Professionalism
It is extremely important that teachers act as model professionals because we constantly have people watching us. During nearly any part of the day, thirty or more students have their eyes focused directly on us. Acting in a professional manner is a way of promoting this lifestyle to our students. There are many facets to professionalism as a teacher, and I will focus on three in this particular essay. First, teachers must look professional. This not only includes dress and physical appearance, but also promptness, and an ability to remain calm under duress. Second, to model professionalism well, we must model a growth mindset. This includes transmitting the idea that we are lifelong learners to our students. Finally, teachers can demonstrate professionalism by going the extra mile. A model professional offers help when needed, and puts full effort into everything that they do.
Teachers must look professional. Not only does this mean that we should come to school in the appropriate outfit, with an appropriate haircut, but it means that anyone that sees us throughout the day should be able to honestly say, “this is a model professional.” This can be done in many ways. First, teachers must dress appropriately, remain relatively clean-cut, and not come to school looking extremely tired or out of sorts. Second, teachers must be exceedingly prompt. We can’t demand promptness from our students if we can not be prompt ourselves. This means being early to school every day, and each individual class. Being a professional also includes how we carry ourselves. Teachers should not use foul language, and should refrain from becoming too visibly upset at the actions of our students. Teachers should not appear to be excessively tired, or take naps in the teacher’s lounge.
Second, teachers must model a growth mindset for their students. This means coming to class with a desire to both teach and learn. This can also be demonstrated by acting as a lifelong learner. Yes, teachers are responsible for teaching, but we are also responsible for learning. A professional teacher is always trying new things and is open to new ideas. Attending conferences, meeting with veteran teachers, and participating in work trainings are all examples of this that I have done throughout this semester. A teacher that is dedicated and committed to learning will inspire their students to feel the same.
Finally, teachers can demonstrate professionalism by “going the extra mile.” A professional teacher is willing to put in the work and go beyond what is asked of them. It can be easy to fall into a trap of complacency in which we simply do the bare minimum to get by. A true professional is willing to do much more than this. Though it is important, and a valuable aspect of professionalism, to know how to avoid overextending oneself.
In conclusion, a professional teacher should look like a professional, model a growth mindset, and go the extra mile in their work. This will not only help to maintain and grow one's career, but also set a high standard for students to follow.
Teachers must look professional. Not only does this mean that we should come to school in the appropriate outfit, with an appropriate haircut, but it means that anyone that sees us throughout the day should be able to honestly say, “this is a model professional.” This can be done in many ways. First, teachers must dress appropriately, remain relatively clean-cut, and not come to school looking extremely tired or out of sorts. Second, teachers must be exceedingly prompt. We can’t demand promptness from our students if we can not be prompt ourselves. This means being early to school every day, and each individual class. Being a professional also includes how we carry ourselves. Teachers should not use foul language, and should refrain from becoming too visibly upset at the actions of our students. Teachers should not appear to be excessively tired, or take naps in the teacher’s lounge.
Second, teachers must model a growth mindset for their students. This means coming to class with a desire to both teach and learn. This can also be demonstrated by acting as a lifelong learner. Yes, teachers are responsible for teaching, but we are also responsible for learning. A professional teacher is always trying new things and is open to new ideas. Attending conferences, meeting with veteran teachers, and participating in work trainings are all examples of this that I have done throughout this semester. A teacher that is dedicated and committed to learning will inspire their students to feel the same.
Finally, teachers can demonstrate professionalism by “going the extra mile.” A professional teacher is willing to put in the work and go beyond what is asked of them. It can be easy to fall into a trap of complacency in which we simply do the bare minimum to get by. A true professional is willing to do much more than this. Though it is important, and a valuable aspect of professionalism, to know how to avoid overextending oneself.
In conclusion, a professional teacher should look like a professional, model a growth mindset, and go the extra mile in their work. This will not only help to maintain and grow one's career, but also set a high standard for students to follow.