EDUC-1 Courses:

EDUC 6405 - The Professional Educator

(5 credits)

Effective teachers today are committed not only to understanding the historical foundations of education but also to analyzing and questioning how laws, policies, practices, beliefs, and assumptions have created inequitable opportunities, experiences, and outcomes for all learners. To that end, teachers strive to understand how prejudice, discrimination, and racism operate and assess how their biases may affect their teaching practice and perpetuate oppressive systems. These efforts along with a professional pledge to abide by ethical codes and laws related to student rights and teacher responsibilities provide a strong foundation for acting as exemplary advocates and role models in their communities. In their collaborative work with families, effective teachers engage in culturally affirming, reciprocal communication to support every student’s healthy development and learning. This keen ability draws on an extensive knowledge of students' individual strengths and needs related to varying abilities as well as the diverse impacts of individual and systemic trauma, other mental health issues, and the influences of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. It is a tall order in an incredibly rewarding and critical profession.