STANDARD 9

Professional Learning and Ethical Practice: The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice,

particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the

community), and adapts practices to meet the needs of each learner.

Laws Related to EducationI was able to gain an understand-

ing of laws related to learners’ rights and teacher responsibilities during my course in Foundations of Education at Madonna University. The experiences that I was exposed to and participated in allowed me to gain new insights on educational equality, appropriate education for learn-ers with disabilities, confidentiality, pri-vacy, appropriate treatment of learners, and reporting in situations related to pos-sible child abuse. I participated in a specific discussion with my peers regard-ing a case studying on suspected child abuse. I suggested and described three strategies that a teacher could use to help him or her better evaluate the situa-tion. I also identify three people that a teacher might turn to for help and explain what they might be able to do to assist: the principal, school social worker or psychologist, and a close colleague. In conclusion to my post, I contributed my

knowledge on what a teacher’s obliga-tions are when there is suspicion of child abuse. Educators are mandated re-porters. By not reporting, a teacher could face fines and or prison terms.  Many, if not most school districts have strict pro-cedures for reporting suspected abuse. If a teacher suspects abuse and sees signs, he or she is obligated to report it.

ReflectionThrough these experiences, I see

myself as a continuous learner that is continuously seeking opportunities to draw upon from current education poli-cies and research as sources of analysis and reflection to improve my teaching practices. I will continue to engage in on-going professional learning to enhance my ability to teach. I will use evidence to continually evaluate my teaching prac-tices, as well as the effects of how my choices and actions on others.

Case study discussion board post that was shared with my peers.