Personnel and Employee Relations AP 420: Role of the Teacher

Background

The key responsibility of teachers employed by the Division is to provide instruction which is consistent with the Alberta Program of Studies. Teachers must also become involved in a number of non-instructional activities to create an environment in which this instruction can occur effectively. The Division has a number of expectations for teachers.

Procedures

In terms of the following dimensions, teachers are to:

1. Teaching Perspective
   1. Understand and accept the Division's mission statement and goals as a guide to all decisions and actions within the Division;
   2. Support the Division's activities to improve the quality of education for children, recognizing the need for teacher involvement through established and appropriate channels to set these directions;
   3. Be positive and enthusiastic in their professional dealings with students, parents, colleagues, and other members of the community;
   4. Enjoy working in an environment populated by children;
   5. Be oriented toward continued professional growth;
   6. Be willing to ask for assistance and information as required;
   7. Be aware of an act in accordance with the Code of Professional Conduct of the Teacher and Teacher leaders; and
   8. Engage in thoughtful self-evaluation to identify ways in which their teaching can be made more effective.
2. Classroom Planning
   1. Be knowledgeable of the curriculum of the Province of Alberta, particularly in the subjects to be taught and its explicit and implicit standards;
   2. Know what students are to learn and plan to ensure this learning can occur;
   3. Be knowledgeable of the curriculum for Alberta schools, particularly in those areas in which they are currently teaching;
   4. Plan for instruction by developing, in writing and in a timely fashion, daily, unit and yearly plans; and
   5. Be aware of and implement prescribed changes in the provincial curriculum.
3. Classroom Teaching
   1. Create a classroom environment which is conducive to learning;
   2. Exhibit and exercise effective classroom management skills;
   3. Provide for instruction that maximizes learning by all children;
   4. Diagnose on an on-going basis the instructional requirements of all children; and
   5. Provide instruction that is consistent with the requirements of the curriculum of the Province of Alberta.
4. Classroom Assessment
   1. Keep records of student achievement that enables the teacher to provide an accurate description of student progress to parents and colleagues; and
   2. Provide for on-going assessment and regular reporting of student progress.
5. Community Relations
   1. Recognize that by its unique nature their profession places them in the position of being role models for children, both in the classroom and within the community;
   2. Communicate effectively with parents and solicit the cooperation of parents to maximize the benefit of education for children; and
   3. Dress in a manner appropriate to the nature of their teaching assignments.
6. Non-Classroom Contributions
   1. Participate in the development of their school's Education Plan;
   2. Contribute regularly to the school's extracurricular programs;
   3. Carry out all duties as assigned by the Principal; and
   4. Participate in and contribute to community activities. (Not to be considered within the context of teacher evaluations.)