Representation of Teachers

Teacher as professional

Teacher as change agent

Teacher as practitioner

Teacher as learner

A teacher should be considered a lifelong learner. It is important to adapt to evolving curriculums and to have a growth mindset. Teachers must be able to adapt to new school environments and if needed alter their own practices and methods (Haeslar, 2016).

A great teacher needs to strive to create a culture of inquiry for their students. A teacher as a learner means to always be ready and willing to accept new ideas and learn from their own students insights and views. This idea of learning from students and respecting their opinions can also help to build positive relationships with the students.

Educators in a changing world need to be ready for new challenges within school environments and how to overcome them. Through being adaptable, teachers can better adjust their teaching methods to adhere to changes such as new technology and new curriculums (APST 3.6).

There are 6 main representations of teacher as practitioner. These representations of teachers having deliberate, purposeful and thoughtful decision making both inside and outside of the classroom.

As professionals teachers are expected to consistently perform at a high standard. It requires having a high degree of specialised knowledge and high standards of ethical practices, which are over seen by Australian statutory authorities (APST 7.1).

According to the Queensland College of teachers (QCT), there are 6 key principles that contribute to a professional teacher. Being to demonstrate integrity, dignity, responsibility, respect, justice and care.

Legally, teachers have a responsibility of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their students under their duty of care. A professional teacher should always consider their duty of care not only in the classroom but during lunchtimes, sporting events or excursions (Wight, 2016).

A teacher as a change agent involves inspiring change and development within students through new ideas and innovative thinking. Therefore allowing important physical, social and intellectual development within students (APST 1.1).

Due to rapid changes within society it is important for teachers to consider how best they can initiate change within education. Through innovative, collaborative and student led learning, teachers can focus on more progressive methods of teaching that suits the changes within society.

Within the representation of teacher as practitioner, an important aspect is to plan and implement effective teaching and learning as stated in section 7 of the APST'S.