Foster in the nation’s young the skills, dispositions, and knowledge necessary for effective participation in a social and political democracy
Providing access to knowledge for all children and youth
Ensure that the young have access to those understandings and skills required for satisfying and responsible lives
Practicing a nurturing pedagogy (the art and science of teaching)
Develop educators who nurture the learning and well-being of every student
Ensuring responsible stewardship of schools
Ensure educators’ competence in and commitment to serving as stewards of schools
These standards provide the backbone for my education here at Brigham Young University. The INTASC standards are good teaching practices, but the Moral Demensions give the reasons why I teach. Let me explain one by one.
Enculturating the young in a social and political democracy
Foster in the nation’s young the skills, dispositions, and knowledge necessary for effective participation in a social and political democracy
Many educational psychologists and theorists have stated that for democracy to work there must first be an educated populace to do the work. Without a citizenship that knows its laws and how those laws are created then a democracy will simply not work. Right now Education is failing to provide this enculturation and as such you can see the resulting waves in our political system.
Providing access to knowledge for all children and youth
Ensure that the young have access to those understandings and skills required for satisfying and responsible lives
This is where then INTASC standards fit into the big scheme of things. Teachers need to be willing to make learning accessible to all students. This means that we need to differentiate our instruction and provide accommodations for every student that needs them. We don't wait for an IEP meeting, but rather use sound instructional strategies to make sure that our students get the education they deserve not only as members of this country but as divine children of Heavenly Father.
Practicing a nurturing pedagogy (the art and science of teaching)
Develop educators who nurture the learning and well-being of every student
Classrooms can be very cold and uncaring places for children, and I have never understood why some teachers see that they should be. Yes, there is a great deal of danger that comes with being a teacher but I believe that with a truly supportive and nurturing environment that supports not only learning but also community some of this danger is alleviated. A teacher does not have to dole out hugs to show they care- high expectations, true accommodations and getting to know the kids are good ways to build a nurturing pedagogy. When they say that this is the 'art and science of teaching' they are right on target.
Ensuring responsible stewardship of schools
Ensure educators’ competence in and commitment to serving as stewards of schools
Before coming to BYU I never understood the role that I will have as a teacher. Not only will I be an example to my students but I will finally have a real say in what happens in education. A teacher speaking out on topics has more pull than a politician, and sadly, the trend is that politicians make the decisions on education. As a teacher I need to be ready to support my leaders in making sound decisions regarding education. Also, I need to be a leader in my community. Of course, any politics must happen outside of my classroom but they still must happen. A teacher who sits passively aside will get pushed even more to the side.
