The Commitment-Based Teacher: Cultivating Professional Character for Lasting Impact

The Commitment-Based Teacher: Cultivating Professional Character for Lasting Impact introduces readers to the “The Eight Commitments of the Teaching Profession,” a set of foundational professional character principles developed by a team of teacher education faculty. The authors endeavor to share the elements of professional character development for all teachers that are relevant, observable and meaningfully aligned to the mission of supporting their journey as professional educators. The book connects the Eight Commitments with the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (lnTASC) standards resulting in a framework for teachers to reflect on their practice and demonstrate their commitment to students and teaching. 

The book places a strong emphasis on the significance of professional character in the teaching profession and aims to assist both novice and experienced teachers in nurturing these commitments. According to the authors, these commitments are universally applicable to all teachers, irrespective of their experience, training, or background. The book addresses the essential elements for a comprehensive support system for new teachers, emphasizing the role of mentoring and resources in ensuring their success and mitigating teacher turnover. 

Its purpose is to inspire and empower teachers to uncover their personal “why” in teaching, foster positive relationships, and prioritize their own well-being while making a meaningful impact on student learning. The inclusion of real educators’ stories and resources for self-reflection and feedback provide practical tools for readers. Furthermore, the book emphasizes the connection between professional character, teacher commitment, and positive student outcomes. It emphasizes that effective teaching extends beyond imparting knowledge and skills, placing emphasis on creating relationships and facilitating student development. The primary goal of the book is to assist teachers in discovering their individual purpose as educators, aligning their practices with their core beliefs, and fostering transformative educational experiences for every student.