The Secret of Professionalism

1. The Secret of Professionalism Breanne Whitten and KhadegiaSherif

2. How and Why to Dress Professionally • The way we dress determines the way we’re perceived • As teachers, we’re obligated to dress as a teacher rather than trying to fit in with the students • ‘“If a stranger were to meet you on the street, would he know that I am some type of professional?’ If your answer is yes, then you are dressed professionally. If your answer is no, then go back to your closet and change – quickly – before the students see you” • The way you dress determines the amount of respect given by the students

3. How to “Fit In” without “Falling In” • Falling In – When a new teacher gets caught up in the wrong circle and picks up negative traits when trying to fit in • “Effective teachers politely excuse themselves from potentially explosive situations involving gossip or any type of unprofessional behaviours” • “Effective teachers maintain the privacy and dignity of their students”

4. How to Maintain Control of Your Actions • Don’t let the students frustrate you • “The most effective teachers smile through the pain” • “The most effective teachers pick and choose their battles. They don’t get bent out of shape over every little student infraction” • “The most effective teachers know that sometimes you have to turn away from the student, count to 10 or whatever number works, and compose yourself before you decide how to deal with a particular situation” • “Think before you act, and keep your emotions intact! Your students will be better behaved and your sanity will be forever saved!”

5. How and Why to Continue Your Professional Growth • “The most effective teachers never stop growing professionally” • As a teacher, we are constantly learning from our schools, students, colleagues, classrooms, etc. • We must learn from not only the positive experiences, but the negative as well • “Continue your learning – for truly you are a student always!”

6. How to Bleed Professionalism Without Cutting Yourself • Don’t allow your frustration to branch out around the school • “Don’t allow your frustrations to rob you of your dignity and your professionalism, regardless of how tempting it may be.” • Try to be the best and most professional teacher you can be • “If you’re going to call yourself a professional, then you have to act professionally at all times while practicing your profession!”

7. How to Do Your Best, Not Be the Best • “The true prize in teaching comes from touching a student’s life” • As teachers, we must teach for the love of teaching, not for personal gain • “I never try to be the best. I’m not competing with anyone. I simply try to do my best everyday that I teach.” • Teaching should be thought of as a learning experience, not a job

8. How to Make Decisions That Benefit Children • An effective school with effective teachers are more willing to help their students succeed • Effective teachers spent more time collaborating with other teacher • Effective teachers taught according to the specific needs of their students • Discipline was handled by the teachers in a controlled environment • Less effective schools did not allow students an opportunity for further learning when needed • Teachers pushed their conflicts and disciplinary problems onto the principal and other higher authority figures • “Teachers in the most effective schools made all decisions based on what was best for students, as opposed to what was easiest for teachers!” • “With every decision you make, ask yourself, every time, 'Is this what’s best for my students or what’s easiest for me?”’

9. Chapter Summary • Regarding professionalism, remember the following: • If you’re going to call yourself a professional, then you have to appear professional at all times when practicing your profession. (We know we’ve said this three times thus far, but we feel it’s just that important!) • Dress such that your students will see you as a professional and that anyone you meet will instantly know you’re a professional. • If you try too hard to fit in, you’re more than likely to fall in • Once you’ve fallen in, no one offers a hand to pull you out! • Remain in control of your actions and reactions with students, no matter what. • Do not take student behaviour personally. • You can be serious without being loud and losing control. • Always attack the problem; never attack the person. • Never stop growing professionally. • There’s no such thing as an overqualified teacher. • Bleed professionalism! • Do your best, be your best, and give your best every day that you teach. • Keep your students as your main focus. Make every decision based on what’s best for them, as opposed to what’s easiest for you.

10. Discussion Question • Have you ever experienced a classroom or school where the teacher(s) behaved or dressed in a non-professional manner? Explain.