Imagine this: Monday morning, you step into your classroom, the desks perfectly arranged, the day’s objectives clearly displayed, and a new teaching strategy you’ve just learned from a recent workshop ready to be implemented. You’re not just prepared; you’re excited to share this fresh knowledge with eager minds. But then, a flicker of doubt – is this new method going to resonate with your students? Will it make the impact you hope for?

This is where being a professional teacher becomes more than a title; it’s a continuous quest for growth and impact. Each day brings its challenges, but with the right mindset, these challenges transform into stepping stones towards profound professional fulfilment.

1 – Continual Professional Development (PD)

Embarking on a journey of professional development (PD) isn’t just about clocking in PD hours; it’s about truly engaging with our own growth and embracing the dynamism of the teaching world. It’s about stoking that inner flame of curiosity and passion that first drew us to the chalkboard. As we guide our students through their learning journeys, we must also navigate our own paths of educational exploration and innovation.

Teaching standards as compasses
Teaching Standards may seem formidable at first glance, but they’re actually our allies in the educational landscape. They provide us with a shared language and a scaffold to help us reflect on and enhance our teaching strategies. These standards aren’t just benchmarks; they’re stepping stones to greater understanding and effectiveness. Let’s use them to gauge our progress and guide our professional journey.

The value of continuous learning
In my first teaching year, the West Australian Ed Department introduced us fresh-faced teachers to the power of PD at a conference. There were about eight speakers but there was one that stood out for me. He gave such practical advice but there was one golden nugget that has stayed with me: “Each year, during the school holidays, make it your mission to read at least one educational book.” This habit has kept my teaching methods fresh and exciting, not just for me but for my students as well.

Integrating SEL for Holistic Development
Expanding our teaching toolkit to include Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is another vital aspect of our professional development. By weaving SEL into our pedagogical approach, we not only sharpen our teaching skills but also significantly enrich our students’ educational experiences. SEL helps cultivate a classroom atmosphere that fosters mutual respect, empathy, and emotional resilience, which are crucial for both academic and personal growth.

Making the Most of PD Days
Yes, PD days can sometimes feel like a detour from our daily teaching routine. Yet, these days are invaluable for broadening our perspectives and discovering new methodologies that can transform our teaching. Let’s approach PD days not as a duty but as a privilege—a chance to step back and enrich our practice with fresh insights and ideas.

By proactively engaging in professional development, we demonstrate our commitment not just to our own growth, but also to the betterment of our students and the broader educational community. It’s about showing up, not just for ourselves but for the generations we teach. Let’s keep the flame of learning alive, always burning brightly, as we lead by example in the lifelong quest for knowledge and excellence.

2 – A Professional teacher must follow a dress code, have good character, classroom management and organisation.

Being a professional teacher means more than just delivering lessons – it’s about setting the tone for your classroom. A key element of this is your classroom’s organisation and atmosphere. Think of it as setting the stage for a West End show; every detail matters, from the arrangement of desks to the decor on the walls. Your classroom should be a place where students are not just physically comfortable but also mentally stimulated.

Dress code and professional presence
Let’s talk about another aspect that often gets overlooked: how we present ourselves. Dressing professionally isn’t just about adhering to a dress code; it’s about respecting the learning environment and setting an example for our students. Your outfit should say, “I’m prepared and you should be, too.” This doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort for style; rather, it’s about finding a balance that reflects professionalism and approachability.

We should have the courage to do what’s right. If it’s hugging you a bit too tight, leave it in the wardrobe. Keep the skin-tight numbers for the night club, or better yet, not at all. For inspiration, head over to Pinterest. Search for teacher fashion elementary work, and if you’re more on the curvy side like yours truly, look up teacher fashion plus size work outfits. And for the gents out there, male teacher fashion, is a fantastic Pinterest link to check out.

Character and student engagement
And let’s not forget about character. Being a professional teacher involves developing a rapport with your students. It’s about being the teacher they trust and respect, not because you demand it, but because you earn it every day. Show genuine interest in their progress, listen to their concerns, and be fair in your dealings. This builds a classroom environment based on respect and mutual understanding, which are the pillars of effective teaching.

Work on developing good character and be the teacher students want to learn from. Students can tell the difference between a teacher who’s got it together and one who’s flapping about. As they say, they can sniff out fear. It gives them confidence and security to know that you’re sorted, caring, reliable, and, most importantly, that you truly care for them

Effective classroom management
Now, onto classroom management—this is where your organisational skills really shine. if you’ve got a chaotic classroom, it’s like putting a lid on your students’ potential. We need to get our act together and prioritise the physical organisation of our learning space, along with setting clear rules and procedures. Trust me, it’s the key to unlocking student success!

You can’t just spruce up a classroom and think that’s it. You’ve got to teach your students how to navigate it, right? So, demonstrate the perfect student behaviour with role plays for the little ones and engaging conversations for the older ones. Create class rules together. You could download these FREE Gold Classroom Rules Cards, print and laminate them, so students can use a whiteboard markers to write the agreed rules on them. Or you can write the rules on them.

Sign up and grab our FREE Gold Editable Classroom Rules Cards.

You could also utilise a points system or/and a classroom economy that encourages students to participate and get excited about learning. Here’s a tip about awarding points, go big or go home. Give a student 1 point, and it’s just sad. But tell them they’ve earned 10, 50 or even 100 points, and they’ll be over the moon. Your 10 or 100 points can still be worth 1 point just take off the zero in your mind.

Scheduling and timetabling
A digital planner can help you speed up classroom management so you’ve got everything filed, sorted, and right at your fingertips. Not only does this keep you on the ball, it makes you a better teacher and gives your students confidence.  

But our students also need to know the schedule for the day, to maintain learning momentum throughout the day. So, look no further for a helpful tool to help your students stay focused and organised, with my free magnetic schedule labels. 

I use magnetic tape on the back of each label so I can move them easily around my whiteboard. They’re great for keeping me in order. Visualising your daily classroom routine on the whiteboard can help keep your students in line, so they know exactly what they should be doing without feeling overwhelmed.

Sign up and get our FREE floral schedule labels.

Perfect your classroom organisation
A well-organised teacher leads to a well-organised classroom. You know the saying, “A place for everything and everything in its place”? That’s your classroom. From clearly labelled resources to tidy work areas, your organisation skills help reduce chaos, making daily transitions smoother and helping students focus better on learning.

You might like to read my book ‘A Teacher Style Guide to Classroom Organization’, Visit this blog post for more details about the book

Continuously improving your student’s learning space
To keep your classroom at its best, consider regularly refreshing the layout and decor. Inspiration can come from many places – yes, Pinterest is a treasure trove of ideas, but so are your colleagues and even other educational environments you might visit. Keep an eye out for what works elsewhere and think about how you can adapt it for your own space. Remember, being a professional teacher is about always learning, always adapting, and always striving to make their classroom a better place for everyone.

In essence, managing your classroom effectively, maintaining a professional appearance, and fostering a strong character are not just about making a good impression – they are fundamental aspects of being a professional teacher that enhance your teaching efficacy and enrich the learning experience for your students.

3 – Being a professional teacher means knowing the curriculum and pedagogy

Being a professional teacher extends far beyond knowing what to teach; it encompasses how effectively you deliver your lessons. Familiarity with the curriculum sets the stage, but the real artistry of teaching lies in how you bring this content to life, making it resonate with your students.

Understanding the curriculum
Grasping the curriculum deeply is fundamental. While it’s vital to know the broad strokes, the true skill lies in tailoring this knowledge to suit the needs of your specific class each year. For instance, in Art, I distil each curriculum standard for K-12 Visual and Media Arts into simplified, digestible objectives. This approach doesn’t just ensure compliance with educational standards; it allows me to infuse creativity and flexibility into my lessons, enabling me to explore new ideas fearlessly.

Innovative delivery techniques
Think of yourself as a master chef in your classroom, where every lesson is a carefully crafted dish designed to captivate and nourish your students intellectually. Use anticipatory sets, or educational ‘appetizers’, to whet their appetite for learning. These can be quick, intriguing activities that preview the lesson’s theme, sparking curiosity and setting the tone for the learning to come.

Do we have to integrate technology?
Integrating technology is crucial in modern teaching and goes hand in hand with effective curriculum delivery. Tools like interactive whiteboards and educational apps don’t just make lessons more engaging; they help streamline the delivery and cater to various learning styles. This not only supports classroom management but also enhances the learning experience, making it more dynamic and accessible to every student.

Phonics and literacy development
For primary educators, a robust understanding of phonics and literacy is crucial. Implementing a structured phonics program lays a strong foundation for reading and writing. Over the years, whether teaching abroad where English is a fourth language, or at home, I’ve used the Letterland stories phonics system with great success. It transforms abstract letters into relatable characters, which boosts the reading skills of students across various linguistic backgrounds.

How easily do you adapt to teaching challenges?
Being adept at curriculum delivery also means being flexible enough to handle unexpected classroom interruptions without losing stride. Every disruption can be turned into a teachable moment with the right approach. Whether it’s integrating a real-world event into a lesson or using an interruption as a springboard for discussion, these are the moments that test and ultimately showcase your pedagogical skill and creativity.

Proactive curriculum engagement
Finally, engaging with the curriculum is an ongoing process that extends beyond initial training. It involves regular updates through professional development workshops, peer collaboration, and staying informed about the latest educational research. This proactive engagement helps you stay relevant and effective, ensuring that you can provide the best possible educational experience for your students.

In essence, knowing your curriculum and how to effectively teach it forms the cornerstone of a professional teacher. It enables you to deliver educational content in a way that is both engaging and transformative, ensuring that your teaching makes a lasting impact on your students’ academic journey.

4 – A professional teacher collaborates with colleagues, parents and the community

As a professional teacher, your role stretches beyond delivering lessons. It encompasses fostering strong, supportive networks with colleagues, parents, and the broader community. These relationships are crucial, enhancing the educational experience and creating a collaborative atmosphere for everyone involved.

Open communication with parents
Kick off the school year on a positive note by establishing clear communication channels with parents. Using a ‘Meet the Teacher’ template can give parents a warm introduction to your educational philosophy and objectives for the year. I have a free set you’re welcome to download. Share this through platforms like your teacher’s website, Class Dojo, Google Classroom, or Artsonia (an online art gallery for school student art), to ensure it reaches your students’ parents at the start of the term.

It’s amazing how much easier your job gets when you can count on the support of parents from the beginning. Having parents in your corner from Day one is like having an extra assistant – without having to actually hire one. This early communication sets the stage for a cooperative relationship and demonstrates your proactive approach to involving parents in their children’s education.

Grab my FREE set of ‘Meet the Teacher Editable Templates’, to streamline communication with parents and kick off the school year with a strong, supportive network. Customise to align with your teaching style and objectives.

Engaging with the Broader Community
Engagement with the community is another pillar of professional teaching. Actively participating in local events, such as school fetes or community service projects, can profoundly enrich students’ educational experiences.

For instance, one year, my Year 5 students and I spent a day tending the large overgrown garden of an elderly community member. This was not only a lesson in biology and environmental science but also in empathy and social responsibility. Projects like these show students the impact they can have in their community and help cement learning in real-world contexts.

Observation and Shared Learning
Peer observation is a valuable tool for professional development. If possible, spend some of your non-contact time observing colleagues in their classrooms. This can be an enlightening experience, offering new perspectives on classroom management, teaching strategies, and how to organize learning materials effectively. Always ask for permission to observe, and enter the experience with an open mind, ready to learn and take notes.

When I started a primary school overseas, a young school leaver was adamant about observing my teaching. After she pleaded with me five times, I relented. After several months of watching me, she decided to become my first student teacher. Now, she’s a hot commodity in the teaching world, with other student teachers lining up to observe her.

Supporting new teachers
If you’re more experienced, take the opportunity to support newer teachers who may be struggling with the demands of the profession. Offer guidance, share resources, or simply provide a listening ear. Remember, collaboration is not just about improving your own skills—it’s about uplifting the entire teaching community. Sharing your experiences and insights can help foster a nurturing environment where all educators feel valued and supported.

As a professional teacher, you’ve learnt over time how to handle the stresses and responsibilities that come with the job. New teachers, can often feel completely overwhelmed and unsure about what to do. Sadly, new teachers and even some seasoned ones want to appear prepared and in control.

Not many teachers will openly ask for help. It’s like shouting, “I don’t know what I’m doing!”

That’s why teacher collaboration is the best thing we can do for each other. Unless you’re a social butterfly, you might hesitate to ask questions. If you’re anything like me, you don’t want to bother anyone, or you don’t want to look foolish. But you’ve got to push past those thoughts and just ask.

The power of collaboration
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of collaboration. Whether it’s through face-to-face meetings, online forums, or professional learning communities, actively seeking and sharing knowledge with others can lead to significant professional growth and innovation. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your successes and challenges. By doing so, you contribute to a vibrant, supportive network that enhances the professional development of all educators involved.

Collaboration helps you learn how other teachers tackle tricky situations or grade assignments. We encourage our students to ask questions, so why shouldn’t we teachers do the same? If you’re worried about being a nuisance, why not jot down a list of questions in Google Keep? Then, when the chance arises, just pop a few questions. Sharing expertise is part of being a professional teacher, so you’re not bothering anyone.

By focusing on these aspects of collaboration, you reinforce your role as a professional teacher and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and community engagement. This holistic approach not only benefits your students but also enhances your own professional satisfaction and growth.

I’d like to suggest giving this video by Azul Terronez a watch for some extra insights on ‘What makes a good teacher great?’ – I’m particularly fond of the student quote ‘Good Teachers Sing . . ‘

Your journey of being a professional teacher

The journey to being a professional teacher may seem daunting, but remember, it’s achieved one step at a time. You’ve already demonstrated your commitment by engaging with the ideas shared here, proving your dedication to evolving both personally and professionally.

Envision yourself confidently managing your classroom, seamlessly integrating the curriculum, and connecting genuinely with every student. That’s the power of a professional teacher. It’s not just about the lessons you teach, but the lasting impact you have.

Let your passion for teaching be the light that guides you in every interaction. It’s your enthusiasm and commitment that will inspire your students and colleagues alike. Every day presents a new opportunity to influence, inspire, and implement the teaching practices that make an educational difference.

So, take a deep breath, step into your classroom with confidence, and remember: you are not just teaching; you are touching lives, shaping futures, and contributing to the fabric of our society. You are a professional teacher, and the world needs more educators like you. Continue to strive, innovate, and be the inspirational force your students will always remember.

Ready to take the next step? Consider enhancing your skills by exploring further professional development opportunities and continuing to share your journey with others. The path to being a professional teacher is rich with opportunities to grow and excel – embrace it fully.

Reference

M. S. & J. M. Tichenor (2005) Understanding Teachers’ Perspectives on Professionalism Stetson University