While professionalism can be difficult to define, Demirkasimoğlu (2010) described it as the “multi-dimensional structure including one’s work behaviors and attitudes to perform the highest standards and improve the service quality.” Teachers are responsible for instructing their students effectively, protecting private information, serving as role models, and maintaining multiple relationships within the community. Furthermore, teachers who meet the standard are distinguished by their desire to improve their craft. When instructors act professionally, students can benefit from having an instructor who continually grows and serves as an example for interacting well with others.

One way teachers can demonstrate the professionalism standard is by using what they have learned through professional growth opportunities in their classroom. During my time at Check Elementary, I attended a Vertical Teams meeting on handwriting which included grades preK to first grade. I am working to keep the  terminology  in mind while teaching handwriting to my first graders.

In addition, educators who exemplify the professionalism standard continually communicate with parents and guardians about their child’s progress. The slider has the parent communication log I have used during my time as a teacher at Check Elementary along with a link for the short biography I used to introduce myself to parents before I started my new job.

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Lastly, teachers who demonstrate the standard work together with colleagues and the school community as a whole to help students succeed. My first week at Check Elementary, I worked alongside the first grade teachers to see what students had previously learned and what I should do to help them progress in the future.

My paper can be found here: PPS Professionalism Final