The Socratic Oath

Reclaiming the definition of professional teachers.

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About the Oath

Imagine walking into every classroom in your building, and seeing a unifying document that connects teachers to each other, and proclaims their beliefs. Posted on a wall for all to see; students, teachers, administrators, and parents will all begin to observe the fabric that holds us together. The Oath is a living document, designed by teachers and students with the goal of aspiring to something more, and creating a culture that understands the high ideals, and deep abilities, that we possess.

Download the Oath for free, and post it in your classroom today.

Interact with the different promises, and help us to continue this national dialogue.

Finally, tell all of the teachers in your life about the Oath, and help us take back control of the conversation regarding the future of teaching in our schools.

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Promises

Promises

Interact with the promises below. Clicking will bring you to the option to participate in discussion or share the promise.

1

I will design lessons and assessments that allow for personalization of learning for my individual students.​

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2

I will promote learning experiences that consider the capabilities of my students, and challenge them to grow and develop their abilities. #SocraticOath #Teachers

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3

I will be consistent in my dedication to the practice of teaching, and in upholding the ideals of competent and quality pedagogies.

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4

I will build and model a sense of community within my classroom to help students become empathetic contributors to society.

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I SWEAR

TO FULFILL TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY, THESE PROMISES:

5

I will seek equity and justice for my students, not only in their daily lives, but in the education they are provided, encouraging them to pay those ideals forward, and to advocate for both themselves and others.

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6

I will ensure that my students are engaged in worthy pursuits, that foster curiosity, and take into account their own interests, experiences and challenges.

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7

I will remain an active learner, seeking out more effective strategies and implementing them in my classroom, observing colleagues and encouraging observation in my classroom as well, in order to collaborate and progress as teachers.

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8

I will provide a safe environment for my students, at both an emotional and educational level, allowing them to develop the experimentation and resilience they will need outside of my classroom.

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9

I will endeavor to retain my influence within my school, district, and department, adding my voice to the design and implementation of instruction and curriculum.

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10

I will be open to the collaborative exchange of ideas with my colleagues regarding what we do in our classrooms, providing strong and useful feedback, for mutual gain.

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Using the Oath

We have designed the Oath as a free download to be printed on any standard printer. Once you display it in your classroom, take a photo of it and share to social media using #APTSocraticOath

Print.

Get the PDF in your preferred size from our website.

Display.

Post the Oath proudly in your classroom.

Amplify

Tell colleagues about the Oath.

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Download.
Print.
Display Proudly.

Then keep on doing what you do best.

We will send you an email to download the Socratic Oath. 

Made By Teachers

Collectively and perpetually designed by mindful teachers.

APT

John Madden

Craig Kennedy

Matt Daly

Designers

Elizabeth Sullivan

Middle School Science

Rachel Varughese

Middle School English

Kerri Farrell

Elementary Science

Melissa Louie

Middle School English

Ryan Humphreys

High School Social Studies

Contributors

Gordon Drewery

High School Special Education

Jim Boothby

High School Technology Education

Erin Colfax

High School Science

Michelle Sanders

Middle School Science

Connor Bosworth

High School English

Kyle Goss

High School Social Studies

Judson Bouchard

High School ELL

Debra Gottsleben

Librarian and Media Specialist

Lindsay Henry

Educational Technology Specialist

What now?

Explore more about the Academy of Professional Teachers.

  • Get connected with other teachers
  • Participate in free meaningful professional development
  • Embolden others to take action

Want to know more?

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