I define instructional professionalism as being assertive enough to get the point across while allowing myself room for growth. I speak with poise and knowledge and get and maintain control of my classroom from the beginning, so as not to allow things to get out of hand.
Elizabeth,
Good definition and good way to run a learning environment. Thank for reminding us what professionalism should look like.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Instructional Professionalism is being early everyday, having the classroom ready to go and having a clear, organized plan of what you will be discussing that day.
Instructional Professionalism also involves setting high standards for dress and behavior.
David,
I like the way you developed your definition of instructor professionalism. It is how I think we need to look at ourselves and how we present our instruction in addition to being role models for our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I work with a school that teaches Quality Systems Management. Their start point is the idea that the customer defines quality. Unless the customer is satisfied that you are delivering good value at a fair price, you are not delivering quality -- no matter what you think of your product.
I see an application of this thinking when looking at the term "instructor professionalism." Of course you cannot let any single student (especially a weak student) define your concept of professionalism. But when the main body of your students is satisfied with what you are presenting, how you present it, and what they are learning, then you are on the road to instructional professionalism.
This leaves the door open to many different approaches to the subject matter. But it is a student focused way to define your own competence.
Edward,
This is a very well developed and comprehensive definition. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I define Instructional Professionalism as affording respect to the student as an adult who has taken a step toward self improvement. With that in mind, my duty as an instructor is to facilitate their self improvement in a way that is conducive to their learning needs. My appearance and instructional delivery hopefully models the professional image that is neccessary in the working world and will influence how the students act / react in the classroom.
Don,
Good definition and a way to reach students while providing them a model for how they need to conduct themselves as they prepare to move into their career field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
To me instructional professionalism means using appropriate language and terminology during lectures, and applying policies consistently and fairly. Instructors should demonstrate proper behavior for the field. We should maintain a proper instructor/student relationship. You can be friendly without being their friend.
Michael,
Well developed definition. This should be the definition that all instructors follow as they prepare for and enter the classroom.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Professionalism comes from being a conscious and awakened leader of your self. Modeling what it means to be centered, present, compassionate, empathetic and joyful are, I believe, the essence of being a professional.
Allowing your true personality to positively influence your professional image is commendable. having to create a professional persona can be self defeating.
Melannie,
You are setting the stage for career success for your students through your standards and modeling. They can see that you are successful and by modeling the appropriate dress, behavior, language and conduct you as showing them that they can achieve this as well if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Professionalism is showing students what you expect from them by being a good demonstration. Students need to be aware that a teacher expects certain things, such as professional clothing, correct behaviors, and that they will not tolerate deviations. Demonstration is very important, but so is consistency. If a student knows that I will expect them to be off their phone on Monday, they know I will expect it the rest of the week.
I tell my students that I will not swear in class and I do not get mad and yell. It isn't that I can't get mad or that I don't swear (which I do) - I tell them that if I expect them to follow these rules and codes of conduct, then I will follow them as well. It only makes sense and they tend to listen more if they know I will treat them with respect as well.
Brady,
Well developed definition. You have covered the main elements of instructional planning and delivery. This is what an instructional delivery specialist show include in his or her planning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I define it as the demonstration of our knowledge, skills and abilities we gain through instructional education combined with our personal experiences and care for student and subject. It is about attention to detail from the material presented, methods of presentation and recognition of the student as the center of effort.
Arlene,
This is a must for instructors. They need to remember they are always on stage and their students are going to model after their dress, behavior and conduct.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Instructional professionalism is when as a teacher or instructor, you must act accordingly. To show professionalism to all your students and to not treat anyone with favoritism or disrespect.
David,
Your examples of professionalism are what is needed by learning leaders. The set the standard for their students and then encourage the students to strive to achieve professionalism that will facilitate their career development. The human side of teaching helps students to see that they have a person in charge of the class that cares about them and is willing to learn along side them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am a CPA by trade. My first job was with the now non-existent Arthur Andersen and Company. At that time, professionalism was drilled into us. Instructional professionalism is similar to professionalism I use in my profession. I was also an officer in the Army. In my profession and in the Army, professionalism included setting the example, leadership, don't expect your troops or staff to do anything you are not willing to do, professional appearance and dress, be aware of their needs, and demonstrate confidence in what you do. All of these would apply to the instructional field. I also add one more item to demonstrate that you are also human. Admit it when you don't know the answer.
Peggy,
We must model what we expect of our students. We are setting the standard for our field and demonstrate that to our students in everything we do. You are setting the bar that you want your students to observe and work toward.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
