Educators act ethically and maintain the integrity, credibility and reputation of the profession.

Educators are role models. Educators are held to a higher standard and are accountable for their conduct on duty and off duty. Educators understand the law as it relates to their duties. Educators’ individual conduct contributes to the perception of the profession as a whole. Educators know and recognize the importance of the professional Standards for BC Teachers.

Lessons from RJay Berra: Building Relationships and Leading with Integrity

Teachers hold themselves to high standards as role models, both inside and outside the classroom. As a teacher candidate, I had the privilege of learning from a guest speaker, RJay Berra, whose insights left a lasting impression on our cohort.

RJay embodies respect, commitment, and passion for his profession. He celebrates every student’s small victories, recognizing the importance of progress over perfection. His positive outlook and emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance reflect the qualities of an educator who values sustainability in their career.

One of RJay’s defining strengths is his ethical decision-making. He shared how fairness and thoughtfulness guide his choices, always keeping the well-being of his students at the forefront. In his classroom, he balances firmness with fairness, ensuring a structured yet empathetic environment. His advice, “Be the best version of yourself in the environment you are in,” resonated deeply, encouraging us to adapt and thrive wherever we are placed.

At the heart of RJay’s teaching philosophy is relationship building, a value he emphasized throughout his talk. For him, relationships are the cornerstone of effective teaching and learning. He explained that building trust begins with valuing people and their time. This involves actively listening to understand students’ needs and fostering open, meaningful communication. As RJay pointed out, students are more likely to engage and learn when they feel a genuine connection with their teacher.

He reminded us that students often cannot learn effectively if they don’t feel comfortable with or trust their teacher. Building these relationships takes effort, but the payoff is immeasurable, a classroom where students feel seen, heard, and supported.

RJay Berra’s wisdom serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility and privilege we have as educators to shape lives, not just through academic instruction but by being authentic, caring, and intentional in our relationships with students.