Educators value the success of all students. Educators care for students and act in their best interests. This professional standard is very important because it acknowledges the importance and responsibility that educators have to make sure that every single student, regardless of background, are taken care of. Respect, dignity, and acceptance are key aspects of this standard and are extremely important to teaching as a whole. As a teacher I am responsible for the safety and wellbeing of my students. This includes their physical and emotional safety. Inclusivity is especially important, and it will be my job as a teacher to make sure that every single student feels included and accepted regardless of their race, religion, gender identity, etc. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students need to have their beliefs and thoughts validated and accepted in order to work towards reconciliation.
The photo below was taken outside of a grade 6/7 class at Harwin Elementary. As soon as I saw it I began thinking about potential ways that I, as a teacher, can make my class feel as inclusive and welcoming as possible. The picture below displays flags that represent certain gender identities and I believe that this is extremely important to recognize (especially with the current political climate and outrage by some over gender identity). By simply posting this on their door, the teacher is indicating that everyone, regardless of their gender identity, is welcome in this classroom. Something as simple as this can go a long way in fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and judgment free classroom environment. Students that walk into this classroom will know right away that they are welcome there. This photo is a great representation of professional standard 1 as it acknowledges that the teacher has the safety and wellbeing of their students at the forefront. As a teacher, I want to make sure that every child is comfortable with being themselves and know that they matter. Fostering positive individual identities is integral to setting students up for future success and I have a duty to make sure that happens in my classroom.
