Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

1. Analyze characteristics of teacher professionalism in two contexts
2. Compare and contrast local and international frameworks
3. Construct a shared conceptual map through peer dialogue
4. Critique a professionalism dilemma using multiple norms
5. Reflect on how context shapes teaching identity

Opening Question

Which teacher looks more professional?

Teacher A: Highly regulated system (Korea)
vs.
Teacher B: Deregulated system (Charter school)

Think → Pair → Share

What is Teacher Professionalism?

• Professional Knowledge: Expertise in content and pedagogy
• Autonomy: Freedom to make pedagogical decisions
• Accountability: Responsibility for student outcomes
• Ethics: Moral principles guiding conduct
• Professional Development: Continuous learning and growth

Professional Capital

Hargreaves & Fullan (2012)

• Human Capital: Individual teacher's knowledge and skills
• Social Capital: Collaborative relationships and networks
• Decisional Capital: Professional judgment and expertise

All three working together = Professional Capital

Activity 1: Jigsaw Reading

Expert Groups (25 minutes)

• Group A: Professional Knowledge & Standards
• Group B: Autonomy and Accountability
• Group C: Ethical Codes and Conduct
• Group D: Professional Development & Career
• Group E: Teacher Identity & Status

Create a Jamboard: Key Points + Example + Question

Case Study: Ms. Lam's Dilemma

Ms. Lam, a new teacher in an international school in Hong Kong, is asked by her principal to adopt a scripted curriculum to ensure standardisation. However, she feels it undermines her professional judgment and reduces her ability to respond to students' diverse needs.

Meanwhile, her colleague from Finland says teachers there have almost complete autonomy over pedagogy.

What would you advise Ms. Lam?

How Context Shapes Professionalism

• Cultural values: Collectivism vs. individualism
• Policy frameworks: Centralized vs. decentralized systems
• Social status: Teacher prestige varies globally
• Economic factors: Funding, salaries, resources
• Historical traditions: Education system evolution

Comparative Perspectives

Finland vs. USA

Finland:

• High teacher autonomy
• Master's degree required
• High social status

USA:

• Varying autonomy by state/district
• Standards and accountability emphasis
• Diverse certification pathways

Key Takeaways

• Teacher professionalism is context-dependent
• It involves balancing autonomy and accountability
• Professional capital = human + social + decisional capital
• Understanding multiple perspectives enriches our own practice
• Professionalism evolves through continuous reflection and dialogue

Thank you! 🎓