Be Seen as a Professional Teacher: 6 Simple Ways to Earn Respect
Teacher Professionalism: 6 Practical Ways to Earn Respect from Parents, Students, and Administrators
Teachers, I just wanted to give you a friendly reminder: YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL!
I want to remind you that you are a bona fide professional, that you worked hard to become a teacher, and you work hard every single day to help your students. Somewhere along the line, the perception of teachers in America shifted, and we need to move that needle and show the world that American teachers are smart professionals and deserve to be treated as such!
The most logical place to start this change lies within us, the teachers. It is time to put our professional pants on (figuratively and literally) and make some shifts in our personal perceptions, wardrobe, communication, interactions, and more! Don’t stress, these shifts are not difficult; they are intentional and can validate your teacher credibility. These are things that I do daily, and let me tell you, it has really changed the way that parents, administrators, and district employees perceive and treat me–and I think it can do the same for you! I noticed shifts in my students as well, and found classroom management to be less of a chore; my students were showing respect, and they saw me a little differently–in a good way. I found myself creating a better teacher work-life balance once I was able to shift my mindset and remind myself that what I was doing mattered. Professionalism is not a disease, but an asset that teachers really need to tap into to earn the teacher respect that they deserve.
Why Does How I Portray Myself Matter?
As much as I wish it wasn’t true, looks matter. The way that you look, the way that you speak, the emails you send, the way that you carry yourself, it all matters. I found that once I started to value myself and all of my amazing accomplishments, degrees, certifications, etc, others did too. Once I started to take pride in the way that I dressed, people noticed. It was as though I became “the expert,” even though I was doing what everyone else was doing; I was just presenting it in a different way. Doors began to open, and a high level of trust was created. I was being tapped for summer work (getting paid nicely), I was able to have more autonomy because my principal trusted what I was doing within my classroom, and I was able to help my colleagues as they began to come to me for advice (which I have to say felt good). Parents were not questioning my decisions or my classroom policies, but they were blindly supporting me. I was a professional teaching their children, and was treated as such–not a babysitter. It was empowering!
Put Your Professionalism on Display
The easiest way to shift how people see you is how you visually present yourself to the world. This can be done a couple of different ways, and none of them takes much more time or effort than what you are currently doing. But by shifting your mindset, by viewing yourself as an intelligent, hardworking professional, these changes will make so much sense and come easily.
1. Display Your Degree
Hang that hard-earned degree in your classroom. Put up your certificates of achievement, or anything that you have earned. Show your students, parents, and colleagues how amazing you are. During Back to School Night, be sure to share with parents how long you have been teaching, the degrees you have earned, and all of the amazing educational accomplishments that you have made. While “bragging” can be difficult for most teachers, you can definitely muster up the pride to share how amazing you truly are. I know you can do it. Remember, you worked hard to get where you are. You completed courses, testing, and certification just like every other professional. Let’s remind your community of this.
2. Dress the Part
Please ditch the leggings, jeans, and tennis shoes! Now, I know that over the years, things have gotten much more casual in the school setting, but don’t succumb! The way you dress directly impacts how people treat you; it is just a sad truth that we must accept.
If we want to be treated respectfully and as professionals, then we must give that aesthetic. Especially in this day and age, when there are so many amazing, affordable options to dress nicely and comfortably. I am not saying you have to wear a power suit to school, but by wearing a different “uniform” than what you might wear outside of school, you will set yourself apart.
Here are some easy swaps:
- Leggings →Trousers, Skirts (wear the leggings or shorts underneath)
- Jeans →Chino/Twill Pant (something that is structured like jeans, but isn’t jeans)
- Tennis Shoes →Flats, Sandals with Back Strap (so many cute orthopedic options)
- T-shirt →Structured Top, Cotton Top with Details, Something Fitted
Now, of course, you want to be comfortable, you want to be able to bend and move, but that doesn’t mean you need to “look” so casual. Figure out what your teacher’s fashion vibe is and run with it. Once you start dressing professionally, you will find that you are treated differently–in a good way!
3. Leave Your Phone at Your Desk
Listen, I know that technology is vital for survival! But, by always having your phone with you, looking at your phone, carrying your phone around your neck, it signals that you are distracted.
I am not saying you are distracted or not paying attention to the task at hand, but when a parent, administrator, or your students see that your phone is always in your hand, it definitely sends a message. Be present with your class, be present while on duty; leaving the phone behind will help you to do this, and it will let others see that you are focused on the task at hand. Now, of course, you might use your device for the occasional class picture, but in the end, it doesn’t always need to be in hand. This is a great opportunity for you to show your students that a person can survive without having a phone with them. Remember, technology is great in the classroom, but we just need to make it purposeful.
Communication is Key!
4. Communicate Like a Professional
Teacher communication is so important. If you think about it, that is essentially your job. You are in charge of communicating information to your students in a way that helps them retain the information presented and use that information in the long run.
Communication can be one of your biggest assets, and unfortunately, it is one of the most underutilized tools by teachers. Maybe it is because we don’t like asking for help, or maybe it is because we are too busy, or maybe it is because somewhere along the line, you got the impression that being a teacher meant doing it all on your own little island. Well, I am here to tell you that you need to eliminate all of those past perceptions and embrace the new professional you! Communication with parents, administrators, and your team will only benefit you.
Your communication will be viewed as professional if…
- Spelling and grammar are correct and precise.
- Emails/electronic communication contain a salutation and signature.
- Consistent communication (especially with parents).
- Short, but warm and to the point.
- Professional fonts, uncluttered formatting.
Parent communication is easy! You will find that once you are consistent with your communication, parents are more apt to support you in the classroom. Whether that support is through behavior management of their student, providing supplies, or volunteering in the classroom.
In the end, you can’t lose with professional and consistent communication. It is another way for you to present to the public that you are smart, task-oriented, and focused on your career; it is an easy way to show your professionalism.
Time Management
5. Managed Time = Organized Professional
A simple way to show that you are more than capable of doing your job extremely well is how you manage your time. Time management is another way to show that you are organized, honed in on your career, and it helps to create a teacher work-life balance.
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Sometimes, time management can be difficult for teachers; there is so much to do, and it can be hard to prioritize tasks. But by managing your time, you are showing everyone, including your students, that you have it covered. You are not overwhelmed or overworked, you can enjoy your job, and complete the tasks that must be done.
Time management is another important piece in shifting the mindset of the country. Teachers should not be working twelve-hour days! We should not be working on the weekends. As a teacher, you have the right to work a regular day, and believe me, it can be done. I found that once I managed my time, I was happier, but also my colleagues and administrator started to notice that I was more confident and was able to get everything done while leaving at a reasonable hour. It set a boundary and let everyone know that I valued my time, and in turn, they started to value my time as well.
Professional Relationships
6. Stay Professional with Staff
As a teacher, I understand how important it is to have your tribe. Believe me, I know better than anyone that only another teacher can understand what you are going through. Set professional boundaries during the school day with teammates and colleagues. Your students pick up on way more than you can imagine, and even though you might think that you are being inconspicuous, they likely know what you and your work bestie are talking about. Leave socializing for after school, or designate a couple of days a week to have lunch together. Keep the way you speak in front of students and parents professional, and leave the personal chit-chat for happy hour.
Honestly, if you can talk after school, or even outside of school, you will find that it is much more satisfying to be able to have a candid conversation and actually complete your conversation, than to try and speak in code in between classes. Don’t leave your amazing relationships and support behind; just repackage it to a time outside of the classroom.
I know that these tips are not groundbreaking, but I assure you that they will make a huge difference in your role as an educator. Perception can change the way students behave, parents treat you, and can earn respect from administrators. Let’s bring back the pride and professionalism to teaching. We must let everyone know how valuable teachers are, how much training, time, and experience go into our profession, and we can only do this by displaying those expectations through our actions. Remember, realistic changes empower real-world teachers, happy teaching!
