Education is complex and challenging work. It can be frustrating, draining, and demanding. At times, it even feels all-consuming. Some days are filled with disappointment and dissatisfaction, and we may not see the full impact of our efforts. Toxic positivity is not the answer, but disparaging our profession is not a solution either. Acknowledging the reality of a career in education is one thing, but when we disparage and disrespect our profession, we risk sending the message that the work is not very important, rewarding, or worthy of high regard.
How we view our work and profession can be reflected in the expectations we hold for ourselves and our students. When we fail to respect our work, we are less likely to fully and thoughtfully prepare for and support instruction and follow through to ensure that learning results. Students are likely to sense that we are lowering expectations for what we do and what they learn—and they will respond accordingly.
As ambivalent as we might sometimes feel, we must respect our profession. Why? How we treat and talk about our profession can have a profound impact on how we work, how we are perceived, and even on the future of our profession.
So, what does it look and sound like to respect our profession? Here are some examples:
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We treat our profession with dignity. We are supportive of colleagues. We hold high standards for ourselves and our organization. We press for high-quality, diverse learning experiences for students.
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We speak about our work with pride. We refuse to be defensive. We share our successes and the rewards of teaching. We refer to the challenges and complexity of the work in descriptive terms, not as directionless complaints.
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We model behaviors that we expect and nurture in students. We are curious, motivated, and persistent. We are respectful of ourselves and others. We are reflective and committed to learning from our experiences.
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We continue to learn and grow. We engage in formal and informal learning activities. We learn from colleagues. We frequently speak about what we have learned and are seeking to learn.
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We prioritize the needs and interests of students. We listen with empathy. We support students with compassion. We advocate for students when they cannot advocate for themselves.
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We use professional language. We avoid cutting sarcasm and cynicism. We refuse to label or speak disparagingly about students, families, colleagues, and others. We avoid using acronyms and jargon when speaking with non-educators and others who may not be familiar with educational terms, unless we explain their meaning.
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We invite and encourage students to consider education as a career. We share aspects and elements of teaching that are meaningful and rewarding. We reinforce the difference education can make in the lives of children and young people. We talk about education as a respectable and ethical profession.
Respecting our profession also offers some important rewards. When we respect our profession, we respect ourselves and our work. We can take pride in our accomplishments, impact, and contributions.
Respecting our profession also positions us to advocate for improvements. Our respect allows us to speak from the perspective of an advocate, not a critic. We can recognize that changes are necessary and possible. We can also be part of making our profession better.
Finally, as models and influencers for students, our respect for our profession positions it as an option to be considered. We need bright, curious, motivated professionals to work with us and to come behind us. The teachers of tomorrow are sitting in our classrooms today. Our respect for our profession and encouragement for students to consider education as a career can help to ensure a bright future for education.
