It is a vital part of being a teacher that you are aware of the roles, responsibilities and boundaries of what it means to be a teacher.
This is not only so you can deliver on your promise to teach, to pass on your wisdom, but also so as you dont step out of the roles, responsibilities and boundaries of what is expected of you in a teaching role.
Firstly lets look at what makes up the role of a teacher.
To deliver lessons effectively
Of course all teachers want to pass on their knowledge in the most effective way possible. But make sure you ask yourself if you are delivering lessons in the most effective and productive way that you can. Are you being too long winded on a particular subject or are you glossing over details which needed to be further illustrated to the the student. Make sure that the content you are teaching is relevant but most of all its having the right impact.
To plan engaging and relevant lessons
Do you sometimes show up to lessons without any prior planning. If this is true then you will be doing not only a disservice to your students but also to yourself. Planning ahead with lessons that are relevant to the subject can not only reward your students but also provide valuable feedback to yourself.
To give regular feedback to learners
How does a student know that they are on the right lines ? That they are thinking the right way ? That they are not wasting time on a though process that goes to nowhere ? Providing regular feedback to your students gives them the chance to see where they are on their journey and if necessary to make the adjustments needed to keep on course.
To Support learners with their studies
Your role as a teacher does not end with the teachings that you are giving. Your students need your support. Whether that be extra help to ones that are falling behind or struggling with the subject matter or simply asking them if they understand what has been said. Support comes in many forms and makes students learning go to the next level.
As a teacher, you have certain responsibilities to your students and to others.
These include :
Keep up to date with subject knowledge
There’s not much point teaching someone about an out-of-date subject matter. Its in your interest and the interest of your students for you to keep up to date with the content that you are teaching. To ensure it is relevant to you and your students. Its very easy nowadays to read up on the latest aspects of a subject that you are teaching.
Identify learners needs
Not all students are the same. Its very important that you identify each individuals needs. Some people learn at vastly different speeds to others. Its your job as the teacher to ensure that everyone is coasting along and gaining as much knowledge as possible and not getting left behind. Learners may also have other specific needs which they may need to overcome in order to learn from you. You as the teacher need to ensure these needs are met as much as possible.
Plan and prepare all lessons and resources
Its not good enough to just show up any more. Students need quality teaching, and this can only come about if you plan and prepare lessons and resources in advance. The greater the planning before you start teaching the better the outcome for you and your students. Have a lesson plan and stick to it. Create resources in advance that your students can use to enhance their learning and make things easier for them to digest.
Mark assessments
All students require feedback and the best way is to mark their assessments. They need to know how they are doing, and how they may need to do more or change direction slightly in order to get to the finish line with the required marks. They can only do this if their assessments are marked along the way and they received regular feedback from their teacher.
Adhere to legislation relating to Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity and Safeguarding
Its vitally important that Health and Safety is strictly adhered to, not only for the safety of your students but to ensure your are covered for every eventuality. Make sure that you use correct terminology and language when speaking to students in relation to equality and diversity. Also ensure that their are safeguarding practices in place to ensure certain students who require it, are treated fairly and within the correct legal and moral guidelines.
Boundaries a Teacher must consider
When working with learners:
Teach without discriminating or stereotyping
Maintain the confidentiality of learner information
Act professionally and with integrity
Do not do something which is part of someone else’s role
When working with other professionals:
Only undertake activities as part of the teaching role.
Do not do something which is part of another professionals role
Maintain the confidentiality of learners with other professionals
As you can see it’s vital that you are aware of the roles, responsibilities and boundaries of being a teacher.
As your career as a teacher develops always keep referring to the roles, responsibilities and boundaries of a teacher, and you wont go far wrong
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