Being a model for my profession means being the best that I can be at all times when I am with the students. Dressing appropriate, being respectful of the students, being open to unpredictability of the flow and sharing my experiences in the profession. One aspect that I appreciated from my own education was hearing about my instructors mistakes. This gave me some insight to the "real world" of the profession and I was able to embrace that fact that we all make mistakes, even our instructors.
Hi Betty,
Well said. If you aren't prepared and don't know your subject teaching is going to be a real challenge. It would be very difficult to face a class of students unprepared and unsure what you are going to teach.
Gary
Being professional involves knowledge of the topic you are teaching. It involves being prepared and ready to teach.
Hi James,
Good philosophy and approach to working with students on the human side of education. This method shows the students you care but are their instructor so respect needs to be earned from both parties.
Gary
Instructional Professionalism is a philosophy: It includes the attitude of the instructor, the behaviors exhibited to the instructor's class, the respect he shows to his students, the respect he demands from his students and the degree of knowledge and preparation he commits to the class.
An instructor must be fair, firm and professional. He must NOT be a friend, but can be friendly. His responsibility is to instruct, not just one person, but the entire class.
Good example Ken. Students begin to get a good feel for the profession and what will be expected of them.
I definitely agree We need to be the role models and set the bar and the example for our students
I think it's defined by the impression you make on your students and colleagues. The way you present yourself, whether you appear confident in yourself, take pride in your appearance and have a desire to give a positive impression.
Hi All,
Many of you have contributed great suggestions for how an instructor should approach the classroom with a professional touch. The key is that you represent yourself and your field in a professional way and with the listed suggestions from all of you I know it will happen.
Gary
Hi Margaret,
Good description and good information for other instructors to take away. This is what being a professional educator is all about.
Thanks.
Gary
In my opinion, it is the same way that I perform all my duties. Live by example. I show the students right away, dress code, classroom conduct, etc., it is how you present the material to them. Always maintain professional, if they want to enter the law enforcement field, you always have to be professional, weather in the class or out.
Cheryl,
Absolutely---students can spot an unprepared instructor from a mile away!
Shawn,
Great answer and so true! I can tell you must be a positive influence in the classroom.
To me instructional professionalism means that you model for your students what it means to be professional. You show up on time (or early), start class on time, dress appropriately, handle disruptions in a fair manner and know your content well.
I agree with you. Not every professional thing can be taught through a book. Some things need to be taught through example. They are already looking to us for instruction, therefore leading by example is perfect. They will be learning and may not even realize it.
I completely agree. Students may not know what is appropriate attire for a job. They may not know how to act professional. They may not know how to make ethical professional decisions. We are there to show them. Lead by example.
Instructional professionalism to me involves:
*Attire-dress for the job you want not necessarily the job you have. Professional dress will also gain some respect from the students.
*Language- use appropriate language and tone in the classroom.
*Preparation- come to class prepared. We expect our students to be prepared therefore, we too should come prepared.
*Materials- make sure materials are up to date and relate to the text.
*Policies and procedures- teach within the policies and procedures developed by the school.
*Outside influences- do not allow outside influences to hinder the tone of the class.
*Motivate- the more we motivate the more passionate the student will become.
*Respect- treat students with respect and you will receive respect in return.
*Pace- the pace of the class should follow the needs of the students.
*Lecture- make sure students are a part of the lecture. They can learn just as much from each others experiences as they can from you.
My discription would be dressing professionaly, knowledge of the subject your teaching, and be respectful. If you show respect you earn respect.
I agree 100%. The Instructor is a role model. The students look to Instructors for more then book knowledge. First impressions really do matter. Instructors who look professional and act professional are more likely to have students act the same.
Hi Debra,
You have covered the bases concerning what a professional educator should be like when preparing, meeting and following up with students. This is what students are looking for when they come to class. Keep up the good work.
Gary
