As future educators we are not merely teaching content, at times we are therapists, psychologists, and guardians. We are nurturing minds, fostering curiosity, and creating spaces where students feel valued, understood, and supported. The 12 competencies for teacher education at the University Victoria (UVic) serve as a guide to help us grow professionally and personally as we navigate this journey. In this blog post, I discuss how these competencies shape our growth as educators and the practical ways I can integrate them into my teacher practice.
Personal and Professional Preparation
- Worldview Awareness: As teachers, recognizing how our worldview shapes our teaching is crucial. By being aware of our biases and perspectives, we can better appreciate and respect diverse identities in the classroom. I can practice this by incorporating culturally responsive teaching strategies and ensuring my classroom materials reflect multiple perspectives.
- Growth Mindset: A growth mindset helps us embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and helps foster resilience in students. I can model this by encouraging students to view mistakes as learning opportunities and celebrating their efforts, not just outcomes.
- and 4. Professionalism and Complexity of Learning: Teaching is complex, requiring us to manage diverse learning needs, relationships, and content. I aim to maintain professionalism by collaborating with my colleagues, engaging in continuous leaning, and staying updated with educational best practices.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
5. Effective Communication: Clear, empathetic, and culturally sensitive communication is essential. I plan to practice this by encouraging open dialogue, using active listening techniques, and fostering a classroom environment where students feel heard.
6. Respect for All Learners: Our classrooms are microcosms of society, filled with learners from diverse cultural backgrounds. I will integrate Indigenous perspectives into lessons, use inclusive language, and create opportunities for students to share their cultural experiences.
7. and 8. Collaboration and Connection: Learning is a collaborative process. By working with colleagues, parents, and community members, I can create a supportive network that helps students. For example, inviting guest speakers, collaborating on cross class projects, and attending community events can strengthen these connections.
Exploring and Enhancing Pedagogies
9. Understanding Disciplinary Concepts: Mastering core disciplinary concepts helps educators design meaningful lessons. I will continue building my subject knowledge and applying it through hands on, inquiry-based learning activities.
10. Becoming a Change Agent: Education has the power to challenge social norms and promote equity. I strive to create lessons that encourage critical thinking about social issues, such as reconciliation, equity, and environmental stewardship.
11. Sound Pedagogical Practices: Effective teaching requires a balance of planning, assessment, and instructional strategies. I plan to use formative assessments like observation and self reflections to tailor lessons to meet my students needs.
12. Understanding How Learners Learn: Each student learns differently. Through strategies such as UDL (Universal Design of Learning), soft starts, and provocations, I can learn how each of my students approach learning and adjust my teaching methods accordingly.
