Uncategorized | Mar 5, 2009
The top 10 (harmlessly?) unprofessional behaviors
By Angela Watson
Founder and Writer
The top 10 (harmlessly?) unprofessional behaviors
By Angela Watson
There are seriously unprofessional behaviors, like coming in late everyday or not having your lesson plans prepared. And then there are…those things. The ones that don’t REALLY impact the kids or instruction in any substantial way. Those behaviors that are, ahem, frowned upon?
There’s been a ongoing discussion on our campus about whether it’s okay for teachers to wear those velour sweatsuits that were popular a few years back. Some of us are passionate: They’re sweats! Absolutely not! Others of us say: Hey, what’s the difference between that and the jeans we’re allowed to wear on Fridays?
My opinion on each of these photos, for our school in Florida:
- No (logos are tacky);
- No (sloppy, and more importantly, ugly);
- No (although it’d be easier to get dads in for a conference);
- Yes (occasionally on a Friday).
The whole thing got me thinking about the subtle and trivially unprofessional behaviors that we as teachers sometimes engage in:
- Giving an assignment mainly because you want to write about it on your blog. Heh.
- Positioning yourself towards the sun during recess to darken your tan.
- Talking on a cell phone while walking the class to lunch.
- Eating in front of students.
- Setting up a book buddies routine (or other combined class activity) so you and your colleague can chat while the kids work.
- Always scheduling book fair visits, guest speakers, and other classroom diversions into the time slot of the subject or class you least enjoy teaching.
- Turning off the classroom lights after dismissal so no one will knock on the door while you’re grading papers.
- Wearing house shoes or slippers in the classroom [this was huge in D.C.].
- Having a student fetch your sweater, phone, or keys from across the room.
- Setting up a classroom behavior system that involves pizza party rewards because you love Papa Johns.
In the interest of full disclosure, my personal weakness is #2. At least it was last year, when the assigned third grade recess slot was 1:45 p.m. This year, our time was suspiciously changed by administration to 8:15 a.m. Coincidence or conspiracy? I think the evidence speaks for itself.
Are any of these things a pet peeve of yours? What wouldn’t fly at your school? And, what’s YOUR (harmlessly) unprofessional behavior?
Angela Watson
Founder and Writer
Discussion
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I had a chuckle with the list, was annoyed that anyone would think it okay to wear those velour sweatpants with words covering their rear. I don’t like the idea of scheduling events over the subject you hate to teach, but I am embarrassed to say that I remember doing that myself. I frequently turned out the lights when the kids were gone so nobody would bother me – I even positioned myself so you couldn’t see me by looking through the window – I surprised some people who just walked into my room that way thinking I wasn’t there; and even overheard some good gossip. But, I would have to draw the line at talking on the cell phone while walking the kids to class – that’s reprehensible to me.
I see teachers doing all of these things daily and they annoy me. I am guilty of #7 but I don’t see what’s wrong with it? I’m trying to get work done and avoid my gossipy and lazy colleagues! 🙂
I’m guilty of #4 and #7 but don’t feel bad. I get hungry and try to quietly eat a snack. I’m an ELL teacher. If a student asks I say, “this is my snack time,” your classroom teacher gives you one later.” And I don’t always turn out ALL the lights, but I do close my door and try to get work done in the afternoon, hoping for a minimum of interruptions.
I think busy work bugs me the most. not that teachers give it, but that they pretend like it’s important then toss it in the trash, wasting time and photocopies. I just say to my kids outright, “These mildly interesting skill puzzle papers are busywork because I have to finish (insert annoying paperwork with short deadline here). You can work on these or read, write or draw quietly and we’ll try to do something more engaging tomorrow. Thanks.” They’re usually great about it and have something to share the next day that they’ve drawn or written.
I’ll admit that there have been times on Friday where I have popped in an educationally relevant video so that I could get some grading done.
As for dress codes, I am a strong believer that if teachers started to dress more professionally, people might start treating us better. I’ve been appalled at how some teachers dress when they come to school. I don’t think it’s necessary to wear power suits, but please wear nice slacks and a nice blouse or shirt. Make sure it’s ironed and doesn’t look like it has been used as a your pets preferred place to sleep 🙂
oh, no, I’m #7. I just have so much to accomplish and hate to be bothered. But it is selfish and doesn’t show me as an open person. I’ll have to work on that.