The Ontario College of Teachers affirms that the principle of Trust embodies fairness, openness and honesty. Members' professional relationships with students, colleagues, parents, guardians and the public are based on trust. (OCT, Ethical Standards of Practice)
This ethical standard of care is similar to the Catholic Graduate Expectation #3: An effective communicator who speaks, writes and listens honestly and sensitively, responding critically in light of gospel values.
In order to engage the OCT and the CGEs requirements I wrote a statement of faith formation that creates a framework for classroom management that ensures that I am faithful to the trust that has been placed in my hands through the lives of my students.
Creedo
I believe that Catholic teachers should be committed to the care and individualized learning of every student, ever mindful that it is a Biblical vocation to develop students into responsible citizens. To this end, I am committed to the promotion of a collaborative, safe learning space that facilitates student accomplishment through the lens of the dual mandate, and also is established on the five pillars of the Catholic teacher: (1) student development; (2) learning theory; (3) catholicity; (4) curriculum; and, (5) pedagogy.
I know that a teacher must work faithfully live up to the Gospel challenge, conscious of his or her students' emotional, social, psychological and physical development through a holistic lens that is reflective of their sacramental, spiritual and educational growth. As a result, I will work with parents and guardians with a servants heart, understanding that with 'Jesus Christ as the cornerstone' of the educational process (Eph 2:20), and through collaboration, we can motivate and make exceptional learning something that is done within the classroom and without.
As individualized instruction is an important strategy to help students with different learning styles, my lessons will be structured to give space to different modalities by incorporating auditory, kinestetic, and visual techniques within lesson preparation. Further, as the application of a variety of approaches to the learning process is equally important, I will use cooperative learning strategies, will seek to integrate Catholic Magisterial discourses into lessons, and also guide individual instruction, where our Gospel-values - rooted in Scripture and Holy Tradition - are taught and celebrated.
In summation, as a result of the good that God has placed in all of His children, they have the right to receive a quality education in an environment that is nurturing and enriching. Therefore, I will be responsive to the gifts that my students present, always thankful that it is a blessing to serve as a teacher.
