To do or not to do? Professionalism

1. To do or not to do?Professionalism By: Daniella Garza, Alyssa Villa, and Alanah Volkmer

2. What Not to Wear • What is acceptable for observations? • DO NOT wear jeans. One thing we recommend you follow is this tip. • Business casual is the best option. Slacks, dress, dress tops that cover up, no bare shoulders. • Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Flip flops for some schools are not allowed, but look at how other teachers dress and see examples from them.

3. What is social Media? • Social media is an electronic form of communication that people use to share information with others. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20media) • Social media is becoming so increasingly popular that it is almost impossible to find someone who does not use it. It can be used to share ideas, personal messages, videos, pictures, and other useful information. It is extremely resourceful and allows people to communicate when time and distance are a hindering factor. • There are many positives and negatives when using social media so as an educator it is extremely important to remain professional online and to take precaution when sharing information.

4. Negatives of social media • Teacher and student boundaries can be crossed. • Teachers can get fired for sharing or posting controversial thoughts or information. • Information you don’t want your boss, colleagues, students, or parents to know might be accessible. • If assignments and extra credit are posted online students might be reluctant to pay attention in class.

5. Positives of social media • Social media is an excellent source of communication. • Parents and teachers are able to contact each other easily. • Teachers can post assignments or extra credit for students to access outside of the classroom. • Teachers can use it to get ideas and resources for their classroom.

6. Tips for using social media • Always behave in a professional matter. Everything you post or share can be viewable by millions no matter what privacy settings you may have set. • When sharing information or pictures always keep in mind “Will this upset my boss,” or “Would I want one of my students or students’ parents to see or know this?” • Have two separate accounts, one for students and parents and another for personal. • Communication with students should be strictly school related.

7. The “do’s” on how to contact a school • Find their phone number using their school website or the phonebook. • Find out the Principals name and or Secretary’s name. • Type or Write out what exactly you are going to say when you call. • Be sure and sound positive and upbeat! • Make sure you are in a quiet area and you have plenty of time to answer questions. • Use positive words: “Yes ma’am, Can you please repeat that?” • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le0Pc-1_MhQ • If you email, please find out who specifically you’re emailing and follow through with a phone call.

8. Example Writing • “Hello, My name is Alanah Volkmer may I please speak to Ms. Juroske, or Ms. Vitek? • Then once you have been directed to that person, start saying what you wrote down. • PRACTICE FIRST!!!! Don’t sound like you are reading off of a paper. • Example” I am interested in the 2nd grade Language Arts position. I have recently submitted my resume and I was checking on the status.”

9. The “Not’s on how to contact a school • Do not call and if you are in a loud area. • Do not use words negative words such as “yeah, what, etc.” • Do not call if you are unsure of who to speak with • Do not call if you are not sure what to say. • Do not send an email, and then never check it or follow through with a phone call. • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9IdIG5NpAs