Zandrea Y. Banton
Teacher & Author
Dip.Ed., B. Ed(Hons)., MA (Innovation in Learning and Teaching)
Guiding Principle 6
As a trained professional, I try to conduct myself in a manner that uplifts my profession.
"Being on time to appointments and meetings is a phase of self-discipline and an evidence of self-respect. Punctuality is a courteous compliment the intelligent person pays to his associates." ~ Marvin J. Ashton
As part of my professional obligation, I am expected to be on time for school, school events and my classes. I have tried to maintain a perfect punctuality record. My records will show that I am almost always punctual for school and school events. However, the overlap of my senior role on my classroom teacher role sometimes forces me to be late for my classes, particularly my classes that are scheduled for early morning session. Meetings witl parents, grade supervisory matters and disciplinary meetings sometimes infringe on my class times. To compensate for this shortcoming, I schedule online classes on Sundays to catch up with lost time. Parents are always appreciative. I also schedule free CSEC and CAPE revision classes on evenings leading up tp exams.
To begin with, I have ensured that, as a senior member of staff, I am punctual for school at least 90% of the time. This is a good example to set for the teachers whom I lead.
Despite the absence of a formal dress code, I try to adhere to virtues of modesty and decorum as I carry out my professional responsibilities. When corrected, I try to reflect and make needed adjustments.
Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, 70 But not express’d in fancy; rich, not gaudy; For the apparel oft proclaims the man,
William Shakespeare: Hamlet
I am committed to the learners in my charge and to the success of Cornwall College.
I demonstrate this not only by hosting revision sessions online, but, I also spearheaded the design and distribution of SBA/IA flyers at Cornwall College.
This digital flyer I designed was geared at increasing SBA submission for the subjects within my department and for all departments at Cornwall College.
This is a Flyer I Created to Improve SBA/IA Submission Rate.
My Flyer Was Shared With All Students and Some Parent Groups.
The teaching and learning process is exponentially more effective when teachers collaborate to enhance the academic achievement of their pupilss.
With this in philosophy in mind, I also organized two exam preparation workshops at Cornwall Colege. All CSEC English Literature and CAPE Communication Studies candidates at Cornwall College were invited to these workshops.
Teachers within the department were invited to present. The students truly benefitted from these sessions.
VOTE OF THANKS FOR ORGANIZING AND PRESENTING AT THE COMMUNICATION STUDIES WORKSHOP
VOTE OF THANKS FOR ORGANIZING AND PRESENTING AT CSEC ENGLISH "B"WORKSHOP.
My Communication Studies Students Benefitted from Online Internal Assessment Review
I convened online Communication Studies Internal Assessment Review.
My students were asked to submit a soft copy of the first draft of their IAs. On the date of the review, students were asked to have their IAs available online. I shared screen and walked students through the corrections that needed to be made.
Now, my students get to have their say.
In the same way that we provide feedback to our students so that they can improve, we as teachers rely on our students to provide feedback on our performance so that we can improve.
I created an online poll which I gave my students. This poll gave my students an opportunity to assess my efficacy. I will use my students' feedback to improve my pedagogy.
How Is My Teaching?
My students gave me feedback on my performance by completing a survey.
The Ethics and Morals that Guide ME
"I embrace the idea that, as an educator, I have an ethical responsibility to myself and to those with whom I work, lead and serve.. I must act morally in order to have the moral authority to teach and to lead."
In the 2022-2023 Academic year, the administrators at Cornwall College called upon me to present on Guiding Principles 4-6 of the Appraisal Instrument.
I deemed this an honour because I know that providing this kind of professional development is needed to uplift my profession and my nation.
I made sure that all teachers who were in attendance received digital badges of attendance. It is my hope that my colleagues will use their badges to signal their commitment to professional development.
Uplifting My Profession Through Team Work
I try to work effectively in teams and work with my colleagues to create a harmonious work environment.
Other Ways I Demonstrate Cooperative and Collaborative Approaches
Along with trying to maintain a cordial relationship with other team leaders, I also:
1. Freely give advice to junior teachers
2. Welcome feedback on my work
3. Embrace critique of my work so as to expand my scope...