Home Chat  Groups   Collection Directory Sign Up Free
   Bookmark and Share

Home : 2001 : Jan : 14

    accountability
    By Cathy-Dee
    Clip to ScrapBook
       
    Being in Canada we do not have the same system for accountability as some of the States do. When I hear about your exams I know I would not like to see them started in Canada. I am curious, are the exams the same for elementary teachers vs. high school teachers? Are they subject based or general?
    I can see some merit in if someone is not knowledgeable in their subject area they probably should not be teaching it until they gain more knowledge, but some areas have a hard time finding teachers and often we do end up teaching outside our realm. Also I believe a good teacher does not necessarily have to be the "smartest" to still be very effective as an educator. I know a number of professors when I went to University who knew their subject very well, but were horrible educators.
    Teachers should always be learning and trying to expand their skills and knowledge in the areas that they teach.
    In Alberta we are held accountable through evaluations in our first two years of teaching or when we transfer to a new school and sometimes even to a new grade level. We also have to submit personal development plans each year in areas we wish to improve or expand. We have funds in which to attend courses, seminars or buy materials to help us meet our goals. Several times throughout the year we meet with our principal to see how we are progressing in these plans and we self-evaluate the benefits of our goals.


Visit our ProTeacher Community

For individual use only. Do not copy, reproduce or transmit.
Copyright 1998-2013 ProTeacher
All rights reserved