Page 17 - Exploring the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession through Anishinaabe Art

ONTARIO COLLEGE OF TEACHERS
The teacher will come across a child, who is mesmerized by a fluttering butterfly. The child wants to know more about this butterfly and is ready to ask questions about it.
The teacher will encounter various animals along the way, many of whom are adult teachers to their own kind. The rabbit, for example, is examining the growth of a flower. The knowledge gained from that experience will be passed on to the young.
From these animals, he will learn teachings and gain knowledge that will enhance his role as teacher.
He will rest by the lake and appreciate the sharing and use of water by the other animals. He might decide to catch some fish by a lake to nourish his being. He might also take some time to reminisce on his journey.
As he continues along his journey, he will experience and practice the traditional values of the Anishinaabe people and show respect for all living and non-living things of the land. He will learn the Anishinaabe seven grandfather teachings. He will come across many communities or camps, where feasting, singing, drumming, dancing, teaching and storytelling will be performed in his honour. This is all part of his lifelong learning and professional growth as a teacher. He will feel good about himself and will share his journey and experiences with his students, peers, parents, friends and community members.
Professional Inquiry
1. Explore the significance of the teacher’s “ongoing quest for knowledge and understanding of the culture within the community” for your own professional practice.
2. Discuss new insights and understandings you gained regarding this artist’s expression of the standard of practice, Ongoing Professional Learning.
3. Explore the significance of the artist’s description of the Anishinaabe teaching associated with the standard of practice, Ongoing Professional Learning, for your own professional practice.
EXPLORING THE STANDARDS OF PRACTICE FOR THE TEACHING PROFESSION THROUGH ANISHINAABE ART 11