MTS Code of Professional Practice

Since the term “professionalism” is such a general word, the Manitoba Teachers’ Society decided to create a Code of Professional Practice so that all teachers in Manitoba have the same working definition of “professionalism.”

For the most part, the thirteen standards are common sense. The only one that I find a bit confusing is the eighth standard. It says “A teacher shall not be considered in contravention of the Code in … consulting with the Society or the president of the member’s local association” (MTS Code of Professional Practice, 2007). I understand that we, as teachers, should not tell everyone our problems with fellow colleagues and students, but I think we should be able to talk to our principals if there is a problem between colleagues. Sometimes people just need to vent and get their thoughts out in order to feel better. Sometimes, you just need someone to tell you that you are worrying about it too much. I think that going to your principal to talk and let them know about the situation would sometimes produce a better result. I also think telling your principal would keep the situation on friendly terms, as the principal would want to keep the atmosphere at the school positive. Going directly to MTS or the president of your local association could make the situation bigger than it needs to be.

On the other hand, I think that MTS is doing a good job of keeping issues between colleagues confidential and they are dealing with them in the best way that works for them. Maybe only talking to MTS or your local president is the best solution, and that has been proven many times before. Whatever the reason, I think the Code of Professional Practice is good to have and follow.

Sergiovanni & Professionalism

Professionalism varies from person to person. I think everyone views professionalism differently. In my mind, “professionalism” is defined by a few different points. To me, it is:

·         The ability to act/dress/display yourself in the expected way that is suited to your workplace.

·         The ability to portray where you work as respectable, responsible and accountable.

·         A level of excellence that goes beyond the legal requirements.

·         Attributes that contribute to a person being exemplary, such as honesty, mannerisms, punctuality, maturity, organization and respectful. (Credit to Jenn, Sarah A., Danielle V., Lindsay and Lianne for the definition.)

I liked how this group defined professionalism. Yes, it has a lot to do with how you act, but I think that how you dress and carry yourself is important too. First impressions determine how people think of you. If someone walked into a principal’s office and he was wearing dirty sweatpants and an old t-shirt, the principal would not be viewed the same way as a principal wearing a suit and tie would be viewed.

My view of professionalism fits into Sergiovanni’s four commitments to professionalism. His first commitment is commitment to caring. Caring could include students, families, colleagues or the school itself. Sergiovanni’s second commitment is to the practice of exemplary ways. From a teacher’s perspective, that could include lesson planning, classroom management and open communication lines between everyone. The third commitment is commitment to our own practice but also to practice itself. This could something as simple as attending Professional Development services to make sure you are always improving yourself, or it could be hosting a student teacher and helping them excel in their practice. Sergiovanni’s last commitment to professionalism is commitment to valued social ends. Teachers can help the world become a better place, whether it is through supporting government campaigns (such as an anti-smoking campaign), through global support (such as UNICEF), local support (such as picking up garbage), helping to stop bullying and violence and supporting peer relationships.

I think Sergiovanni‘s definition is very accurate to a teacher’s job. Teachers are constantly in the spotlight, so professionalism is huge!

Professional Knowledge vs. Subject Knowledge

Tough topic....

I think that is definitely a combination of the the two that makes a good teacher. 

In my mind, there is a little bit more weight on professional knowledge. Professional knowledge enables teachers to teach better, know how to deal with parents in a correct manner and teaches teachers appropriate behavior for certain circumstances. Professional knowledge is an on-going process.

Subject knowledge is more crucial in higher level classes, like high school. If you are teaching elementary school, you should have the ability to learn pretty much any of their subjects without too much trouble. High school classes, especially when you get in the sciences and math, is a bit trickier. Subject knowledge is more crucial here I think. If your students know that you don't know the material, they will question why they have to know it.

It takes both professional knowledge and subject knowledge to make a great teacher.

Fish Philosophy

I think the fish philosophy is a good idea to live your life by. The four concepts of the fish philosophy are:
1. Be there.
2. Make their day.
3. Play!
4. Choose your attitude.


In my opinion, the last concept is the most important. If you choose your attitude, the other three ideas will follow with it. If you choose to be happy and upbeat for the day, you will most likely be a more inviting person to be around. Without even trying, you might make someone's day by just smiling at them. Random acts of kindness fit in well with the fish philosophy. They show that you are there for that person and would hopefully make their day. It is such a cool philosophy that I think should be implemented in more work places and schools. People would be much happier then!

Why Teach?

Why do I want to teach? Good question... There are a couple different reasons actually.


I really like working with kids. They are some of the most incredible people ever! They say the funniest things, are smarter than most people realize and they are just fun to spend with time with. Kids see the world differently than adults and it is refreshing to see things through their eyes once in awhile.


I am tutoring students right now. I have for about 4 years - all different ages. I have tutored kindergarten kids, all the way to university students. My favorite thing in the world is seeing them understand something that they have been struggling with. It is such an amazing feeling to help someone understand a topic/concept and see the light bulb come on over their head! I know that I probably won't be able to help all my students that way, but the possibly of helping them and touching their lives really entices me.


And of course, the holidays. They are not the main reason I chose teaching, but they are a nice benefit!

Favorite Teacher

When thinking about favorite teachers, there are two that come to mind. My grade three teacher, Mrs. Steppan and my high school AP calculus teacher, Mrs. McCrae. Both went way above and beyond what their job description and made my days with them awesome! 

I remember getting the chicken pox in grade three and Mrs. Steppan would send home homework with my sister everyday for me. She always had a Calvin & Hobbes or Dennis the Menace cartoon attached to it that was about chicken pox with a little note from her. It made my day! I still have those cartoons and notes.

Mrs. McCrae was very fun. She had these little rhymes and songs she would sing to us to help us remember the rules for our math. She made learning fun. She also had little "study parties" (as she called them) on Sunday nights. We would all go to her house and work on homework and she would make cookies and juice for us.

I think these two ladies were my favorite teachers because they took the time to get to know me personally and helped me as much as they could because they wanted me to excel. I still keep in contact with them today, and am hoping to do one of my student-teaching placements with them. :)