I'd say it's a combination of knowledge of your subject, a willingness to reach out to students, and the ability to control your classroom. You must be able to project yourself as an authority figure but at the same time not be intimidating or unapproachable.
Gina ,
Well said. This is what being a dedicated professional is all about.
Gary
The ability to know your subject. You believe in yourself to have the knowledge to show your students that you know what your talking about.
In today's world teacher professionalism has relevant significance in education in that it affects the role of the teacher and his or her pedagogy, which in return affects the student’s ability to learn effectively. It can be defined as the ability to reach students in a meaningful way, developing innovative approaches to mandated content while motivating, engaging, and inspiring young adult minds to prepare for ever-advancing technology.
However, this definition does little to exemplify precisely how a professional teacher carries himself or herself. Due to the growing autonomy being given to educators, professionalism remains one of the most influential attributes of education today.
Teacher professionalism contains three essential characteristics, competence, performance, and conduct, which reflect the educator’s goals, abilities, and standards, and directly impact the effectiveness of teaching through the development of these qualities.
By Elizabeth Price
Hi Mariann,
Good point. In addition, it sets a standard for them in terms of preparedness and promptness.
Gary
To be prepared and on time, looking and acting priffesional, provide a quality learning environment that encourages the student to progress and upgrade their skills during instructions.
I agree that being on time shows you are a professional. It also sets a good example for students. Theu shadow what they see.
Mariann urbancsik
Hi Sue,
Good definition. You have captured the key elements of what being a professional educator is all about. I like your last statement because it says it all. It is NO SMALL TASK but well worth it when you see the results in the lives of your students.
Gary
I think being on time for class, classroom, course material and any other supporting material in preparation plays a huge part in instructional professionalism. As an instructor you always will like to be prepared. It is also important not let your students know that you are not well organized and not prepared to teach class.
I define instructional professionalism as modeling for students all the skills they will need when they enter the workforce. Of course, it's the technical skills. That is a huge part of the job - making sure students have the necessary knowledge to succeed in an entry-level position. Professionalism, however, goes well beyond knowledge. The soft skills are just as important. Some students have never been exposed to soft skills and it is important they see that demonstrated by their instructor. Punctuality, appearance, language, conduct, leadership, confidence, consistency, problem-solving abilities, and ability to meet deadlines must be conveyed by the instructor. NO SMALL TASK!!
Hi Coleen,
Yes, it is a mouthful but well put. Thank you for sharing this perspective with us. I know it will be helpful to beginning instructors as they strive to find their own level of professionalism.
Gary
I would define instructional professionalism by keeping up on new trends in my field and relaying them back to my students in a appropriate manner. This keeps them on track and a head of the game as they work towards their degrees.
Instructional professionalisim encompasses both the physical way that an instructor presents themselves to their students and the technical skills they acquire and provide for their students learning. We as professional instructors must present ourselves at the highest level of professionalism to model the behavior and dress that we expect from our students in the field. We must teach the integrity and standards that are expected of the student when they enter their chosen field, so we are not just throwing these students to the wolves without the tools in their toolbox to be able to lead a successful career. We must also play the part as well as look the part. We as instructors must speak in a manner that would be expected of a professional in the field and bring to the table the knowledge and skills that will make a person excel when they enter the world of work. Instructional professionalism is the knowledge skill set and the ability to compile and emulate these skills while providing a quality learning environment that encourages the instructor and the student to progress and fine tune their skills during every block of instruction.
I would define instructional professionalism as being prepared and on time, looking and acting professional, and demonstrating that you "know your stuff" through the organization of materials, discussions, activities and assessments.
That is a mouthful!
Hi Gerald,
Well developed definition. You have touched on the key elements of what being a professional educator is all about.
Gary
I would define instructional professionalism as the behavior and expertise the instructors display:
1. When they plan in advance for class, come early and prepared to present relevant content in an efficient, effective, and enthusiastic manner.
2. When they assess student progress and content retention throughout the course to identify gaps in learning.
3. When they make necessary adjustments in the instructional delivery process to meet the learning needs of the students in accordance with school policies.
Instructional Professionalism is not only knowing your subject matter in and out, but being a professional in every sense of the word. Not only do you want to "look" like a professional, you MUST act in a professional manner inside and outside of the classroom. Someone who is ill-prepared, ill-mannered, and unprofessional in and out of the classroom will not earn the respect of the students, therefore will be ineffecient as in instructor.
I define Instructional Professionalism by being the example of being on time, having tasks completed in a timely manner, having clear lines of communication, and having a positive outlook on the outcome of various adversities in our path. It all starts with the motivation and positive attitude of knowing which direction you want things to go.Then setting forth on your goals.
'Instructional Professionalism' goes beyond just having a professional image and attitude. Professionalism, in any setting, requires you to be honest, trustworthy, fair, etc...etc... People who are professional are polite, courteous and well-spoken, no matter what the situation. They also keep their cool and remain calm under any circumstance.
"Instructional" professionalism requires a complete, unwavering focus on both the learning process and your personal development as an educator. Consistently maintaining this focus, coupled with both 'hard' & 'soft' skills and the 3 M-s (model, management, and motivation) are key to maintaining instructional professionalism.
Hi Agustin,
Key points about not only while in the class but while you are preparing for it. Professionalism carries throughout our instructional lives no matter what stage we are in sharing content.
Gary
