Get Your Students Hired
As instructors, we should maintain professionalism with our students to insure them we are capable of teaching them but also giving them a good example
While the students need to know that you care about them and their success, it is important that you not get too close to them. Trying to be their friend can cost you their respect and ultimately control of the classroom.
It maintains students' respect of the instructor. Also, if an instructor becomes too friendly with students, those that are excluded may see it as favoritism.
It shows that you are competant and it also models how students should behave when they are in their career and on the job. I find that how I dress is an important first start to being professional, my posture, and how I approach students in a professional manner. Then how I prepare for class with he objectives on the board, the class materials organized, and the expectations clear.
Hi Joy,
That's right! Just because a student is a graduate, we should still maintain our professionalism with graduates as well. Graduates look up to us also.
Patricia Scales
Hi Douglas,
I agree! We are constantly being watched, and we should always act professionally.
Patricia Scales
Maintaining a professional image will definitely let the students uunderstand that there is a line that cant be crossed. That line is still maintained even after the student(s)have graduated.
I dress up and maintain a professional image with my students, however; I am also very close with them. I usually teach the same students over and over for two years straight so it is impossible not to become attached.
Hi Rhonda,
Nicely said! I can tell you practice what you preach, and you are the perfect role model for our students. Continue to lead by example.
Patricia Scales
Hi Linda,
Experience is the best teacher! You have a lot of experience and wisdom as well. Your students can learn a lot from you if they listen and follow your exemplary leadership. Continue to be a role model for our students!
Patricia Scales
Hi Kari,
You have it! Distance is key in a student/instructor relationship. The relationship should be strictly professional in nature.
Patricia Scales
It is very important to always maintain a professional distance from the students. This means being friendly but not a friend. When you are friendly you demonstrate support and show you care while encouraging the student to learn. Students are looking for a mentor and someone to respect to help them achieve their goals, not a friend. When you create consistency and are clear of your expectations it will develop respect within the class.
When I teach business and ethics classes we talk a great deal about professionalism. We talk about the absolute imperative of boundaries. We also talk about the power differential and the danger of dual relationships. During my almost 63 years I've learned a lot about these topics. Through many mistakes and learning experiences I believe I have worked my way to the 'right thing done well'. The students want and need a leader/mentor and being their friend undermines the power differential, crosses boundaries and creates very dangerous dual relationships. I love students and I do my very best to keep it professional.
Maintaining a professional distance from students is important because they have to see you as a professional and one who should be respected. Becoming "buddies" with your students opens you up to loss of respect as a professial.
I believe that there can be a fine line betweeen instructors a friends and just a instructor. I am not a friend to my students, I dont have them on Facebook or go anywhere outside of school with them. However, I do make it a point to make them feel as though I have an interest in them and their futures beyond just being their instructor. Taking the time to invest in a student by bringing yourself down to their level will give you a great respect among your students without losing that professionalism.
Maintaining a professional distance from students is important because it allows for unbiased correction, and assessment. It also allows the students to feel that they can trust their instructor. Many students need a respected leader to display what a professional looks like.