The Making of a Profession: An Oregon Case Study.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: The Making of a Profession: An Oregon Case Study.
Authors: Wallace, James M.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 18
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers
Descriptors: Competency Based Teacher Education, Criteria, Governance, Performance Criteria, Professional Recognition, Standards, State Departments of Education, Teacher Certification
Geographic Terms: Oregon
Abstract: This paper addresses a problem that educators have become painfully aware of: their occupation does not share all of the characteristics and benefits of established professions like law and medicine. Oregon is selected as a case study in the making of a profession because, along with California, it has moved farthest towards a true professionalization of teaching. The Bicentennial Commission of Education for the Profession of Teaching of the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education has issued a report, "Educating a Profession," containing a criteria of twelve items listing the characteristics of professions. These twelve items are examined here and compared and contrasted with the Oregon experience. The criteria are divided into two groups: those in which there is no significant distinction between Oregon education and the rest of the country, and those criteria that Oregon has begun to meet in a more clear-cut way than most other states. It is concluded that teaching does not yet satisfy the criteria that other established professions clearly meet; in Oregon, at least, educators have taken essential steps through legislation that can lead to full professional status. (SK)
Entry Date: 1976
Accession Number: ED124503
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This paper addresses a problem that educators have become painfully aware of: their occupation does not share all of the characteristics and benefits of established professions like law and medicine. Oregon is selected as a case study in the making of a profession because, along with California, it has moved farthest towards a true professionalization of teaching. The Bicentennial Commission of Education for the Profession of Teaching of the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education has issued a report, "Educating a Profession," containing a criteria of twelve items listing the characteristics of professions. These twelve items are examined here and compared and contrasted with the Oregon experience. The criteria are divided into two groups: those in which there is no significant distinction between Oregon education and the rest of the country, and those criteria that Oregon has begun to meet in a more clear-cut way than most other states. It is concluded that teaching does not yet satisfy the criteria that other established professions clearly meet; in Oregon, at least, educators have taken essential steps through legislation that can lead to full professional status. (SK)