Description of a Teacher in BCPS

The Board of Education of Baltimore County believes that all students have incalculable worth and inherent abilities to make contributions to society. The overall educational purpose of the Baltimore County Public Schools is, therefore, to prepare students to assume the obligations of effective citizenship by recognizing each child's unique capabilities, by developing individual talents, and by providing opportunities for growth. The school system strives to help every student to become a life-long learner.

Recognizing that teachers play a key role in fulfilling this purpose, one of the goals of the Board of Education is to select the best teachers available and to place in every classroom a teacher who cares that every student, every day, learns, grows, and feels like a contributing member of society. In order to pursue these goals, Baltimore County, through its teacher selection process, has identified those characteristics and qualities an individual should possess in order to be a successful teacher in its school system. Paramount among these qualities is an individual's ability to relate well to all people, to possess a caring and empathetic attitude toward children, to believe in the worth of every individual, to show concern and sensitivity to the needs of the individual student, and to demonstrate a genuine commitment to teaching, learning, and children.

Although interest and a strong desire to teach children are viewed as major prerequisites for a favorable and effective learning environment, an ability to teach and a quality academic background are equally important. Teachers have to know what they are teaching and how to teach the subject matter. Therefore, in activating the learning process, individuals should be capable of stimulating learning with a variety of effective and creative approaches and materials based on the diagnosis of student needs and the prescription of a program to meet those needs. A sufficient knowledge of subject matter and proficiency in written and oral skills are additional important strengths in support of the learning process.

The Baltimore County Public School System also recognizes the importance teachers play as role models for students. Teachers are expected to set an example through their own love for learning as reflected in their original course of study, desire for additional professional growth, and participation in community and school activities beyond the classroom.