"Becoming a professional means you will consider a range of issues, some of which will be addressed during your university education. For example; ethical and legal issues, professional development issues, industrial and/or union issues, political and policy making issues. As you have the opportunity to consider these issues, you will come to understand and critique the implications they have for schools as both your workplace and as a major educational setting for the young people you teach" (Ailwood 2004).

I believe becoming a professional involves a sense of knowledge and commitment. It encompasses every area involved in teaching, including those of curriculum & knowledge, and pedagogy & assessment.

An experience I believe has helped me on my way to becoming a professional is being a sports house captain at my high school in 2003. Being the captain of 'Riley' house included duties such as: motivating the rest of my house to become involved in events at swimming, cross country, and athletics carnivals, organising relay teams, and conversing with event organisers about the events in which we would be competing. This experience gave me a role in leadership and showed me what it was like to guide, assist, and support others, and gave me a sense of professionalism that I believe I can use in my chosen career as a PE teacher.

Earlier this year I received a certificate for Stage One Child Protection Training after attending a session where I learned about what is both appropriate and inappropriate when dealing with children. This certificate recognises that I have the ability to be in a position of care and authority around children. This is one more step I have taken to becoming a professional in the area of teaching. I have included a copy of this certificate:

Child Protection Certificate

Home l Curriculum and Knowledge l Pedagogy and Assessment l Becoming a Professional l References

E-mail