I believe a person has many role models in their lives. Each role model teaches a person about themselves . A role model to me is someone who not only treats me as an equal but is honest, trusting, and most of all open-minded especially in our society.I have to agree with you! many students sees us as their role model and someone that they can count on it.
Stephanie,
Welcome to teaching. I wish you much success in your efforts to shape and prepare the next generation of professionals in your field. You have a very good grasp of how important it is to have a role model in front of students. By you being that role model you are helping to fulfill the human side of the career preparation process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am a new instructor and I also feel that I am a role model for the students. I feel that most of them need someone that they can not only relate to but look up to.
Tonya,
Like your list. It is right on in terms of being a role model for your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Dennis,
So true. We have to bring our A game to the class each time it meets. To do any less is to cheat our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
1. Dress appropriately.
2. Use appropriate terminology and language for the profession.
3. Show enthusiasm for the profession.
4. Require respect from your students and give them the respect they deserve.
Students know when instructors are just going through the motions. They need to see us displaying energy and enthusiasm for what we do.
Sheryl,
Your question at the end of your comments says it all. Don't know why they do what they do because these types of actions, as we know only result in problems with managing the students and the learning environment. We have to be professional models for our students in all that we do.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A few colleagues try hard to befriend students, rather than act as role models. This can lead to severe problems. Maintaining professionalism - even things like avoiding the use of foul language, using social media wisely (or not at all), and setting an ethical example on campus is so important. Why would anyone act otherwise?
Mariko,
Good strategy to follow. You are always "on stage" with your students and as a result you are influencing how they see a professional in their field conducting themselves.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Being an instructor to students pursuing a career in the health field is very challenging! I always have to remember to watch what I say or do because ALL my students are listening and watching me. I strive each day to learn something new and to impart the information, so as to be able to show that the career my students are going into, learning is continuous and interesting.
Erica,
I know you can because as a new instructor you already have this as a goal. You are in the right path to develop into an instructor of excellence. I wish you continued teaching success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a new instructor and always I want to be a role model for my students. I believe I can have a great positive impact in their lives.
Samantha,
This is the human side of education and is very important. As we all know the majority of workplace conflict comes from interaction between other workers or the lack of self discipline. The more we can help our students along these lines the more valuable they will be upon graduation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to teach my students the importance of good work ethic, professionalism, dedication, and good communication skills. I try to set the example for them.
Rachelle,
A good list to follow. This sets the tone for the students and they will start to see how your modeling impacts their own growth as emerging professionals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with your post Willy. It is very important as instructors that we are enforcing school polices fairly and justly. Also that we arrive on time and are dressed as a professional.
Some ways that I can model behavior that will help my student succeed in their career field include arriving to class early enough to greet the students, being prepared to discuss the subject matter in great detail and with excitement, and dress appropriate to the way that the students will be dressing in their career field.
I, as an instructor, treat my classroom as a professional business office. I am always working, not sitting around doing nothing(as an employer wants employees to work for their money). I leave my cell phone in my car, so I am not tempted to use it. I never raise my voice in anger, but speak firmly and frankly when needed. I am always available to answer questions no matter how busy I may be, and offer to schedule time on my days off to help any that need it.
Exceed one's expectations, make learning applicable, and always make learning fun!
