Educators engage in professional learning.
I believe that professional learning is the process by which teachers engage with, draw from, and contribute to the great sea of knowledge that is taught in K – 12 classrooms. To be an effective teacher, I think one has to be in love with learning.
In China, I completed a Business Diploma before coming to Canada to complete a Bachelor of Arts – Economics. In China, entrepreneurship strategies and skills are considered to be of high value, and I was eager to understand how various levels of economics worked—from the household to the various levels of government. In my heart, I wanted to study art and creativity, but I was dutiful in completing my BA. Afterwards, while I was pregnant with my first child, I went back to school to do a Fine Arts Certificate. I found the opportunity inspiring: I loved the Art History classes, the drawing and painting, and the First Nations art. When I decided to apply for the Education Program, I went back to school again to take Evolutionary Biology, which I loved. The point of this paragraph is that I am a forever learner. I feel so lucky to be able to study in the West where I can think freely about ideas and express myself responsibly without fear of reprisal. In my mind, the first step in being an effective professional is to be engaged in the process of learning. Throughout my educational journey, I have collected examples of highly effective and ineffective methods of instruction, and when I am in the classroom, I know that my professional learning is in a constant state of growth and change.
Over the past year, I have been devouring information and knowledge about BC’s education system, BC curriculum, professional development, and knowledge sharing networks. I am both drawing from the educators who built this excellent system as well as participating in the discussion about how to best implement changes. I am collaborative with my fellow Teacher’s Candidates from who I have been inspired (and to whom I have hopefully offered some inspiration as well). I loved working with my CTs who generously shared lesson plans, teaching materials, and advice. I have taken my CTs’ suggestions for improvements seriously and am trying hard to improve my teaching performance ever time I give a lesson. I feel that my professional learning is tied to a full engagement with the teaching profession. Whether I am reflecting on my experiences in a blog, sharing ideas on Twitter, or being part of a group discussion, I am a professional learner. I am fully committed—all in. I want to learn and share and be the best version of myself. I want my students to fall in love with learning, to hunger for the professional learning that comes when you find the trade that makes your soul feel nourished.