Teaching is a profession unlike any other. This profession requires not only a commitment to children, but also a commitment to excellence. The profession is constantly changing as the workforce is constantly changing. New teachers bring with them a different set of skills, talents, and beliefs, yet all have the same unbending desire to make a difference. They practice an ancient art form in which young minds are molded and lives are changed. Like other art forms, teaching includes many facets such as perspective, performance, and professionalism. Educators are trained to deliver sound instruction, yet their job encompasses more than what happens within their classrooms. 

Some Ideas To Consider As You Begin Your Career:

Dress for success. Looking professional goes hand-in-hand with acting professional. If you dress the part, you will act the part. Dressing casually is appropriate when your school has a specified dress­ down day.

Model everything you want from your students. As the old adage "practice what you preach" suggests, it's important that you exemplify model behaviors. Just as you would require all students to be on time, be sure you are in the classroom, ready to begin,before the students arrive.

Work cooperatively with people. A "we" can attitude gets more accomplished rather than an "I" can do attitude. Teamwork lightens the load, especially if you are just starting out. Your interpersonal skills with others (including colleagues, administrators, and parents) are in direct correlation with the acceptance and support you will receive and feel from the school setting.

Be a positive force within your environment. Associate yourself with others who remain focused on making a difference. A team of optimists in a school can make a tremendous difference.

Your punctuality is crucial to your success. Just like big business, time is money. If your day is to begin at 8:00 a.m. then make sure you are in your classroom at the specified time that teachers are to be on duty. In fact, be early. Have your materials organized and on hand, ready for the day. This will not only make the transition from one lesson to another or from one class to another smoother, but will afford more time on task and opportunities to learn as well. Sometimes staying after school to set up will assure you are ready for the next day.

Keep up with planning. Using time to your fullest advantage is essential. Planning daily lessons and unit plans with grade level teams or content specific teams will lighten the workload. Time is needed to plan effectively. This can be achieved after school, in the evenings at home, and some can be done during planning time. Sometimes to do the in-depth planning we should be doing, a visit to a public library or a search on the Internet to access additional information is necessary. The better you prepare, the better and more interesting your lessons will be.

Take the initiative. Taking the initiative is a quality admired in all professional walks of life. Do not wait to be asked to do something. Volunteer your services. Your eagerness to assist in whatever needs doing will be graciously accepted.

Involve yourself in the culture of your building. Your interest in the school community can be equated with caring. Sponsor a club, mentor a student, pitch-in wherever help is needed. To make a difference, involvement beyond your classroom door is needed.

Respect and acceptance are earned. Respect does not come automatically because you are older, taller, or wiser than your students, or for that matter just because you are standing in front of them. While caring for your students requires extending an arm of friendship, it also requires strength of character and discipline. Remember that respect and acceptance involve both the teacher-student relationship and the student-teacher relationship.

Become familiar with school policies and procedures. If leave such as doctors' appointments can be scheduled in advance, please do so. A substitute folder should be kept with at least three days of plans included in it. Any accompanying worksheets need to be copied and included within the plans.  As the generic plans are used, new ones need to be generated and placed within the folder. Find out if you are to turn in this folder to someone in the office or are to keep it within your classroom. If you find you need to phone the appropriate school based personnel to notify them of illness, do so in a timely manner. Please refer to your school's teacher handbook for specific information regarding the taking of leave.

Continue your on-going professional development. Subscribe to and read professional literature. Professional literature can also be found in your school's media center. Attend meetings and conferences and take an active part in these sessions. You can even join professional organizations. Pay attention. Enjoy being a part of these meetings. Take full advantage of staff development opportunities afforded you by your school and the county.  

Give a firm handshake when required. Let someone on the other end know that there is a real live person at the other end. That does not mean hurt the individual. You would be surprised at the impression you leave.

Communicate and write in a professional manner. All written work is an autograph of who you are. Work that is expected of you should be submitted on time and look professional. Check your spelling, grammar, and the appearance of your writing. Return phone messages in a timely manner.

Be proud of your profession. You've worked hard to earn your degree. It is the combination of your life's experiences that make you a teacher. Keep your head up; your pride will be reflected in your work.

Be true to your commitments. Involve yourself in those things you value and promise only what you can deliver. It is better to give more than what was expected than to give less.

(Source:  Prince George's County Public Schools, Maryland)

Internet Links:

Documents Available for Download:

• A Checklist of Tips (PDF) A checklist that will help the protégé stay up to date with their requirements including meetings with the mentor, observations, and reflection logs.

• The Expectations of the Protégé (PDF) Detailed information about what the protégé should do during the time he or she is with the mentor teacher.

• Protégé Activity Checklist (PDF) Ten points of advice given by both first year and veteran teachers.