Lesson Overview

​Learners can:

define what it means to use a professional educator lens
analyze examples of teachers participating in professional education communities
reflect upon a professional development exercise

Vocabulary: professional educator lens

Engage

​Education is one of the most important experiences for children and young adults. It provides them with the necessary tools to be an active and productive member of society. This means being an educator is a vital role in any community, demanding both responsibility and professionalism.

"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."

A passport lets you travel and find new opportunities. In the same way, education opens doors to many opportunities and helps you succeed in the future. The quote says that education is important for a better future.

It also means that if students work hard on their education now, they will be ready for tomorrow's challenges and opportunities. Preparing students through education is key to future success.

​Teachers are important in this process. They should inspire students to take charge of their learning, not just focus on grades. Teachers should also help students develop skills like critical thinking and encourage them to keep learning throughout their lives. This way, the effort students put into their education today will help them succeed in the future.

By emphasizing responsibility and preparation, professional educators can help students understand the importance of their efforts today in shaping their future success.

Discover

​The Professional Educator Lens

​A professional educator lens is a way of looking at teaching and the school environment through the perspective of a dedicated and skilled educator. It involves having the attitudes, practices, and values that create a positive and effective learning space for students, as well as strong collaboration and professionalism among staff. There are factors that make up this lens, including:
supportive leadership
active professional engagement
collective responsibility
community building

​Supportive Leadership: Teachers actively help improve the school environment. Examples include:
mentoring new teachers leading school-wide efforts such as anti-bullying programs
suggesting ideas to enhance classroom experiences

Active Professional Engagement: Professional educators participate in professional development opportunities to refine their skills and stay informed.

Examples include:

• attending professional development workshops

• participating in online courses about new teaching methods

• joining education-related conferences

Collective Responsibility: Professional educators understand that schools operate as a team and share the responsibility for the success of all students and staff.

Examples include:

• collaborating with colleagues to plan lessons

• supporting students outside of their own classes

• volunteering to help with school events

Community Building: Professional educators emphasize positive relationships with all members of the school and greater community.

Examples include:

• organizing school-community projects

• hosting a back-to-school night

• attending school board meetings

​The professional educator lens includes key factors like supportive leadership, professional growth, teamwork, and a focus on community-building. Together, these create a positive and collaborative school environment that benefits everyone involved.

​Professional Educational Communities Educators are active members of communities that work together to create a positive climate within the school and greater community. By participating in these professional educational communities, teachers play various roles that allow them to refine and strengthen their professional educator lens. This involvement helps build stronger relationships, encourages collaboration, and supports growth for both educators and students.

​Curriculum Developers
Teachers can contribute to the development and implementation of the curriculum by serving on advisory programs or working alongside colleagues teaching different subjects in cocurricular activities. These roles allow educators to play an active part in shaping the teaching and learning experience for the entire school.

​The science teacher and art teacher collaborate on a solar system project to create a cocurricular learning opportunity.

Community Builders

Educators often take on roles that bridge the gap between the school and the larger community. This could involve organizing service projects or joining committees that focus on school improvement.

These efforts help foster trust and build meaningful partnerships between the school and its surrounding community.

Book fairs are great ways to get the community involved in the school.

​Professional educators are expected to participate in curriculum and community engagement opportunities to strengthen their professionalism. Teachers also participate in various groups with colleagues to further develop their skill sets.

Professional Networkers

By engaging with professional organizations and networks, educators gain valuable opportunities to learn from others in their field.

Professional networking not only enhances their subject-area knowledge and teaching skills but also promotes connections that can inspire innovation and growth.

Educational conferences are a great way to learn from educators across the country.

​Teachers who take part in professional educational communities show how to be good role models, coaches, and mentors for all students. By working together, they show leadership and teamwork. Their actions set a positive example and help create a school environment where everyone feels supported and included.

​Teachers who take part in professional educational communities show how to be good role models, coaches, and mentors for all students. By working together, they show leadership and teamwork. Their actions set a positive example and help create a school environment where everyone feels supported and included.

​By sharing her journey, Mrs. Taylor demonstrates the transformative impact of developing a professional educator lens, benefiting both educators and students alike.

Show

​Case Study: Developing a Professional Educator Lens

At Maplewood High School, teachers noticed that many students felt disconnected from their school community. To address this, the staff decided to work together to create new programs to build school spirit. Mrs. Samira, a history teacher, showed supportive leadership by suggesting a “Unity Week” full of fun activities like pep rallies, team sports, and art competitions. She worked with other staff members to plan the events.

Developing a Professional Educator Lens Actions:

Collaboration: Mrs. Samira and other staff members brainstorm ideas and organize the activities for Unity Week.

Planning: The team schedules events, assigns roles, and ensures all logistics are covered.

Implementation: Teachers actively participate in the events, encouraging students and fostering a sense of community.

Developing a Professional Educator Lens Outcomes:

Enhanced Leadership Skills: Mrs. Samira develops her leadership abilities by coordinating and executing a large-scale school event.

Improved School Spirit: Students feel more connected to their school community, leading to a more positive school environment.

Professional Growth: Teachers gain experience in event planning and teamwork, benefiting from the collaborative effort.

Summary

In today's lesson, you:

• defined what it means to use a professional educator lens;

• analyzed examples of teachers participating in professional education communities; and

• reflected upon a professional development exercise.

In an upcoming lesson, you will learn about educational philosophies.