Literature Review: Domain F 1

Literature Review: Domain F

Erica Savage

National University

Abstract
Literature Review: Domain F 2

In this paper, I will be discussing two topics that pertain to the Teaching Performance

Expectation Domain F, developing as a professional educator. The first article titled “Effective

Teacher Professional Development” discusses the study of professional development and

conditions for effective development. The second article, “Code of Ethics for Educators,”

developed by the Association of American Educators contains four basic principles relating to

the rights of students and educators.

Literature Review: Domain F

Literature Review: Domain F 3

Teaching is a profession in which learning never ceases; we as educators are constantly

acquiring knowledge and improving on our practices until the day we retire. Whether it be

keeping up to date on our trainings and certifications or improving our lesson plans, teachers are

always in the process of evolving. Domain F of the Teaching Performance Expectations

revolves around professional development. I researched two articles that relate to the two TPEs

covered within this domain: TPE 12: Professional, legal, and ethical obligations and TPE 13:

Professional growth. The first article, “Effective Teacher Professional Development” by Linda

Darling-Hammond, Maria E. Hyler, and Madelyn Garner, defines and discusses effective

conditions for professional development. The second article titled “Code of Ethics for

Educators” discusses four basic principles relating to the rights of students and educators.

So what is professional development? According to Hammon, Hyler, and Garner it is

“structured professional learning that results in changes in teacher practices and improvements in

student learning outcomes” (2017). Based on this definition, I gather that the main motive behind

professional development is student learning. In order for student outcomes to improve, teachers

must look inward and think about how they can improve their teaching so that more students are

able to comprehend the material. Article one also considers the conditions that influence the

effectiveness of professional development. Conditions that are essential for effective professional

development include adequate resourcing, including curriculum materials, aligning policies

toward a coherent set of practices, and a functional school culture (2017). One recommended

action to support professional development is to “evaluate and redesign the use of time and

school schedules to increase opportunities for professional learning and collaboration” (2017). In

the district that I currently work for, we have professional development days or non-student days

in which teachers can sign up for classes or can participate in learning communities where
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collaborative planning can take place. Another school that I have subbed in had an opportunity

for grade level teams to design a lesson and observe teammates and make improvements and

offer criticism on how to make the lesson more effective for student learning. Another suggested

action to support professional development is to “regularly conduct needs assessments using data

from staff surveys to identify areas of professional learning most needed and desired by

educators” (2017). For example, if several teachers feel like they need more training in

technology or in differentiation for special needs students they can take a survey and

administrators can provide learning opportunities in these areas.

Another part of professional development is keeping up to date with the legal and ethical

laws concerning teachers and students. In the second article I researched, the Association of

American Educators developed a Code of Ethics relating to the rights of students and educators.

According to the article, there are four principles in this code: “1. Ethical conduct toward

students; 2. Ethical conduct toward practices and performance; 3. Ethical conduct toward

professional colleagues; and 4. Ethical conduct toward parents and community” (Code of Ethics

for Educators). The first principle states that, “The professional educator accepts personal

responsibility for teaching students character qualities that will help them evaluate the

consequences of and accept the responsibility for their actions and choices” (Code of Ethics for

Educators). Part of my teaching philosophy is just this: teaching students how to be good people

is more important than teaching them subject matter. Having good character is something that

students can use no matter what profession they enter in, but knowledge can only take them so

far. The second principle states, “The professional educator assumes responsibility and

accountability for his or her performance and continually strives to demonstrate competence”

(Code of Ethics for Educators). I tend to be a perfectionist and assume that there is always room
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for improvement. This principle is also where the PDQP will come in handy; I can use my PDQP

as a platform for improvement in the 13 teaching performance competencies. Thirdly, the article

states that, “The professional educator, in exemplifying ethical relations with colleagues, accords

just and equitable treatment to all members of the profession” (Code of Ethics for Educators). I

have been lucky enough to work with some amazing educators who are all around team players;

they are respectful, kind, and always willing to help. I hope to have this same attitude when I

become a teacher. Lastly, the article states that, “The professional educator pledges to protect

public sovereignty over public education and private control of private education” (Code of

Ethics for Educators). This principle includes communicating with parents, respecting diverse

cultures and beliefs, and maintaining a positive and active role in the community.

These articles directly relate to Domain F of the Teaching Performance Expectations.

Professional development is so broad in it’s meaning and can take many forms. It is so important

that we as educators are constantly striving to be the best we can be because we are teaching and

shaping the minds of the future world. It can be argued that our profession is one of the most

important jobs in the whole world.

References

Darling-Hammond, L., Hyler, M. E., & Garner, M. (2017, June 5). Effective Teacher

Professional Development. Retrieved April 22, 2019, from

https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/effective-teacher-professional-development-

report
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Sharkey, C. (n.d.). Association of American Educators. Retrieved April 22, 2019, from

https://www.aaeteachers.org/index.php/about-us/aae-code-of-ethics