BC Professional Teaching Standards
BC Professional Teaching Standards
The BC Professional Teaching Standards really opened up my eyes to what it means to be a teacher. Of course being a teacher means supporting the well-being of all of your students and wishing for their success, but there is so much more meaning to it as well.
Having the BC Teaching Standards allows for me to know that the student’s best interest is in mind while working in the profession. Not only that but, the responsibility of teachers is clear and shows that the learning process is extremely important. The Standards that have stuck with me the most are Standard 8 and Standard 9.
Standard 8 shows me the support that is given and taken amongst educators. Being able to have staff and mentors surrounding you to offer mentorship and encouragement is beneficial for the growth of the profession and provides a positive environment that will benefit both the staff and students.
Being Indigenous, Standard 9 is and will always be important to me. This Standard shows me that the work is always being done to move forward and change how education has been done before. By having this Standard integrated into the classroom, Indigenous students will be able to feel supported in the classroom and hold positive relationships. This Standard also opens the doors to valuing other cultures and identities and respecting the stories of others within the classroom.
Standards for Teachers in First Nations Schools
The First Nations Schools Association has created a list of teaching standards for teachers that work within First Nations schools. The FNSA Standards focus on nurturing students in a safe environment that is based on having positive relationships and understanding the different needs of each individual student and their families.
I connect with these teaching Standards because I have always wanted my practice to focus on my students and their needs. A teacher’s job cannot be done without students so they should always be the main focus, not just on their academics but on their growth as humans that can be able to thrive outside of the classroom.
The FNSA Teaching Standards holds its main focus around the wellbeing of the students and their personal lives. I believe that students can learn more efficiently and be more engaged when they can connect their learning to their own lives. When the focus is on the needs of the students, the learning and knowledge will come with it.