Even though teaching in BC is not labelled as a profession, many teachers view themselves as such. Being a member of a profession, and what it means to act professionally, has been published in the BC Teachers Council document Professional Standards for BC Educators.
In order to be viewed as a profession, teachers must act in professional manner, display competence, have completed training, display self regulation and abide by a code of ethics (Young, Levin &Wallin 2014). The BC Standards for Public Educators states, teachers must: be knowledgeable and continue their own learning, create respective and inclusive safe spaces, value the community and the students support network, show respect and value of First Peoples, value and care for the students as they grow and develop, as well as maintain integrity and credibility.
Whether the label profession is used for teaching or not, having integrity displayed in the workplace is vital. Educators are teaching community members and leaders of the future. Not only are these students the future, they are also individuals that deserve support and caring. Once cannot be viewed as a mentor and coach, if they are offering judgment and bias. We have all had, or heard of, teachers that had a negative impact on a student. When dealing with the development of individuals it is especially imperative that they are treated in a kind and professional manner at all times.
I would even argue that profession aside, every individual should aspire to continually show integrity, caring, acceptance, credibility, a passion for personal growth, and respect of the First Peoples in all aspects of their lives, always. It is simply, the right thing to do for ourselves, and for our youth.
Young, L., Levin, B., & Wallin, D. (2014). Understanding canadian schools: An introduction to educational administration (5th ed.). Retrieved from: http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~wallind/understandingcanadianschools5.html.