Running head: Professionalism in Education

Professionalism in Education
Kathy L. Roark
Texas A&M Commerce

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Abstract

This paper is about what professionalism in education means to me and what I expect to see as a
result of that professionalism while in the field of education. Defining professionalism in
education is a challenge but the definition I most closely identify with is resembles the
following: professionalism in education is defined by three things: professional parameters,
professional behaviors, and professional responsibilities.
Keywords: Professionalism, Teachers, Education, Parameters, Behaviors, Responsibilities

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Professionalism in Education

This paper examines two aspects of professionalism in education. What it means to me

and what I expect to see in the field.
Professionalism in Education what it means to me
When I think of a professional educator, I picture an older lady with glasses, a bun in her
hair, wearing a long skirt and a tucked in blouse, but thats not really what professionalism is.
Defining professionalism is a task that most organizations are struggling to achieve and how it is
defined is often varied among groups. There is no one right answer. So, through all of my
limited experience to me professionalism in education is the product of three main
characteristics: professional parameters, professional behaviors, and professional responsibilities
(Creasy 2015). Professional parameters are the legal and ethical guidelines teachers must follow.
Teachers must be knowledgeable and abide by all laws regarding standards and students while
working in the profession of education. They must realize that these standards are in and outside
of the classroom. Such laws include things like the American with Disabilities Act and No Child
Left Behind. Professional behaviors are the visible actions teachers take. They include such
things like appropriate interactions with students, parents, and peers. It also includes the
teachers appearance and attitude for modeling desirable behaviors. Professional responsibilities
include such things like active participation in school and community events, in professional
associations, and personal growth and development. So, professionalism in education means
being a teacher who is knowledgeable and law abiding, with high ethical and moral beliefs and
an active participant in self, students, school and community.

Professionalism in Education

Professionalism in Education what I expect to see

When I have the opportunity to be in the field I expect to witness educators who show
they have professionalism in education by observing some of the following actions. I expect to
see teachers who takes notes about lessons just taught and look for ways to improve later
teachings. I expect to see records being maintained for students development growth as well as
non-instructional activities. I expect to see communication to parents about positive information
as well as apprehensions upheld in a confidential method in all situations and settings. I expect to
see teachers who share and accept teaching strategies from peers. I expect to see teachers who
contributes and go to professional developmental programs when available. I expect to see
teachers who are dressed appropriately, on time and well prepared for school. I expect to see
teachers who provide student with the best opportunities and situations to be successful.

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References

Creasy, K. L. (2015, June). Defining Professionalism in Teacher Education Programs. Journal of

Education & Social Policy, 2(2), 23-25. Retrieved September 20, 2016, from
http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED563997.pdf

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