Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
MODULE 1.1: PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDES AND VALUES
Meaning of Professionalism in Teaching
Professionalism in teaching refers to the conduct, behaviour, attitudes, and standards that are expected of a teacher as a trained and licensed professional. Teaching is not just a job but a profession governed by ethical standards, specialised knowledge, skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement. A professional teacher demonstrates competence in subject matter, respects learners’ rights, adheres to professional ethics, and upholds the dignity of the teaching profession at all times.
Professionalism also involves accountability to learners, parents, the school, the community, and the state. Teachers are expected to act in ways that promote trust, credibility, and respect for the profession.
Core Professional Attitudes
Commitment
Commitment refers to the teacher’s dedication to teaching and to learners’ success. A committed teacher prepares lessons adequately, attends school regularly, teaches conscientiously, and supports learners beyond classroom instruction. Commitment ensures consistency, reliability, and improved learner outcomes.
Integrity
Integrity is the ability to be honest, truthful, and morally upright. A teacher with integrity avoids examination malpractice, corruption, favouritism, and dishonesty. Integrity builds trust between teachers, learners, parents, and school authorities.
Fairness
Fairness means treating all learners equally regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, socio-economic background, or ability level. A fair teacher gives unbiased assessments, equal opportunities to participate, and just disciplinary actions.
Respect
Respect involves valuing learners’ opinions, rights, and dignity. Teachers must respect learners as individuals, colleagues as professionals, and parents as partners in education. Respectful behaviour creates a positive learning environment.
Punctuality
Punctuality refers to reporting to school and lessons on time. It reflects discipline, responsibility, and seriousness. Teachers who are punctual set good examples for learners and ensure effective use of instructional time.
Teacher Values and Their Effect on Learners
Teacher values are the beliefs and principles that guide a teacher’s behaviour and decisions. Positive values such as honesty, empathy, diligence, and responsibility influence learners’ character development. Learners often imitate teachers’ values; therefore, teachers play a major role in shaping learners’ moral and social behaviour.
Negative values such as bias, laziness, or disrespect can negatively affect learners’ attitudes toward learning and authority.
Teaching as a Moral and Social Responsibility
Teaching is a moral responsibility because teachers influence learners’ character, values, and future behaviour. Teachers are entrusted with shaping the minds of young people and preparing them for responsible citizenship.
Teaching is also a social responsibility because education contributes to national development. Teachers help reduce illiteracy, promote social cohesion, and prepare learners to contribute meaningfully to society.
GTLE Focus: Ethical Scenarios
In the GTLE, candidates may be given classroom or school scenarios and asked to identify the most professional or ethical response. Teachers are expected to choose actions that protect learners’ welfare, follow professional codes of conduct, and uphold integrity.
MODULE 1.2: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
a. Importance of Professional Development
Lifelong Learning in Teaching
Professional development emphasizes that teachers must continuously update their knowledge and skills throughout their careers. Education evolves due to curriculum reforms, new teaching methods, and technological advancements; therefore, teachers must engage in lifelong learning.
Impact on Learner Outcomes
Effective professional development improves teaching quality, which directly enhances learners’ academic performance, motivation, and behaviour. Well-trained teachers use appropriate strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
Teacher Licensing and Renewal Requirements
In Ghana, teachers are required to earn Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points to renew their teaching licenses. This ensures that teachers remain competent and current in their professional practice.
b. Activities that Constitute Professional Development
Workshops and Seminars
These are organised training programmes that expose teachers to new teaching strategies, curriculum changes, and assessment practices.
In-Service Training
In-service training occurs while teachers are actively teaching and focuses on improving instructional skills and classroom management.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Points
Teachers earn CPD points by participating in approved professional learning activities. These points are mandatory for license renewal.
Action Research
Action research involves teachers systematically investigating challenges in their classrooms to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
Peer Mentoring and Coaching
Experienced teachers support less experienced colleagues through guidance, feedback, and shared practice.
c. Reflective Practice
Meaning of Reflective Teaching
Reflective teaching is the process by which teachers critically examine their teaching practices to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Models of Reflection (Simplified)
-
Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle: Description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan.
-
Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle: Experience, reflection, conceptualisation, and application.
Using Reflection to Improve Teaching
Reflection helps teachers adjust lesson strategies, improve classroom management, and enhance learner engagement.
d. Concepts Associated with Professional Learning
Self-Directed Learning
Teachers take responsibility for identifying their learning needs and seeking solutions independently.
Communities of Practice
Teachers learn collaboratively by sharing experiences, strategies, and resources.
Mentoring and Coaching
Mentoring provides long-term professional guidance, while coaching focuses on improving specific teaching skills.
e. Leadership Role of the Teacher
Teacher as Classroom Leader
Teachers organise learning, manage behaviour, and motivate learners. Effective leadership ensures discipline and engagement.
Developing Leadership Skills in Learners
Teachers encourage teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving to nurture future leaders.
Student Voice, Responsibility, and Initiative
Allowing learners to express opinions and take responsibility builds confidence and accountability.
MODULE 1.3: COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE AND TEACHER AS CHANGE AGENT
a. Community of Practice
Meaning and Characteristics
A community of practice is a group of professionals who share common goals and learn through regular interaction.
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
PLCs involve teachers collaborating to improve teaching practices and learner outcomes.
b. Role Modelling
Meaning of Role Modelling
Role modelling is demonstrating behaviour that learners are expected to emulate.
Teacher Behaviour as a Model
Teachers influence learners through speech, dressing, punctuality, and discipline.
Becoming a Positive Role Model
Teachers must consistently demonstrate good moral and professional behaviour.
c. Teacher as an Agent of Change
Education and Social Transformation
Education promotes national development, social justice, and economic growth.
Teacher Influence on School and Community
Teachers influence attitudes, behaviour, and values beyond the classroom.
d. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
Working with Parents and Stakeholders
Teachers collaborate with parents, PTAs, chiefs, NGOs, and local authorities to support learners.
School–Community Partnerships
Partnerships enhance resources, discipline, and learner welfare.
e. Ethical Conduct and Misconduct
Ethical Conduct
Ethical conduct includes confidentiality, fairness, respect, and professionalism.
Ethical Misconduct
Examples include absenteeism, sexual harassment, examination malpractice, and abuse of learners.
Consequences of Unethical Behaviour
Unethical conduct may lead to sanctions, loss of license, dismissal, or prosecution.
