The professionalizationof teaching

The degree of teacher professionalisation vary among schools. It depends on their type, location, size, ownership among other factors. Some schools do exhibit some of the features associated with professionalised work places.

The professionalisation of teaching is the extent to which teachers and their schools possess established and selected criteria by which they can be assessed. These benchmarks are applied to differentiate professions from occupations and to identify professionals. Teacher professionalisation has received much attention in recent years. The issue is still unfolding.

Although the characteristics of quality teachers and teaching are generally known and accepted, the status of elementary and secondary teaching as a profession is widely debated. Most people evaluate teachers on how they conduct themselves in and out of the classrooms. The degree of teacher professionalisation vary among schools. It depends on their type, location, size, ownership among other factors. Some schools do exhibit some of the features associated with professionalised work places. Despite reform initiatives there are schools that are deficient in the process of professionalisation. Teachers’ status and salaries have compared unfavourably with other professions.

Generally, teaching meets the basic criteria of a profession. Teaching can be considered as a professional career. Although possession of a university degree and training are not essential for teaching in certain territories of the Caribbean, extensive training is desirable. There are requirements for becoming a teacher. Induction and professional development sessions are available for teachers who have not been to a college or university. In Scotland and elsewhere regulations require that to become a professional teacher one has to attend a recognized university/college with an education department. There is an intellectual component to teaching. Teachers are more educated now. There are many teachers who hold master’s degrees and doctorates. There are major and minor fields of specialization. There is professional licensing and certification upon the completion of an approved programme or course of study and the demonstration of the ability to be successful in the field of education.

Education is big business. There are those who express the opinion that anyone can teach. This belief undermines teaching as a profession since the possession of expertise creates a monopoly. Teachers provide an important service to society. Teaching is a human resource activity. The population is served by teachers. Children of different backgrounds in culture, language, religion, race form the clientele of schools. This is an indication that trust has been placed in teachers as professional persons. Professionals have to treat with all persons. In our case we are told that no child should be left behind.

Another feature of professionalism is the level of influence that can be exercised. Only a minority of school principals reported that their faculties have as much decision-making influence as they themselves have over vital educational issues. In private schools, faculties have substantial decision-making influence over key educational issues. Starting salaries for teachers in many instances are lower than those in many other occupations. Paid benefits are not common and guaranteed. Generally, salaries are regulated by agencies of state. In order to retain quality teachers salary levels must be raised and career ladders improved.

Defining the criteria of a profession is essential. It allows for standardisation and organisation. The ultimate goal should be to be recognized by members as well as non-members from other professions. There needs to be equalization of professional competence. Barbara K. Miller created the Wheel of Professionalism in Nursing. The Caribbean Union of Teachers and its affiliates need to continue and consolidate the process of professionalisation in teaching. Celia Nicholas President Dominica Association of Teachers

Mrs. Celia Nicholas
President of the Dominica Association of Teachers