The Secret of Professionalism- Kaytlin Roser

All of the parts in The Secret of Professionalism chapter in Seven Simple Secrets all seemed like common sense to me, but it is harder than it seems/looks to stay positive and professional in the school setting. I have observed both professional and inspirational teachers, and I have observed just plain sleezy (for the lack of a better term) and discouraging teachers. It all comes down to the attitude and passion of the educator. If there is no passion and love for children then your attitude is just going to be negative and students can see it when a teacher loathes his or her job. I will just go through each of the parts of this chapter and comment on what I have experienced personally as well as my opinions.

Part 1- How and Why to Dress Porfessionally:

I completely agree with this section, if you want your students to take you seriously and look up to you as a professionally then you must look the part. Although, I don't think it is necessary to get all dressed up and wear expesive clothing, but your student should be able to disstinguish you from their classmates. I have witnessed plenty of teachers who havent exactly made the best wardrobe choices, and it really affected how their students viewed them.

Part 2- How to 'fit in' without 'falling in'

I thought this was an interesting topic to discuss about professionalism. I am very much an observor and I like to take things in and get a feel for them and do more listening than chatting, and this also true in the teacher's lounge. I cannot believe some of the poor attitudes and disrespect some teachers have for one another. But I have to say I have never met such a positive and collaborative team of teachers than I have in this 2nd placement of student teaching. They all seem to think of the students first and there is very little negativity and gossip. They all seem to naturally fit in without falling in. Everyone is just themselves and I love that.

Part-3 How to maintain control of your actions

I have witnessed some teachers with very short fuses and it just made me feel sorry for them that they could lose their cool and become so angry. I have also seen teachers who I wondered how in the world they kept such a straight face and never just lost it on their students. You truly do have to bring out your acting skills sometimes with students because once they see they can get to you it may be all down hill from there.

Part 4- How and why to continue your professional growth

I have always been told to never stop learning. I believe this should be the case for every human being. It is impossible to just know everything and reach your limit so you should always strive to learn more and improve yourself and this especially true in the teaching profession.

Part 5-How to bleed professionalism without cutting yourself

This is tough thing when you are frustrated and stressed out. It is very tempting to vent with your coworkers and badmouth others, but in the teaching profession this can be very risky and detrimental to others especially if you are talking negatively about your students. I believe you should always see the good in your students and never talk badly about them no matter how hard it might be. They are children!

Part 6- How to do your best, not be the best

This is something I personall have struggled with. I can get pretty competetive and try to be the best of everyone else but this can be very exhausting and unsuccessful for you since it impossible to be perfect. I have learned that I need to just be my personal best and not always compare myself to others, especially in teaching.

Part 7- How to make decisions that benefit children

The whole time I was reading this section I had two school district in mind (I will remain anonymous). It is so uncanny, but schools can be almost exactly the same except one successful and one not due just to the attitude and professionalism of its faculty. I am glad I am student teaching in one of the best school districts in this area. :)