Below is my discussion forum response from ECS 101.

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What does it mean to be a professional? Am I a teacher 24 hours a day?

Being a teacher requires a high level of professionalism. Teachers work with vastly different groups of individuals: from students and colleagues to parents, volunteers, or social workers. I think this means that there are also numerous styles of professionalism that a teacher must be willing to develop and adapt to. For example, professionalism towards students may involve supporting the diverse student needs, maintaining an environment for growth in learning, and encouraging mutual respect despite having an authoritative position. While professionalism towards colleagues may focus more on showing positivity in the workplace or refraining from gossip and unnecessary criticisms. Though colleague professionalism still involves mutual respect, it would not have the same dynamic as with a student. Teachers have the responsibility to play many roles. 

I believe that once you are a teacher, it is a 24 hour a day responsibility. Although we are all entitled to a personal life, what we do in our free time can greatly affect how competent we are seen as a teacher. Your professional life follows you everywhere. With technology advancing so fast, it is especially important to be mindful of our online presence (social media). You have to be careful what you are posting and who can see it. 

Overall, I am very interested to learn more of what it means to be a professional in both my personal life and in the workplace!