Professional Learning and Ethical Practice standards hold me as an educator accountable for the latest professional development. Professional development as a teacher is essential for student success and teacher growth. Teachers need to ensure they can always provide their students with modern pedagogies and engaging learning practices in today’s fast past. Ethical practices are the most important for teachers because students need a safe and caring learning environment. Teachers who are up to date on ethical practices ensure student safety, confidence building, and mutual respect.
I have several support systems to ensure I am always compliant with the latest professional learning and ethical practices. In addition, I have several state certifications for ethical training and support.
Kappa Delta Pi
I am an active member of the Hollins University chapter of the Kappa Delta Pie Honor Society. Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society provides support and professional development opportunities for its members. KDP vision states, “Excellent teachers build thriving communities and create lifelong opportunities by providing quality, equitable education for all.” Through this vision, they bring a sense of unity and an active networking community. KDP offers seminars, certifications, Podcasts, and resources for all members.
National Education Association and National Rural Education Association
I am a proud member of the National Education Association. The National
Education Association has supported public educators for decades. The NEA mission states, “We are as diverse as the students we represent, but united in our purpose: championing justice and excellence in public education.” The NEA has created and supported valuable legislation that has changed our public education system for the better. The NEA ensures that all students and teachers have equitable professional development and growth opportunities. The NEA offers professional development resources and grants for its members.
I am also a member of the National Rural Education Association. The Nation Rural Education Association focuses on the unique support needed in the rural south public schools. The rural south is often overlooked for funding, support, and overall visibility. Growing up in rural public schools, I have seen the effects of low to no funding and how it negatively impacted my learning opportunities. It is essential to consider how community demographics impact a student’s success. The NREA provides support, resources, and visibility to teachers and students in the rural south.
GLSEN
I created and held the current position of Chairwoman of the Southwest Virginia chapter of GLSEN. GLSEN is a non-profit organization that helps ensure student
rights and dignity in public schools. The GLSEN mission states, “GLSEN believes that every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education. We are a national network of educators, students, and local GLSEN Chapters working to make this right a reality.” Ensuring that all students, no matter their orientation or identity, are respected and provided with a positive, safe learning environment is crucial. Students cannot learn if they are worried or scared of discrimination and bullying. I am Safe Space trained and an official Safe Space trainer. Safe space is professional development training that teaches educational professionals how to handle bullying situations, overcome hidden biases and mental health wellness. Being from the rural south, experiencing this training is imperative.
Certifications
I have received several professional development and ethical practices certificates at Hollins and New River Community College. I currently hold a certification in Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting. Holding these certifications means I am trained to recognize and report abuse and neglect. To ensure I am helping all diverse learners, I also hold a certification with the state of Virginia for Dyslexia Awareness and recognition. This certification states that I recognize how dyslexia appears in most students’ K-6th grades. Lastly, I hold a certification in Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. These privacy acts protect students’ dignity and health rights.