Instructors are role models for their students. As a role model the instructor has the obligaiton to demonstrate the proper way in which students should conduct themselves. Instructors should practice what they preach.
The students look to us for guidance and direction. Maintaining a professional image is of the utmost importance. As instructors, we set the bar of professionalism the first moment the students walk into you classroom. This professional image must also be maintained not only in the workplace, but also outside of the school. I cannot tell you how many times I have come into contact with students in public places away from the campus. Be sure to always act professional and student will respect and mirror
that behavior towards you as well.
You need to remain professional because you are setting the scene for students and showing them the correct way of how their actions will profit them later
It keeps the role of instrutor and student clear. If not you become more of a friend and when you need to correct disruptive actions, it can be frowned upon.
Hi Tonya,
Believe or not, there are some students that are looking for us as educators to mess up, therefore, we must walk the walk and talk the talk at all times.
Patricia
It is very important to remain professional at all times, because we are role models for the students regardless of their age, gender, or cultral background. They also figure that once you mess up then why can't they.
Hi Herb,
Favoritism is certainly frowned upon in the classroom. We should treat all students the same. What is good for one, is good for all. Fairness will earn an instructor great respect and credibility.
Patricia
Hi Timothy,
We are the leaders, therefore we should act the part in every way. Students look up to us, and we should be a positive model for them.
Patricia
We must maintain the highest professionalism at all times. You will gain their respect and confidence. You set an image which will let them know that you have the skills and expertise that will ensure their success. But always remember we can also make mistakes.
It allows the instructor to keep the element of "fairness" in the class. It is so disheartening for students to think that someone in the class is the teacher's favorite..or "buddy". There is really nothing positive that can come from getting too close to a student. You can be friendly but you cannot be their "buddy".
I think that students are less likely to interact with you unprofessionally and prevents fewer opportunities for other students to question your professionalism. This overall impression carries over during instruction. It is okay to say hello and greet students outside of class, but there needs to be a very firm line that governs the topic and interactions outside of class.
Hi Ana,
Professional distance is a must in education. Students should never mistake who is the instructor. The instructor should fully live up to the role as the instructor. Students should not be allowed to cross the line.
Patricia
It is important to maintain professional distance from students in order to ensure that they don't see you as a friend; but, as an instructor. It is sometimes difficult to establish this with adult students.
Hi Patricia and class,
Students judge instructors at all times - they observe and make assumptions based upon what they see. Instructors should strive for earning their students' trust and in doing so must be professional at all times. There is a difference between the instructor and the student and the distance that is kept makes the difference between a professional instructor vs. one that is not.
Dear Ms. Scales,
By maintaining a professional distance from students, I believe you gain their respect as being their educator and not their "buddy". Once you have gained this "professional teacher identity" among your class, you have also established a well managed environment to promote a platform and pattern of professional and mutually respected learning .
Bobby
It demonstrates that you as an instructor have no favorites and that each and every one of your students is important to him/her.
Hi Kevin,
I can tell you are certainly and edutainer. You pointed out some great things in your response. We must treat our students with care because after all they are our customers, and we want them to return each day until they graduate.
Patricia
Hi Michele,
We must face reality! Every student is not going to like us. What matters most is that they respect us based on our knowledge, actions, appearance, and position.
Patricia
You don't want to try to be your student's friend but instead need to be seen as a professional and therefore need to maintain that distance. If you try too hard to be liked by everyone or become their friend, you won't be taken seriously and earn their trust as a respected professional.
Hi Anthony,
As long as you maintain professionalism, yet you interact well with your students, students should not have a reason to feel inferior. Students should have a sense of respect for you based on the professionalism and respect you show them.
Patricia
