professionalism
As an instructor, always carry myself in well respected manner, because of the field that I'm in, students need to always know how to respect, carry themselves, and most inportant teamwork.
Hi Billie,
Thank you for these excellent points. You are right on with your observations. Our students need to have models in their career field that they can look to and pattern after. Your work with their social development is to be commended as well. They do need to know how to dress appropriately for job interviews and career success.
Gary
I think this is such an important area in the realm of teaching today. As a society we have become lax in our dress attire, our communication skills, and our behavior.
Many people live in blue jeans and t-shirts. Our society has gone to casual attire as the accepted norm almost everywhere. Many people who attend church today are in casual attire. Many woman do not have a dress, skirt, or suit in their wardrobes. Men do not own suits or ties. Many young men have to be taught how to tie a tie when we have professional dress day at our school. We as instructors have a dress code we are to follow, and we made Wednesday our professional dress day at school for several reasons. 1. Students need to recognize what a profession image is. 2. They need to gather an appropriate wardrobe before they go out looking for a job. 3. Being "dressed up" usually has an effect on behavior and attitude.
As a communications teacher, I strive to use correct language in both written and oral form. I also bring the importance of good communication skills into my classroom almost daily.
Behavior and attitude are areas that many students need to modify. The word respect for your fellow man seems to have lost its meaning on many levels today. This change of behavior will occur over time. Working at a smaller school, I can see students change over the course of their enrollment because I would have them for classes several different times.
People tend to learn more by example than by reading or being told about such items.
We most definitely project the image of how the students should carry themselves once they enter the workplace. In the medical field especially, we have very specific requirements within the field however, I always feel best to portray yourself as if you are working in the field and every action carried out in the classroom should reflect as so. I wear proper attire, communicate effectively and make sure the students are on the same level, if there were any misunderstandings then we would discuss why or why we should not carry ourselves in different ways. I always try to reflect to them to live vicariously as if they were done and out there working day to day as professionals so that they have a feel for what it expected of them.
Hi Jorge,
You make a number of very good points that reinforce why it is so important for us to be proper role models for our students. We are helping our students see what a professional in their field should be like and a goal that they can work toward.
Gary
Maintaining a professional image is not only important to the learning environment that I am trying to provide, but the majority of my students are seeking managerial and leadership roles in our industry.
With this in mind I try to model behavior I believe to have contributed to my success in our shared field.
This includes maintaining a high level of ethical standards, as well as product and technical standards resulting in gaining the trust of clients as well as direct reports.
I try to demonstrate the requirements of being a leader by embracing ultimate responsibility, accountability, and maintaining impartiality.
Cultivating a professional image through one's appearance is paramount as this is the area where first impressions are formed. I impress this upon them by invariably wearing a clean, pressed and complete uniform all the while holding them to the same standard.
By being careful and deliberate in my choice of words and trying to take into account the way that they might be perceived I feel demonstrates the persuasive impact of good communication skills to my students.
While soliciting input all the while employing clear and concise but emotionally neutral imperative sentences when directing work shows them how to command while at the same time it demonstrates respect and engenders buy-in for and from those being directed.
Invariably maintaining a professional image enhances my credibility as an instructor resulting in the coursework being taken more seriously, but ultimately it also models the traits that the students must develop in themselves in order to advance in their chosen field.
Hi Teresita,
All of the items you listed contribute to helping you project the professional image you want your students to see in you. You are setting the standard for your field so the more you can do to make it high quality the greater service you are providing to your students.
Gary
when i start to lecture,being prepared about my topic is very important,also how i present myself,dress appropriately,use acceptable language,modulation of voice to enhance the learning atmosphere of the students.
I agree Donta! We set the standard for our students. We are a good example of how they should carry themselves in their future career fields.
Hi Denise,
Well said and so important. We must never forget this no matter where we are in the school setting.
Gary
I believe that not only being an instructor but as an individual professionalism should be number one on our list. Not only do the students and staff watch your communication skills along with your charecterics that goes along with it. We need to be mindful of the things we do or say.
As an Instructor I think it is our duty to always maintain professionalism. As Instructors are students are always looking up to us to show and guid them as they continue to blossom day to day.
