Professional Expectations
What is Professionalism?
"the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well"
Merriam-Webster. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionalism
Standards of Professionalism
As a teacher there are so many standards to be a professional.
Appearance~You need to be put together. Clothing should fit appropriately, not be torn, no inappropriate language or advertisements. Some schools allow jeans and T-shirts others would like you to be "professionally" dressed (i.e. shirt, suites and ties) and everything in between.
Interactions with Students~ As an educator you are your scholars role models! You need to act, speak, and interact with them in a manner that is appropriate. There is a fine-line between friend and teacher. You need to build a repoor with your scholars but it cannot cross the line of inappropriate. Be a Mentor not a friend!
Appearance~You need to be put together. Clothing should fit appropriately, not be torn, no inappropriate language or advertisements. Some schools allow jeans and T-shirts others would like you to be "professionally" dressed (i.e. shirt, suites and ties) and everything in between.
Interactions with Students~ As an educator you are your scholars role models! You need to act, speak, and interact with them in a manner that is appropriate. There is a fine-line between friend and teacher. You need to build a repoor with your scholars but it cannot cross the line of inappropriate. Be a Mentor not a friend!
You also need to set the tone for your classroom with your scholars. Let them know what you will and will not except.
Interactions with Colleagues~ As a colleague of other professional educators you need to keep in mind that others are always critiquing you. You shouldn't engage in gossip, arguments and other inappropriate behavior with colleagues.
Other Key Points to Being Professional!
- Be on time
- Be Prepared
- Be a Team player
- Be Proud of your product
- Be up to date on record keeping
- Be respectful to supervisors and colleagues
- Be passionate, positive, and enthusiastic about your work
- Be in contact with parents and maintain confidentiality
- Be a supporter for students and colleagues
Take responsibility for your student's results.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Personal Reflection is important to reflect on your own teaching. It is good to reflect with colleagues, to bounce things off each other and decompress with one another.
Here is a link on self reflection:
http://k6educators.about.com/od/professionaldevelopment/a/self_reflection.htm