Characteristics of a Profession
...y in this profession of teaching. Furthermore, with this goal to help others, transcending selfish gains, it is of great importance that further studies be done to widen one’s knowledge in their area of specialization. The teaching profession in Jamaica, as any other requires its’ members to receive adequate training to perform effectively in their position as educators. Persons who chose to become apart of any profession must have completed secondary school or its equivalent. The course of study prescribed for a profession is done in preparation for a specific career and is aimed at developing in the recruit, the type of behaviour that is appropriate to his/her chosen profession. This is evident in the teaching profession in Jamaica, where the participants who enter a teacher training institution is specifically educated to be a teacher acquiring certain knowledge unique to that area, at the end of his/her course of study which is three years of theory and practical training in college. Most teachers today are continuously climbing the education ladder. Moreover, this is in an attempt to make themselves more competent to address the education needs of the nation and persons are able to see and attest to their level of qualification. With a desire to serve, the writer is motivated to study in his specific area to garner a wealth of knowledge to help him keep abreast of development in his field of study in order to develop competence in teaching. The teaching profession has a Code of Ethics, which gives guidance to its members in their professional behaviour. It is important that high ethical and moral standards be promoted. The Code of Ethics is one of the ways in which these standards are met. The Code of Ethics is a tool to assist teachers in evaluating their behaviour and conduct. Through the Code of Ethics respect and confidence of one’s colleagues, students, parents and members of the community provides the incentive to attain and maintain the highest possible degree of ethical conduct. This is another characteristic of the teaching profession that is being followed through professional associations such as The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA). The use of a common Code of Ethics lifts the level of respect teachers receive – all teachers from this association are abiding by the ethical principles. This motivates the writer to remain a teacher. It adds to the teachers’ persona. You are guided by principles that are respected by others around you. You are representing a body and persons knows the ethical principles by which you abide, so there is need to abide by the Code of Ethics your profession upholds. Teaching is the essential profession, the one that makes all other professions possible. Without well-qualified, caring, and committed teachers, neither improved curricula and assessments, nor safe schools--not even the highest standards in the world--will ensure that our children are prepared for the challenges and opportunities in the 21st century. More than ever before in our history, education will make the difference between those who will prosper in the new economy and those who will be left behind. Teaching is the profession that is shaping this education and therefore Jamaica's future--moulding the skills of our future workforce and laying the foundation for good citizenship and full participation in community and civic life. This, the writer believes is enough motivation to enter th...