I think it is about setting the tone early. You want to come into the classroom looking sharp, being prepared, and making sure everyone understands your expectations and standards.
Jamie,
As you say this is critical for the benefit of your profession as well as your students. They need to know as well as learn to practice the highest level of professionalism if they are to be successful in the field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is important for me not only as a massage therapy instructor to project professionalism; It is equally important to maintain professional standards as a massage therapist. These standards protect students and educators, clients, et al.
George,
Being a model to and for student is so important because you may be the first person they have spent time with that comes from the field that they are preparing to enter. As a model you are constantly being observed both in and out of class and that is something to remember as you encounter your students in other setting throughout the school.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Lead by example is more then a notion. It takes tremendous dedication to walk the chalk line 100% of the time. In my case I live the motto because it is important to represent yourself as such to engage the students influence to follow your legeaue. More importantly it helps the student become workforce ready.
Jamie,
Like your definition because it is inclusive of a number of different elements needed to define professionalism. I know you project a model for your students to follow as they interact with you and move through the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I define my instructor professionalism through a reflection of my attire, voice projection and posture. By being well groomed, dressed for sucess shows my professionalism. A strong, confident vocal inflection of speech as well as my erect stature displays adequately my instructor professional skills.
Darrren,
Good definition to operate with. This way you will be a model for your students as they develop their own personal brand.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
To me instructional perfessionalism means that I am not only professionally dressed and groomed but that I am well prepared on the content that I am instructing.
Tommy,
Like your definition and it is one that will serve you well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My definition of professionalism would be to lead by example. Showing the students what is expected of them, set the example of being on time. Getting class prepared and moving in a motivated positive manner.
Dawn,
Good way to model expectations for your students. For many student you may be the first professional they have met and worked with in their field. So by dressing, speaking and conducting yourself in a professional way you are reflecting the standards of your field for them. You have set the standard of expectation they need to strive to meet.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is my first experience as a full-time instructor. My background is in the corp world of sales. We had a saying "dress for success," which ties into Instructional Professionalism. If I expect my students to perform at a certain level, I better be at the same level or higher. I feel I am a role-model and I want my students to understand they can have the same success I had in my career path.
I am prepared days before class and always on time. I expect the same from my students.
Andrea,
This is a good way to be the learning leader for your students. By being a model they can emulate you are helping them to see where they will be upon completion of their program.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I define instructional professionalism as representing a "model" for the students that shows them how to be a "professional" in their career.
Tiffany,
So true and critical for teaching success. If the students do not respect their learning leader then it becomes extremely difficult to get them to focus on the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
To display Instructional Professionalism is important. One must keep in mind that our whole presentation can impact the molding and to prepare the students for the real world.
Angela,
Great definition. You hit on all the key points and I really like your last one about being prepared. Being prepared as we all know does not happen by thinking about it. It happens as a result of self discipline and effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Mossetta,
Good definition and one I know will be of help to other instructors that are striving to have the teaching success you are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I define it as being prepared! Dressing professional (including hair and make-up), starting class on time, speaking proper English, having copies already made and the white board prepared are all ways I maintain instructional professionalism. Also being prepared. Did I say being prepared?
