Roles and Responsibilities of a Teacher

Roles and Responsibilities of a Teacher
A teacher is a person who enables others to gain knowledge and life skills, by
transferring their knowledge to them. As teachers hold the future generation’s education in
their hands, their responsibilities are huge. (Gravells 2011, pp 6-15). Teachers play a great
role in promoting equality in diversity amongst his/her students, and safeguarding them
(Equality and Diversity UK 2011, pp 29-31). This includes them complying with the equality
legislations of the state, thus discouraging and strictly refraining from any code of conduct
that is prohibited by the law. This includes discrimination by age, gender, sexual orientation,
disability, religious and societal beliefs, harassments, and victimization. The teacher is also
required to promote equality and diversity into everyday practice, by building an equality
profile and devising an inclusive monitoring form, and safeguarding the children. Periodic
self-assessments are needed to be made to ensure that the written policies are translated
into actual affirmative actions so that the real benefits are achieved (Gravells 2010, pp 9-23).
In order to standardize the roles and responsibilities of teachers, the Professional
Standards for Teachers was developed (Society for Education and Training 2014, pp 1&2). It
contains comprehensive guidelines for teaching, and the basic standards which every
educator must follow. The specific responsibilities mentioned with regard to education and
teachings focus on three characteristics that are connected to each other – Professional
values and attributes; Professional knowledge and understanding, and Professional skills.
First, the teacher must be able to make an accurate self-analysis about his/her
teaching methodology, and modify one’s strategies accordingly. He/She also must ensure a
safe and an inspiring environment, thus enabling better progress in the students. Second,
the teacher must work towards possessing a sound knowledge and expertise, and must be
able to structure and the class productively. He/She must also have a thorough
understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of all students. Third, the teacher must be
able to manage the student behaviour adequately, encouraging positive behaviour, along
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