Professionalism in teaching

Introduction

Part 1. Professionalism at its Best

Professionalism Defined

Becoming a Professional

Professional Classroom Environment

Reflective Decision-Making

Mentoring

Accountability

Technology

Effective Social Skills

Faux Pas

Professional Attire

Attendance

Developing Confidence

Part 2. Communicating Effectively

Standard English Usage

Nonverbal Communication

Listening Skills

Telephone Etiquette

Telephone Tips

Written Communication

Newsletters

Importance of Proofreading

Spelling Errors

Email

Part 3. Building Relationships

Teacher to Teacher

Managing School Politics Effectively

Being a Team Player

Supporting Your Colleagues

Teacher to Student

Students Are Your Focus

Teachers as Role Models

Student Conferences

Earning Respect

Being Fair

Teacher to Parent

Communication Is Key

Developing Partnerships

Parent Conferences

Responding to Angry Parents

When a Parent Is Uninvolved

Teacher to Administrator

Recognize the Role of the Administrator

Keep Your Administrator Informed

Follow Administrative Directives

Part 4. Practicing Professional Responsibilities

School Responsibilities

Committee Work

After School Functions and Extracurricular Activities

When to Say Yes and When to Say No

Professional Development

Lifelong Learning

Contributing to the Community of Learners

Inservice Workshops

Professional Organizations and Conferences

Graduate Courses

Teacher Study Groups and Support Groups

Professional Development Plans

Professional Teaching Portfolios

Part 5. Advice from Professionals

Principal, Emmett Sawyer

Principal, Janice Hogan

Principal, Randall Wallace

Principal, Carol Plumley

Teacher, Jamie Combs

Teacher, Patsy Bowser

Teacher, Gina Cowin

Teacher, Kate Companik

Teacher, Barbara Carnagey

Teacher, Lori Elliott

Teacher, Todd Varhalla

Summary: Keys to Being a Professional

Teachers' ABC's of Professionalism

Appendix

A. Sample Elementary Weekly Letter to Parents

B. Sample Middle School Introductory Letter to Parents

C. Sample High School Letter to Parents: Goals and Skills

D. Sample Letter to Parents and Students

E. Sample Classroom Policy

F. Sample Classroom Rules

G. Sample Newsletter

Internet Resources

Professional Education Organizations

Professional Organizations for Teachers by Subject Area

Related Educational Links for Teachers

Teacher Accreditation, Accountability, and Standards

Teacher Recruitment

References

Further Readings

Index

Postscript