Krista,
Well said and I support your efforts to be the role model you want to be for your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree strongly about the use of slang by instructors. It is highly inappropriate and sends the wrong message to students that it is acceptable behavior for the workplace. A teacher is a role model and should only display the highest level of professionalism.
Judith,
Thank you for these comments on instructors as role models. They are comprehensive and on target. We instructors need to remember that we are role models in all walks of our lives both within and outside of school just as you mention. This is a part of who we are and how we impact the lives of our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Being a good role model is not only important in the classroom, but in life outside of the classroom. Dressing properly, having a good attidude and reflecting a personality that deserves respect should always be practiced in the classroom and outside as well. What I have found is that outside the classroom, in the community, I often find myself exposed to students. I feel it is important to be aware that in the outside world, instructors remain role models. Within the commumnity, whether is is at a shopping mall, grocery store, theater or park. Instructors should be aware they are being seen and that it is important to maintain a level of professionalism with the manner in which they address and respect students as well as others they might be observed interacting with.
Garland,
This is my experience as well. Many of my students do not know or have not had the opportunity to observe individuals in their field in terms of dress, conduct and professionalism. We do a lot of role playing to help them get ready for entrance into their career field.
Gary7
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Garland,
This is some of the best advice you can give your students. They need to realize they are preparing to enter their career and it is up to them to demonstrate they have the wisdom and maturity to be successful in it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I totally agree. Unfortunately, a lot of students may have never even had that one person for a role model. That person that they can look up to and really communicate with when needed. I think as a society, we sort of assume that everyone has that opportunity of support, but in reality, it's just not true. So, you really do have to be patient at times and really listen to your students. Displaying that concern towards them does make a difference for them even though they may not see it right away.
I always tell my students that it is very important that they always make an strong effort to be professional at all times because you never know who may be watching and it can determine the outcome of you possibly getting an internship or even a job. I remind them to always to be aware of their actions, but also their surroundings.
Brenda,
So true and so important. We are models for our field so we need to always reflect the desired professional conduct, dress and language so our students will know how to be professionals in their field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Dress in the appropriate clothing. use professonal language at all times.Always show professionalisum.Always be on time.Show students that you are confident and know your field of instruction.
Habibah,
You have a great attitude toward the job you have to do in terms of personal and professional development. Keep up the good work because it will due to your influence that many of your students will be successful in their careers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Equanda,
Well said. Students look to their learning leader for guidance and inspiration in relation to the field they are preparing to enter. We set the standard for them through our modeling.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think dressing the part is important, but also speaking the part and acting the part. I think, with the students I receive in my class that are so young at times, they are just missing what seems like simple life lessons. In some cases its like they have raised themselves from the time they were ten. Belching loud in class, announcing when that have to use the bathroom and what they need to use it for, the more than occasional swear word in casual conversation, the list goes on. Since I am a woman and teach predominantly women I often let them know my background since it is similar to theirs, and let them know that there is another way to behave, especially in public. I have had to pull some aside and speak with them individually and somethings I may address in a public forum if need be. I only have 23 days to change futures and change lives and I take it very seriously, especially in these areas that directly effect employability as does appearance.
Being a role model you must have a "positive "attitude. Your attitude is part of your character ;so for others to seek to find that person(a role model) who can help them succeed. You need to have a "positive "attitude to allow them to be themselves for you can help them along the way.
Joanne,
I agree. We are models to and for our students. If we do not dress or conduct ourselves in a professional manner we are sending a message that we are not professionals and that we don't care about our field or our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think your appearance is the most important. How can we expect our students to follow rules and guidelines, if we as instructors don't follow the rules and guidelines? I work at a facility that requires the students to wear a uniform, yet I see instructors not following the guidelines for proper work attire.
Deidre,
This is my pattern. I like to get there early and get everything laid out and check to make sure the media is working. Then I can chat with the students and get a "read" on them and their mood. This sets up the starting of the class in a way that has everyone comfortable.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Deidre,
This is the modeling part as we are models to our students even when walking down the halls and chatting with them informally. As you mentioned we need to always be mindful of this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Dr. Meers, I love the fact that you pointed out that we are always "on stage". some lecturers do not seem to get this concept, its one thing to be a certain way in the classroom but as teachers our jobs goes far beyond the classroom and what we put out outside can affect what we achieve in the classroom.
Be on time to classes, I personally believe in being 15 mins early for all classes, this will will them to develop the attitude to be on time for interviews and jobs, also it is important to be positive if you start a lesson off on a positive note students are more likely to be interested and engaged.
