This week, I had another opportunity to attend the annual conference of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) in Minneapolis Minnesota. This organization’s primary focus is the regulation of the teaching profession and inspiring our young ones to become teachers. With the help of several individuals, a vetting panel and two of my close friends who are experts in the field, I have had the opportunity to create and manage the NASDTEC Academy. It provides online opportunities for teachers to correct missteps and prevent future problems. In the past, the conclusion of this conference has always left me inspired by the dedication and spirit of innovation of those in the field of education. This time was no different. When the teaching profession is devalued or not held in high esteem, our best and brightest will not be inclined to take up a career in the classroom where they are often needed most.
Attending school is compulsory in many countries including the United States. For most governments, education provides a foundation that promotes mutual understanding. The educated can then apply that understanding to the responsibilities of citizenship in that State. The centrality of schools is also reflected in our language. For example, when reminiscing on their own experience some might say, “I went to the school of hard knocks.” When hearing something for the first time, others might retort, “that is something I never learned in school.” Martin Luther King Jr. is quoted as saying, “Intelligence plus character, that is the goal of true education.” The Dalai Lama reminds us, “When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts”.
NASDTEC is advancing the teaching profession by bringing together a community of compassionate individuals committed to effectively and safely educating our children. To assist in this process a Model Code of Educator Ethics has been created (www.nasdtec.net/page/MCEE_DOCS). The code is designed to provide a set of principles to assist decision-making. Using the principles outlined in the code, educators can foster healthy, meaningful discussions with the parties involved. This leads to appropriate actions and better choices. Regulating the profession and keeping our children safe is tantamount. Hence, the conference highlighted that there are now 60 school districts using the NASDTEC Clearinghouse to determine if potential candidates for hiring have had actions related to their certifications as teachers. Proper hiring practices assist in student safety. Of note was the fact that North Dakota has passed a law requiring teachers to receive 8 hours of training on the topic of mental health. This is a tremendous aid to teachers as many mental health issues can be detected earlier when they are seen at schools. Similarly, the Canadian province of Ontario is completing a mental health advisory that will be circulated to 250,000 teachers. I serve as a voluntary external advisor on this project.
All of us remember a teacher who was particularly valuable and inspiring in our lives. I have been fortunate throughout my career to have found several motivating teachers who remain important in my life. William Butler Yeats reminds us of the importance of passion in education and the bond between the learner and the educator when he states, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” These fires are kindled by the power of the student-teacher relationship. They are fueled by a continually deepening passion for discovery and the full immersion of both teacher and student into the choir of voices in the classroom. Thanks, NASDTEC for enhancing the profession of teaching.