As an instructor I need to be aware of myself, my surroundings, and my campus. I need to develop a good understanding of my students and what their learning styles are. I need to adapt my skills, their needs, and the course objectives to foster a healthy learning environment.
I need to be a role model, setting a professional example for the student.
For me, Instructional professionalism consists of a number of different areas. I tie in our mastery of the material, commitment to developing as a professional and individual, as well as our behavior within the classroom/campus. I have always admired passionate teaching styles and I realize now that passion comes from mastery and a genuine desire to continue learning. This pursuit of lifelong development carries over into our interaction with our students, colleagues and the community.
This type passion for learning and teaching carries into to classroom. I believe we have a responsibility to encourage critical thinking and to plant that seed for continuous learning, whether formal or informal. If we behave in a professional manner and exemplify life-long learning, we set an example for students to do the same.
I believe instructional professionalism means leading by example.
Your students may have valid life distractions that keep them from completing work on time, or focusing in class.
You are a teacher, and you have plenty of life distractions, but you must complete all of your assignments, grades, class prep, and focus at all times in class.
Maintaining strict adherence to ethics and integrity while creating a safe & supportive environment for the students to learn and grow. Keeping current on the latest information & issues of the holistic field. Continuing education in the bodywork/energy fields. Taking courses for improving teaching/communication methods helps one to improve and grow.
Dress the part,
Teach by example,
Encourage
Hi,
I would define instructional professionalism as the ability to daily deliver sound, technical content in one's specialty area while maintaining professional behavior in and outside of the classroom.
Lori Kleinschmidt
I would say I define instructional professionalism as dressing correctly. In my profession, we wear scrubs. So, for my class room setting, we wear scrubs. I like to give my students examples of things that I have learned on my job. They really like the stories. One student said, when she does her homework, she thinks of it as a story, and how she is going to word "her story". I enjoy giving my students tips that I have learned over the years, to help them along in their careers.
Hi Jamison,
You make a very good point about modeling as an educator. Even though we are "off duty" when we encounter some of our students we need to demonstrate that we are a person of character to our students. Your strategy for acknowledging your student and then enjoying your dinner while still being a modeling to your student is a good one because the student will store this information in her mind and think of it when she is out in the field on her own and defines professionalism in her own way.
Gary
Hi Edward,
Good point and I agree with you about the importance of modeling for students. This gives them a measurement from which to operate as they progress through their schooling.
Gary
Hi Linsey,
Thank you for sharing your memory of your instructor and why he reflected professionalism. It is good to have such role models in our past so we can us their characteristics in our instructional approach.
Gary
I would define instructional professionalism as never allowing your students to see your "lower" self. As a teacher, even when a student has made me angry or frustrated, I could never imagine resorting to the same casual or personal tactics I might use if, say, I was chastising my spouse for not taking out the garbage. I'm pretty sure we all understand the inherent basic differences between how we behave in front of our own friends and peers versus how we behave in front of our students. This goes further to me, seeing as I have mostly adult students, to if I encounter one of my students in a public setting. That "instructional professionalism" doesn't end when the class session does, and should extend even beyond the classroom setting. I am reminded of a time when I was out to dinner with a few close friends and a woman who was a current student happened to be dining at the same restaurant. She waved when she saw me, and I acknowledged her with a polite smile and wave in return. In knowing that my student was present, however, I immediately felt my own behavior change; and while I'm not exactly one to do anything to embarrass myself publicly anyway, I felt it would be a breach of that instructional professionalism if I allowed my student to see my relaxed behavior, even though the meeting was a total coincidence and I, of course, had ever right to be out with my friends. I believe I took the right approach; being friendly, without being lax.
Dr Meers, Instructional professionalism provides the foundation on the course objectives. There must be structure in the classroom and I believe it starts with the instructor. By showing by example, a student learns what is expcted of them in the industry. Although motivation and management are important, modeling, to me, is imperative in preparing the student to face the challenges after completing the course.
My music instructor Richard Powell when I was in high school. I had him for band and for various music classes.
He would come in dressed professionally and would act professionally. He knew the material he was teaching and was able to get the student to understand it. At those times when you were overwhelmed and offtrack, he would help you get back on track. And I remember many times he would stay late or help you on his own personal time. He always made you feel like you were his most important student.
Presenting yourself in the proper clothing for the job, acting as a good role model for the students with your actions and how you speak to the students. Being prepared for your class, starting class on time and encourage student interaction during class.
I believe instructional professionalism is closely defined by saying, it is the ability to reach students in a meaningful way, developing innovative approaches to content while motivating, engaging, and inspiring minds to prepare for ever-advancing technology.
However, to define a professional teacher I believe it would be safe to say, how one carries himself or herself. Professionalism usually consists of certain characteristics such as: competence, performance, and conduct. The aforementioned reflect the educator’s goals, abilities, and standards, and directly impact the effectiveness of teaching through the development of these qualities.
I define instructional professionalism as a standard for minimum expectations and instructor should have in the classroom. It includes apperance, being prepared and relating the instruction material to the class in a professional manner. Instructing is a professional career and we must treat it as such. We must continue our education, follow standards and respect the values of education. Always remembering the professional attitude we need to be respected in our classroom.
Instructional professionalism is being prepared for your class. You arrive early and get set up. You are properly dressed. You get to know your students. You clearly explain your goals. you clearly explain how students will be evaluated. You do what you say would do in the sylabus.
Instructional professionalism to me is doing my own homework! Being prepared for what I am about to instruct is key. I need to be prepared for their questions that they will ask as well.
You must be able to change some times to show a different way to learn some students learn one way and others learn a different way it is my picking up what is best way for a student to learn.
I like it when a student says to me in class (Ifeel you have change my life with what you are teaching me)this give me great enjoyent about teaching.
