantages and disadvantages of teaching are therefore depending to anyone considering this as a profession. On the favorable side, the role of educating and what it stands for is the chief interest of teaching profession, the chance for a personally rewarding and fulfilling, secure job that impacting both the individual and society. On the unfavorable side, educational institutions are seen as being a negative environment in which to work due to children with behavioral problems, unsupportive parents and the schools system that does not support teachers on their professional growth. Teachers themselves are seen as being pessimistic about teaching because of the institutions lack of plan of action that rewards good teachers to stay in the field of teaching; another is due to excessive workloads and lastly is teachers safety issues. The primary barriers identified were.

Salary: Most people believe that teachers salaries are not enough for the work that they do. Given that salary is one of the most important effects on career choice, and this is unmistakably a hindrance. However, there are some people who have strong perspective that excellent and notable teachers should be paid more than the other professions.

Students Behavioral Problems: Teaching would be more interesting if children were well behaved or acts in a polite manner. Teachers nowadays have limited authority and power to reprimand the students than they used to have. Some people were precisely less amenable to say that teachers should have further authority and power to discipline the students.

Lack of support / low esteem: Some people felt that schools do not support teachers enough, and that parents do not value their childrens teachers enough.

The major attractions to teaching included.

Influence and Significance: There is overwhelming agreement that teachers have a huge influence on peoples lives, and that teaching is an honorable, important and respected profession. Almost everyone agrees that teaching is a profession wherein teachers can make a great distinction and worthwhile because these people shape and mold young minds. These are potentially the greatest attractions to a career in teaching, but only for those who feel that they would find teaching enjoyable

Job security: Job security was the secondary influence on profession choice and seen as assured for teachers not only in terms of having a job for life, but also being something that you can do for your whole working life.

Wider opportunities: Teachers have plenty of opportunities in the wider fields of work, and their trainings and skills can be used in many other jobs.

Diversity: teaching would never be boring.

Helen Snodgrass, a biology teacher and Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Fellow at YES Prep North Forest in Houston, recently examined high-achieving womens perceptions of the teaching profession. Her findings were published in the New Educator Journal and offer possible solutions to attract talented candidates to teaching.

HW: Youve done research on high-achieving womens perceptions about the teaching profession. Why this topic?

SNODGRASS: As I became focused on teaching as a career, I constantly came across people who wanted to know why someone with a good education and a background in science would pursue teaching instead of science. I also realized that very few of my peers were considering teaching. This piqued my interest in understanding peoples perceptions of teaching that might either attract them to the profession or make them choose other careers, with the ultimate goal of thinking about what we need to do to attract more high-achieving men and women into the classroom.

HW: Were you surprised by your findings?

SNODGRASS: I was surprised and saddened by how many women were interested in teaching but turned away from it. Compared to other jobs they were considering, teaching paid less, had a much lower status and level of respect, and was perceived as difficult and stressful work. Most of these womens peers and families discouraged them from entering the profession, as some of mine did. All of this led women to consider teaching as a heavy sacrifice.

HW: How can we recruit more skilled women into the teaching profession?

SNODGRASS: To attract skilled women into teaching and to keep them there, we need to address the perception of teaching as a personal sacrifice. Teaching has to compete with other professions that women consider with respect to salary, professional development and

support. The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation is one organization working to keep talented and passionate teachers in the profession.

HW: What advice would you give to a young woman considering a career in the teaching profession? SNODGRASS: If you are passionate about teaching, do not be deterred by some of the apparent negatives or what others might say. Speak to teachers to find out why they love what they do and continue to do it year after year. Then find a school and a district that will provide you with the support, collaboration and professional development to help you love your work and become the best teacher you can be. Its going to be hard in the beginning, but stick it out and you will never regret your choice!

How Do We Change The Perception of Teachers? Teaching is distinguished to be a noble profession that was fulfilling and worthwhile. It is a challenging profession because it had something to do with interaction and communication with different types of people. The teaching profession becomes a vocation when its job becomes an intense commitment and enthusiastic.The nature of its work is a sufficient reason why other people love to teach. It is an embarrassing that most people view the teaching profession as somewhat like an angel without a sin, a person who excessively enforces order and discipline in an educational institution. But some people are not impressed if a person is engaged with a teaching profession. Other parents hope and wish that their children never become one. There are people who dont respond that way in other professions.

Illegal Acts committed by some teachers become currently of interest in media and the cause of humiliation for the teachers in general. But how can we change the negative perception of teachers in a state or community? Who are in the position to make a step for a change in order to uplift the esteem of teachers and to suffice the need of teachers in professional growth? Leaders in the government or agencies have a lot of control and power over the dilemma in the field of teaching. Until the leaders in the government or agencies concerned should make a step for change, the need for teachers will continue to grow. Mass Media should also be responsible in showing favorable impressions concerning teachers satisfying performances and good deeds in and out of the educational institution. 1. Teachers should make a difference and be noticed by young people rather than committing illegal acts. 2. Teachers may serve the public interest by performing in a way which promotes confidence in the uprightness of the public service and the profession. This can be achieved by exercising logical concerns and abilities Deal with students, parents and colleagues with politeness and sensitivity to

their interests and desires. Teachers must be committed to students and their learning and protect them

from any harm or acting against any form of harassment or discrimination. organizing learning by working in partnership with parents to take account of

varied special needs of their students teachers need to involve the community more in our schools. Schools need to become more transparent and get involved to the community.
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Teaching is a career choice which is well understood, with both adults and youth having clear views about the relative advantages and disadvantages of the role. Teaching is not a high status occupation, because despite requiring significant skills and training, and having a major influence on the lives of others, it does not have the ability to deliver fame, fortune or power the essential elements of status. However, this lack of status does not appear to in any way undermine the attraction of teaching as a career, though there is a link in the area of pay, where those seeking highly paid jobs are less likely to consider a teaching career. While it lacks status, teaching is nevertheless a highly regarded career, with the vast majority of people agreeing that it is respected, important and honorable. The attractions of teaching are well recognized. These are mainly related to the interaction with children, shaping their future and making a difference to society. Similarly, the disadvantages of teaching are well recognized. These relate mainly to the pay situation (including the lack of reward for outstanding performance), and the issues around student behavior. Interestingly, those still at school are most likely to be deterred from teaching by student behavior. The challenge for the teaching profession is not so much in improving the status or appeal of teaching as a career, but rather in reducing the barriers such that those who are potentially attracted to the profession are encouraged rather than discouraged from it. Most importantly, the attitudes of existing teachers are a significant barrier to becoming teachers for young people still at school.

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References: Electronic Sources Bibo, K. (2011). Teachers Make a Lasting Impression. Power to educate. Retrieved from http://theapple.monster.com/education/articles/6193-teachers-make-a-lastingimpression Hall, D. & Langton, B. (2006). Perceptions of the Status of Teachers. Education counts. Retrieved from http://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/publications/ece/2535/5971 Hensley, P. (2011). Perceptions about teaching. Successful teaching. Retrieved from http://successfulteaching.blogspot.com/2008/05/perceptions-about-teaching.html Ko, J. (2007). Perceptions of teachers as professionals. Teachers love. Retrieved from http://forums.atozteacherstuff.com/showthread.php?t=46977 Larkin, P. (2011). How do we change the perception of teachers? Connected principals. Retrieved from http://www.connectedprincipals.com/archives/3263 Mooney, H. (2007). Public gives teachers a glowing report. The guardian: Teacher network. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2007/nov/06/ schools.teachertraining Ngoh, M., Wong, I. &Wong, A. (2005). A qualitative study of perceptions of student teachers towards teaching. Retrieved from http://conference.nie.edu.sg/ paper/covert/ ab00616.pdf Perry, R. (2004). Teaching practice for early childhood. A guide for students. Retrieved from http://www Routledge.com catalogues./0418114838.pdf. Rob, K. (2003). An uncertain position: Examining the status of teaching as a profession. Retrieved from http://www.usca.edu/essays/vol182006/ robb%20revised.pdf See, B. (2004). Paper presented at the British Educational Research Association Annual Conference. Determinants of teaching as a career. Retrieved from http://www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/documents/00003761.htm Snodgrass, H. (2001). New educator journal. Houston Woman Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.houstonwomanmagazine.com/index.php/issues/interviews/536-helensnodgrass

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Books Alhabeeb, A. (2004). Educational supervision ways in teachers professional development. Al Reyadh: King Suod University. Bailey, K.M., Curtis, A., & Nunan, D. (2001). Pursuing professional development: The self as a source. Boston, M.A: Heinle & Heinle. Ross, A. (Ed.). (2002). Emerging Issues in Teacher Supply and Retention. London: IPSE. Sullivan, S., & Glanz, J. (2000). Supervision that improves teaching strategies and techniques. California: Sage Publication.

Journals Dorph, G.Z. & Holtz, B. W. (2000). Professional development for teachers: why doesnt the model change? Journal of Jewish Education, 66(1/2), 67-76. Harrison, N. (2007) Secret Transmissions: Modelling cross-cultural relations in classroom discourses Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, 35:1,41-53

Other Sources Connell. R (2009). Good teachers on dangerous ground: towards a new view of teacher quality and professionalism. Forthcoming in Critical Studies in Education. Creswell, J.W. (2009) Research Design Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications Inc. US Hattie, J. (2003) Teachers Make a Difference: What is the research evidence?, Australian Council for Education Research Annual Conference on Building Teacher Quality, October 2003, pp1-2 Ingvarson, L., Meiers, M., & Beavis, A. (2005). Factors affecting the impact of professional development programs on teachers knowledge, practice, student outcomes & efficacy. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 13(10), 1-26.

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