The professional standards for British Columbia teachers are guidelines and expectations set by the BCTF to ensure a high level of competency, professionalism, and ethical conduct among educators. They act to promote consistency and excellence in teaching across BC schools and districts. These standards support ongoing professional development, help assess teachers’ performance, and align instructional practices with the curriculum. By meeting these standards, teachers demonstrate their commitment to their profession and the success of their students, as well as building public confidence in the education system. The standards also provide crucial support for new teachers such as myself, guiding us in roles and fostering continuous improvement within the teaching profession. Ultimately, the professional standards for teaching aim to enhance student learning and create a positive and effective learning environment.
Standard 9, the newest addition to BCTFs Professional Standards pertains to the importance of Indigenous culture, knowledge, and history. Our professors and cohort have made this a strong anchor of our teaching journeys, striving to weave in this standard with every action we make. the photo above is from a drumming circle we had the privilege of joining alongside the UHNBC Drummers.