Reflect
on yourself and your current experience thus far. How do you feel about the professionalism you
have demonstrated thus far? Reflect on
at least two important points shared in this chapter that may help you in
improving or maintaining your professionalism as an educator.
I have always been a very professional person, even when I was young. I attribute this to always being around adults when I was growing up. From an early age I learned how to speak to people correctly and professionally. I have always had a very professional attitude because I was taught to view myself as others would view me and act how I wanted them to perceive me. Thus far in my student teaching experience, I feel that I have portrayed a very professional attitude and demeanor. I spoke to the principal at my placement today and he remembered me from high school, 8 years ago, where he was the assistant principal. I felt extremely honored that he remembered my face and name considering I never needed to visit his office! I feel that he remembered me because of my personality, maturity, and professionalism I displayed back then.
ReplyDeleteI feel that continuing my education and maintaining all of my actions are the two things that I am taking from this book as the most important to improving/ maintaining my professionalism. Not only should keep up-to-date with new strategies and procedures by reading and researching, but you should also be learning from your students as well. The more things you learn from them and about them, the more effective you can be. Maintaining all of my actions is something that I do need to improve. I am great at “keeping cool” in front of the kids but sometimes, when there is someone to talk to, I’ll vent. I definitely need to save the venting for my pillow at home.
I completely agree with what you said about learning from the students and about the students. In order to be an effective educator you have to understand your students and the various ways they learn. I can also relate with what you said about "maintaining your actions." Because I have worked with such young students, I have developed a patience that I never thought I would have. At least that is what I thought until I moved up to fourth grade. I frequently feel myself becoming frustrated with the students as, compared to kindergartners, they are in a completely different ball field when it comes to their attitudes about many things, especially school. Though I never lose my cool with the students, I really would like to work on preventing the frustration I feel when I am faced with these new, very different situations.
DeleteI feel that I am similar to Anna. I have always tried to act as professional and respectable to those around me as possible. I grew up with the mind set that you should respect those around you. How you present yourself both physically and verbally leave lasting impressions on those around you. I always try to dress professionally and present myself in a professional manner both to the students and to the adults that I come in contact with.
ReplyDeleteThe one thing that I have found when working in the different school is the way that teachers talk when students are not around. I have found that some teachers tend to be very negative towards every situation. I have had the priviledge of working with teachers that always try to find the positive. I try to either not contribute to the negative conversation or try to turn to something positive.
I think that it is most important to think of the students first and what they need. This is something that I can always keep working on. Knowing your students and understanding what is best for them is one of the most important jobs as a teacher. I will keep working on staying professional in both the way I dress and how I communicate because that is what seperates an effective teacher from a non-effective teacher. You want to set yourself apart from the rest no matter how much work it takes.
I have also seen a lot of teachers focus on the negative aspects of their classroom. The teachers sometimes put me as a student teacher into an awkward position by venting in the teachers' lounge. They will try to include me in conversation just to be polite, but they will be expressing their negative feelings. I agree with Autumn on turning things positive, but i often feel awkward when I don't contribute. For example, teachers will vent about a behavior and then offer negative advice to me. I awkwardly nod and they continue on. Thankfully, this does not happen often. However, there is usually at least one teacher in a school that holds this attitude against their students. I just take it as a learning opportunity and as a reminder to keep a positive outlook ad an open mind.
DeleteI have also seen the negative sides of teachers. The thing that angers me the most is when they are blatantly negative right in front of the students, even if they aren't talking to the students. No matter what age the students are that you work with, they will pick up on everything. Whether it's just the look on your face or the words that come out of your mouth.
DeleteIn my experiences thus far, I believe I have not only demonstrated, but continually maintained professionalism. I have done this through the common practices that come to mind when one thinks of professionalism, such as appropriate dress and a respectful attitude. I have also built appropriate teacher-student relationships that allow me to know and have a good time with the students while still being the professional leader and educator they need. I believe creating solid working relationships with other professionals, such as cooperating teachers, has also contributed to the way I see myself professionally. I feel this is one of the most important ways I have maintained professionalism as cooperation and collaboration with other professionals will always be a big part of the education field.
ReplyDeletePart two of this chapter is something I will take with me as I begin my career. It is easy to do what it takes to fit in in a new environment. This part of the chapter did a very good job of outlining what is expected from an effective educator, and getting across the point that fitting in is not the most important part of being a teacher, the students are.
I will also take part four with me, as I too believe it is important to never stop growing as a professional. I have already enrolled in a masters program that will allow me to continue learning as I begin my teaching career, and I do not plan to stop there. Everything mentioned in this chapter is incredibly significant in regards to acting as a professional, and I intend to use its information as a reminder about how important professionalism is to an effective educator.
I also think that it is very important for teachers to work together and build relationships. Building relationships with your collegues helps you to gain ideas and a different insight into the lives of your students.
DeleteI thought that it was very interesting how in the beginning of the chapter, the author explained how other professions regard professionalism and through education, some people don't seem to have the same outlook. It is not just through appropriate wear, even though that is important, but it is also through our attitudes and relationships that we make with others. Through education it is vital that we build relationships with everyone in our school community because every link has an effect on the student learners. As the book talked about the teachers' lounge and the gossip that is involved during the time spent in it is definitely true, and can be extremely detrimental. I also believe that as teachers it can be difficult to put oneself in a student's shoes because it has been so long since we have been there, but it is so important not to take for granted the effect it has on the student. Staying professional is vital to every profession, but especially education. Even though I shared a personal relationship with my last co-op it never got in the way of our professional relationship and the expectations that co-existed between us. I agree with Sabrina when she said that it can be difficult as a new teacher to try to fit into the school, but we are there for the students, not the teachers. I also agree with Autumn because it is essential for us to communicate in a professional manner as well. This is through our students, cooperating teachers, as well as colleagues and supervisors.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you about teachers having difficulty putting oneself in a student's self. I have alot of empthany for most of the students I have taught because they don't have the background I came from. I also try to remember that most of these kids in the Erie school district didn't wake up like I did and have more important issues than just coming to school and learning. I also try to remember to give them opportunities that they may never get again.
DeleteI beleive that professionalism is an attitude. It is shown in what we wear, how we act, and the relationships that we make. We must appear professional, but we must also carry ourself in a professional demeanor. The students observe the relationships between you and the teachers as well as you and the other students. It is imoprtant to communicate with other teachers, you can often times learn from their experience. Also the students see that you have a professional relationship with other teachers that they may have had previously, which can help gain their trust. There is a fine line between being a part of the team and still being a student teacher. We have to be careful to build up professionalism and not get to comfortable in our placement. We are still learning and, although we're still part of the team, the teachers at the school have experience and jobs and we do not.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that professionalism is an attitude. You are correct that we must set a good example for our students. They learn more than we may think from how we interact with our peer teachers and this fact will directly effect how they interact with their peer students. We can learn a lot from our cooperating teachers but we must be careful not to learn the wrong things. I have personally witnessed some very questionable events so far and do not want to fall into that trap. The best advice I can give anyone in our position is to think twice before opening your mouth. Some questions and comments are better left unasked and unsaid.
DeleteI really like how you described professionalism as an attitude. We have the ability to choose whether we want to be professional or not. The way we talk and dress is our presentation of ourselves to others. How do you want your collegues and students to remember you? I agree to with Jim. I like to sit and listen and think twice before I add my imput.
DeleteI feel that I’ve done a pretty good job maintaining my professionalism through the first half of my student teaching experience. Dressing professionally feels natural to me now, and it seems weird going into the school on a “casual day” wearing jeans. I think that finally experiencing student teaching and being a daily member of the classroom has also imparted me with a greater sense of responsibility. I’ve started to view my role in the school community more realistically, instead of seeing myself as a ‘classroom guest’ the way I did during field experience.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I learned from the book that I think I can apply to my own teaching practices would be to continue to think of the students first. As the book pointed out, the most successful teachers are generally the ones who keep the focus on the students and their best interests. Even from my own observations, I have realized that the teachers who spend the most time caring for their students and worrying about their needs have the least amount of time to gossip, slack off, or do other things that might cause them to lose a grip of their professionalism.
In addition, I liked what the book said about finding ways to continue growing professionally in every situation. Just like the scenario described in the book, I have found myself in a few in-service meetings this semester where I was about ready to fall asleep during the presentation. However, I can honestly say that I haven’t walked away from any of those conferences without having learned something. I know that as a professional, I have to challenge myself to keeping looking for ways to grow, even if they are small things that seem insignificant at the time.
Brennan ~ I agree! The most successful teachers are the generally the ones who keep the focus on the students and their best interest. My current co-op is so busy in her classroom because whe is invloved with every teachable moment. "That" is what makes a great teacher! She is so detailed in everything that she does but is kind and caring to her students. It really does make a difference. She is a true professional!
DeleteI have viewed myself as a professional person when needed. Yes in my free time and attending class I enjoy wearing my sweatshirt and pants as most of you have seen. While teaching I try to maintain my professionalism through my appearance and conversation to students and staff. I did like the part about how to avoid wearing your emotions on your sleeve. I struggled with this in the beginning of the first semester because I am the type that if I'm upset people can tell and students especially have a great sense of when your upset or mad. I have gotten better through teaching but when I was in Kindergarten they wanted to please the teacher so when they thought I was upset (my face was red) regardless if I was hot or what they would settle down and do what they were suppose to. I never had a problem of being in control of the class because from the beginning my students knew the expectations. I also used the technique of counting to 10 that I learned from having younger siblings. I completely agree with the why to continue your professional growth. For example when learning the new way of lattice multiplication. Students are always learning and developing new ways of learning so the teachers always have to be a step ahead. Also we are suppose to be the role models for students so how can we say "you have to continue learning but we don't." I have also noticed that throughout field and student teaching the professional teachers are very quick to throw people under the bus or talk badly about certain people. Throughout this I have remained closed mouthed, smiled or excused myself from the situation because listening to people say negative things have an impact on how you treat others, deal with things yourself and the moral of the experience. I think the most important part of this section was part 7: Make decisions that benefit children. I know some teachers may talk badly about the teacher that goes above and beyond. I would rather be the teacher that does whatever is needed for the students to learn, understand, retain the information and have fun then the teacher that is just there to do the basics.
ReplyDeleteKatie ~ I know what you mean! I have found that it can be quite challenging working with others that talk badly about their peers; however, being mute is the best way to handle the situation. The main focus is making decisions that benefit the children. There is is nothing wrong with being the "dynamic" one. The only thing that is wrong with it according to others is that it is "right!" Stay positive! :)
DeleteI think that there are teachers and then there are teaching professionals. I want to be a teaching professional; therefore, I am setting high standards for myself for the sake of the student. Being professional is having respect for others. I have developed relationships with my superiors, peers, and the students. Through demonstrating responsibility and integrity, I am gaining the trust and respect of administration, educators, students, and the community. I realize that part of being a professional means that I must take responsibility for myself and my work. I have learned that if I am delayed that it is crucial to let others know as soon as possible. Always being prepared prior to teaching a lesson or attending a meeting sets you up for success rather than failure. It is part of being reliable and dependable. I am committed to the quality of education and working on continuously improving my personal development. I am setting standards for myself to provide the best quality teaching for the student. Being a professional means that you have to see beyond your own way of doing things and embrace others ideas too. I have learned that sometimes someone else’s way of doing things may be better for the student/students. A teaching professional must learn from today in order to make a better plan for tomorrow. I don’t want to be a good teacher. I want to be a dynamic teaching professional in everything that I do; being a teaching professional goes beyond the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about looking past your own way of doing things and being able to embrace other people's ideas. It seems like some people tend to develop a know-it-all type of attitude when they join a professional occupation because they assume that's just a part of being professional. I don't think that simply being a 'professional' at anything means that you have all the answers, so I think it's good that we keep our minds open to new ideas.
DeleteI really like what you said about setting standards for yourself. I think that is a huge part of being a professional. In maintaining your professionalism, I think it is important to hold your self to high standards and set expectations which require you to keep growing and learning. I also agree with what Brennan said, and I hope to always uphold that attitude. I do not expect to ever have all the answers and I do not think my ways of doing things will always be the best way. I expect to reach out to other teaching professionals and seek their advice and ideas that I can combine with my own to provide the best possible education.
DeleteYour first two sentences are perfect. I certainly agree. Setting standards/expectations for yourself and not only your students is extremely important. Having things that you need to accomplish as a teaching professional allows you to stay on task create goals to be able to further yourself.
DeleteBeing a professional is important not only for my success, but also for my students and colleagues. With all of the pressures of completing our education and life in general, it is important to keep things in perspective. I have experienced some unforeseen hurdles in my personal life that have made juggling everything expected of me quite difficult of late. Although I have been able to clear most of the hurdles, I will be the first to admit that I have been tripped up now and then. Part of being a professional is being able to admit that you have made mistakes and are able to learn from them.
ReplyDeletePart 2, How to “Fit In” without “Falling In”, is an important piece of advice to keep in mind when entering any new environment. Everyone wants to feel accepted by their peers but it is imperative to do so without jeopardizing your core values. As a beginning teacher, it will be important to let my abilities do the talking without trying to impress anyone by being someone I am not. As tempting as it may be to join in when people are griping about this or that, I must remember to keep my comments to myself and try to avoid those kinds of situations. That being said leads into the next phase I want to talk about, Part 5, How to Bleed Professionalism without Cutting Yourself. I recently turned 49 years old and I realized a long time ago that it is easy to be negative. The old saying, “misery loves company” is so true. If we allow ourselves to fall into the trap of rallying behind the negative people around us, we will inevitably become negative ourselves. Through the years, I have learned how to listen to what others have to say and try to take a positive spin from it. It may be easy to jump on the bandwagon when people are being negative, it takes a bigger person to look for the positive and, if necessary, remove themselves from that atmosphere. In all of the experiences I have had so far, I have avoided the teachers’ lounge except for my one field placement. There it was inevitable because there was nowhere else to go to eat my lunch. The negativity expressed was almost to the point of humorous. It would have been easy to chime in from time to time, but I knew better. That one experience instilled in me that when I attain a job as a teacher, I will not be spending my lunch time surrounded by the glass half empty people. When those times arise where I will not be able to avoid the ‘Ms. Warn Ya’ types, I will listen politely, keep my mouth shut, and remind myself not to become that kind of person.