It is important to show students you do not play "favorites" and you are fair to all students. Some students might try to become friends or buddies in hopes to get an edge over other students. to the other students, this might anger them. It is best to keep professional distance from all students to prevent any situations from occurring.
Important to set yourself apart and maintain respect.
Hi Melanie,
Image says a lot about one's professionalism. Students tend to have high regards for you when you are deemed as a professional.
Patricia
Hi Shlomo,
Presentation is everything! Respect is gained based on appearance and the overall way you carry yourself.
Patricia
They are going to challenge you regardless,,,a professional image can help as a "shield" against immature attacks due to some level of respect that you project for yourself
Hi Lisa,
What do you do to maintain a professional image?
Patricia
yes, i agree- 100% - we must maintain a professional manner at all times! Lisa
You need to conduct yourself in a professional manner so that you will maintain respect from your students and peers.
it is important to maintain a professional image when you are a role model. We ask students to go out in the field and keep there personal life to themselves so it important that we do the same.
At a clinical site, My students are constantly monitoring me on how I deal with staff members and patients. I believe not only am I displaying professionalism, High Morale, Motivation, and modeling certain nursing practices are picked up by my students. I strongly believe that etiquette, mind set, and setting an example of being a good team leader are important in the transition of thier new career choice. Not only do they love to learn more about thier field of choice but I notice they also like to feel productive.
Most of the time they can't differentiate between personal and professional relationships.
I wanted to look up some of the words used by everyone to explain and define what it means for teachers to be 'professional' in the eyes of our students. Afterall, the word 'professional' means many things to many different people. These are the relevant words that I found that, for me, sum it up:
* Conscientious
* Relevant significant instruction
* Special knowledge
* Respect for others
* Consideration for others
* Ethical standards
* Technical standards
* Intentional determination
* Giving meaningful/serious information to our students
It is all of these qualities that we as instructors must constantly adhere to and live by. This is part of being a successful teacher.
Students are often looking for a role model and look to their Instructors as someone to pattern themselves after. Therefore, as an Instructor the image we present should be representative of others to follow.
The steel hand in a velvet glove! Knowing the limit between friendship and professionalism is crucial but one can have a sense of humor and still be a pro.
As a supervisor of teachers in the public school system this is something I try to instill in my employees. As an instructor of adults I find that sticking to my plan is the best way of maintaining my professional image. Demonstrating I have specific guidelines and expectations and sticking to those shows the importance I place on modeling desired behaviors. I do not do anything that I would not accept from one of my employees.
Students aren't your friends.
Hi William,
The student/teacher relationship should never become personal in nature. Instructors should always carry themselves professionally. Getting too close with a student creates too many problems.
Patricia
Hi Apryl,
Great comparison. As a leader, the instructor needs to stay in a lead position. Befriending students is not healthy for a student/teacher relationship.
Patricia
You are seen as the leader/instructor not a buddy or a friend. This is an important way to teach students professional relationships with future bosses.
Maintaining a professional distance is important in supporting your authority and the leader/coach of the classroom. It helps in how the students view the instructor as being a fair and impartial professional. It can help to demonstrate that the relationship you have with the students is strictly a professional one.
Bill
