Page 27 - Foundations of Professional Practice, August 2016

Guiding principles
The Professional Learning Framework for the Teaching Profession supports a set of guiding principles (Figure 7) that help inform the continuous and diverse processes educators engage in to foster their ongoing learning. These principles include:
Guiding Principles of the Professional Learning Framework
ONTARIO COLLEGE OF TEACHERS
The goal of professional learning
is the ongoing enhancement of practice. Educator learning is directly correlated to student learning.
Standards-based professional learning provides for an integrated framework for professional education and learning and teacher education.
Exemplary professional learning opportunities are based on the principles of critically reflective adult learning.
Self-directed professional learning is planned for, guided and critically reflected on
by members of the College.
Communities of practice and inquiry enhance professional learning.
• The professional learning framework supports learning opportunities based on student learning needs, professional interests, personal growth needs, provincial legislation and policy, professional contexts and system needs.
• The framework encourages members of the College to identify and pursue their strengths and personal interests to further their professional learning.
• Professional learning may be aligned with board and school improvement plans and Ministry initiatives to support student learning and well-being.
• The Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession and the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession are the foundations for ongoing professional education and learning.
• The Professional Learning Framework for the Teaching Profession takes into account individual career and personal priorities.
• It outlines professional learning opportunities that are varied, flexible and accessible to College members.
• Professional judgment and ethics are refined through critically reflective adult learning.
• Responsible lifelong learning is continuous learning that is initiated, directed and reviewed by members of the College on an ongoing basis.
• The professional autonomy of educators is a core dimension of self-directed learning.
• The professional learning framework encourages professional collaboration and interprofessional practice.
• It supports ongoing commitment to the enhancement of professional practice both as an individual and collective activity.
• It supports educators’ ongoing commitment to improving knowledge, skills, practices and values, and keeping up to date with new educational research and initiatives.
Figure 7
FOUNDATiONS OF PROFESSiONAL PRACTiCE 25