7.1 Professional Values

I’m not totally sure what professional values I possess.  Although my job as a teacher may be described as a professional career, I am not totally sure if I can call myself a professional as I see such professional status as something that others need to label you with and not something which you obtain with certification or basic experience [see post re definition of profession].

Having said this, I know what  values I am aiming for in my professional career. I think that it is imperative that the ‘well being’ of my clients i.e. the students is put at the forefront, where my ethical behaviour should be the basis of my work. This is similar to the ethical priniciples described by ‘Engineering’ where the engineering professionional (according to the author), through the ethichal points put forward in this site should value proper conduct and safety in the interest of his clients.  Upon this idea of ethical behaviour, I think that for a professional a wider commitment to professional values should be in place.  In fact, Lim (2004) highlights that the basic desired attributes of professional teachers should include;

1)      an articulating a teaching and learning paradigm which is learner-centred.

2)      nurture creativity in students by being a creator , leader ,  mentor and facilitator

3)      serve as change agents for their students

4)      relational understanding of their profession.

For me, such commitment for the professional in elearning, should include;

• Continuous professional and personal development, this should include pedagogy and technology
• Working in collaboration with colleagues
• Providing best possible learning environment for the students
• On a personal note any professional should show 100% integrity.

Professional values are the foundation of any career. Although these might be integrated in the individual’s ‘gut feelings’, proper understanding and acknowledgment of such values may be very useful as this may give a clearer picture of the environment in which one is working, understanding of the role being played and also of oneself’s personal traits.  Such awareness may enable improvement in one’s profession; ‘As an employee, your own set of professional values matters because it guides your workplace behavior, work ethic and mentality.’ (eHow)