Teaching for many years I have come across a lot of things that let’s just say have “embarrassed” me to even be a teacher myself. The children are wonderful, some things I can just do without, but the one thing that always drove me wild and I have had on my mind for a while is the unprofessionalism of certain teachers. I am not saying all teachers are like this and some may get offended, but it is a reality. Many have the nerve to critique parents or celebrities for not setting an example but some of them don’t either. Here are a few things I find very disturbing when I run into a teacher. Granted we are human like anyone else but there is a time and place for everything. In the classroom there is no room for unprofessionalism.
The following four reasons should make you question your professionalism:
* My first hand account with my son’s kindergarten teacher was a disaster. She had a tattoo of a marijuana leaf on her neck! Yes, on her neck! You can view here to know about what experts consider about marijuana in medical field. I have no problem with tattoos and those who choose to get them. I do not even mind if one frequents a CBD Shop UK. I do believe that tattoos should be hidden and definitely one of a marijuana leaf should NOT be on the neck of a teacher at any moment inside of the classroom. I could bet she even had custom rolling papers at home. Maybe not even on any adult who has children. My son would come home repeatedly inquiring what was the tattoo on his teacher’s neck. People can check dispensary in durango colorado for the best marijuana products. He was curious-as what children at his age do. I think of seeing a doctor, and I know it’s extremely easy to schedule an appointment with DocMJ, who has a lot of knowledge about using medical marijuana. I was mortified that she would even think to expose it like this in front of the children. I was also disgusted at the administrator for allowing her to prance around like this. Why not cover it with a shawl, or a scarf? Odd piercings on any part of the body that are visible is another issue that in my eyes is extremely inappropriate and unprofessional for an Educator. This went on the entire year. I know what you’re thinking – did it have any impact on his learning?-no- but it was inappropriate and again-unprofessional!
* The attire of teachers is another issue I have. Again, there is a time and place for everything and I don’t think getting dressed and going to the classroom looking as if you are going to the club is a great fit. I believe there should be some dress code on what is too much exposure. I have seen many teachers complain about children and their form of dress, but you see some teachers walk around exposing too much cleavage or their pants are just way too tight. Tight enough for an administrator to have to talk to the teacher or for a colleague to say, “how do you get down on the floor with the children?”.
* Attitude is extremely important for me in this field. Not everyone is cut out for this position. You may be having a bad day but when you are in front of a parent you must conduct yourself accordingly and represent yourself and your school to the highest of standards. I have witnessed many unpleasant attitudes, and not every day will be perfect, but as a teacher this is what you do. You interact with parents and children on a daily basis so it’s always better to be as cordial and respectful as possible even in the most difficult of situations. The fact that many teachers may take to the internet to air it out is a whole other post in itself.
* Lastly, just as other city workers have had to get random drug tests I believe this as well should be implemented with teachers. We should be able to know that our teachers are educating our children and they too are “drug free” and are being handled with complete care. I am not saying that teachers, or all teachers take drugs but if our children are in their hands why shouldn’t we know what they are doing or if they are participating in any “risky” activity!?
As a mother first I can say that my son has been in school since the age of three and for the past two years I am quite content with his teachers. Again, like anyone, teachers are human beings and have the right to do what they want . I was a teacher since the tender age of twenty-one and I always reminded myself that I was a role model and many of these children needed someone to set a proper example for them.
How many of you have had experiences like these before?
TOTALLY agree!!! When my children attended public school, there were times when I did not care for the attire of other teachers (none of MY children’s teachers, thank goodness!) Neither have I had to experience inappropriate body art or piercings (maybe because they weren’t very popular when my children attended a brick and mortar school 🙂 But, I did have the displeasure of having to deal with a rude teacher for an entire year (the LAST year my children attended a brick and mortar school!) My daughter’s 4th grade teacher started rubbing me the wrong way, since the night of Open House, when she started going on and on about her education, experience and accolades but what’s debit worse was when she finished with was, “The reason I’m telling you this is to let you know, I don’t HAVE to be here to teach your children; I CHOSE to be here.” On several occasions throughout the year, my daughter would report to me how this teachers would belittle the students calling them “pea-brains” their assignments “crap” telling them shut -up and that they were terrible students but she was doing them a favor by telling their parents that they were good students during conferences. I tolerated this nonsense that year knowing that we would return to homeschooling the following year. When my daughter informed the teacher of our plans the teacher asked, “Why would she do that? They didn’t even graduate from college!” I later found out that the same teacher retired after that year. Thank goodness no other students had to insure that.
Now, I disagree with the drug screening. You have to either be on drugs to decide to educate a room full of children or you need drugs after a day of educating a room full of children (joking of course 🙂
I totally agree with you LaTonya! Some of the attitudes suck–my motto if you really LOVE your profession you shouldn’t be celebrating the weekend is coming and belittling children- point blank!
The attitude is horrible of some and we need to remind ourselves we all have bad days but it is neither the parent or child’s fault. I was always like Rocky-I may have been having a rough morning but I would switch my hat around and know I was present to serve those children. The drugs–I understand your opinion but I am sure we would catch a few things we would NOT like!!!
Thanks for reading and commenting!!
This should be the amendments for all teachers. Attitude, first and foremost, is so important. We haven’t been as fortunate in New York City, and have had our share of good and irresponsible teacher. Unresponsive to the concerns and issues of families in their community. Great post, Eileen!
Carolina,
Thank you for reading. I think what bothers me is that some think- because you have a degree or a certain position you can dress any way that you want. You need to take into consideration that you are serving as a role model. What you do in your life is your business—children DO NOT need to be exposed to it. As a mother first and a teacher second I want what’s best for my children–a teacher may be great but I also want a ROLE MODEL when I am away 🙂
I appreciate you reading and commenting.
Thanks so much sweetie!
While I agree that there should absolutely be a level of professionalism within the classroom I don’t necessarily agree that piercings and tattoos are in issue. Perhaps it is a good way to teach our children from an early age NOT to judge a book by its cover. I think teachers should go into work dressed and ready to “teach” depending on the grade and activities planned. Most teachers are leaning over, bending down and sitting on the level of the students so there really shouldn’t be a question of dress, although I know there is.
I am more concerned with the attitudes of teachers. Yes, we are all human but teachers have to consider the 20-30 lives they affect daily. Attendance, planning, professionalism within the classroom in front of the children and compassion are more of an issue on a daily basis I believe. My child should NEVER hear a teacher complaining, especially about other students! People will always have to deal with uncomfortable situations and people. Make the best of it. Finally, there should 100% be random drug testing for teachers, administrators (who are not above the law) and bus drivers and matrons. If you come in contact with children daily then you cannot be on drugs- period!
Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
I don’t mind tattoos – my sister has tons of them and many of my family members as well.
I just find INAPPROPRIATE tattoos are a problem.
Agree with you on the attitude and drug tests!
If you complain- LEAVE!!!
Thanks again sweetie!
I agree. Despite a teacher is a free citizen that can do as he/she likes, there´s no doubt teachers must have a more accurate attitude, dressing and professional conduct. They are raising our children with us, and even share with them more time a day than we do!!
Veronique,
This is exactly what I mean!!!
All I ask is to remain PROFESSIONAL!!!..and that means on all levels!!
I appreciate your comment!
Hugs!!!
Hi, Eileen. Thank you for inviting me to comment on this post. As we discussed earlier today on another social media platform, I am uncomfortable with making assumptions about the propriety or professionalism of others based on appearances alone. Let me begin by saying that I completely agree with you and that any tattoos or images that have drug images, gang signs, or profanity are not appropriate to expose children to. I have tattoos and, if I had any tattoos like that, I would make an effort to conceal them. We definitely agree on that point. Unfortunately, I disagree with you on the point that tattoos and piercings on educators are inappropriate and unprofessional. Anytime that we make blanket statements like that based on the exterior characteristics of a person, we tread into dangerous waters. Where will we draw the line next time? Will it be because of the person’s race, weight, social class, etc.? I’ve been a teacher for almost thirteen years and have been considered exemplary by my supervisors and colleagues for the length of that career. My tattoos and piercings have had no bearing on my level of professionalism or on my craft as a teacher. As a matter of fact, some of the most unqualified and unprofessional people that I have come across in the education field, have had neither tattoos or piercings. As a colleague of mine stated when I discussed this issue with her today, these things have no bearing on anything and the problem lies within those who use tattoos and piercings to cast judgments or assumptions on others who do have them. It’s simply a form of self-expression. Thank you for including me in this conversation and allowing me to express my views here, I greatly respect that.
Maria,
Thanks for reading, commenting, making it a topic of discussion on your page, and even writing a post in return – happy to be of some inspiration! I placed some specific points that I hit upon just as a reminder of what I wrote-that are my opinion. Those who may take this post a bit to rough around the edges should question some of their insecurities- my opinion again. Many of my family members have tattoos. In fact my sister works for Jet Blue and she has to cover them- imagine that. I welcome all opinions and views on my blog. Thank you again! 😉
unprofessionalism of certain teachers. I am not saying all teachers are like this and some may get offended, but it is a reality.
I have no problem with tattoos and those who choose to get them. I do believe that they should be hidden and definitely one of a marijuana leaf should NOT be on the neck of a teacher at any moment inside of the classroom.
Odd piercings on any part of the body that are visible is another issue that in my eyes is extremely inappropriate and unprofessional for an Educator.
I believe there should be some dress code on what is too much exposure.
some teachers walk around exposing too much cleavage or their pants are just way too tight. Tight enough for an administrator to have to talk to the teacher or for a colleague to say, “how do you get down on the floor with the children?”.
you must conduct yourself accordingly and represent yourself and your school to the highest of standards.
We should be able to know that our teachers are educating our children and they too are “drug free” and are being handled with complete care
teachers are human beings and have the right to do what they want . I was a teacher since the tender age of twenty-one and I always reminded myself that I was a role model and many of these children needed someone to set a proper example for them.
I agree! Next to parenting, children’s rolemodels come from school, and teacher’s should set an example. The Tatoo thing would bother me too. How abour a tatoo of a vodka bottle? Same thing… Doesn’t promote good stuff! Maybe a piece sign, a flower would.
A teacher, as everyone else should differentiate work from their personal life.
Sadly, as I read a few years ago, teacher’s are on the top of the alcoholism list. Ups! Meaning, yes, they should maybe take drug tests too…
I am a teacher myself! 😉
Thank you for this post! Yep… agree… 😉
Oh! Piercings: dangerous. Doctor’s are always telling me about the infections their “clients” get. No matter where…
Laura,
And this is what this article is all about “setting an example”. I don’t care how great of a teacher you think you are or someone tells you are–lol—you set the example!!! Your promoting horrible things especially if it is a MARIJUANA leaf. If it’s indecent it’s indecent! It’s like saying it’s okay for a teacher to walk around the school naked but it’s okay because he has such wonderful character–bogus!!!!
Thanks for your common sense Laura and taking the time to read and comment!!
As a mom of 4 I completely agree with you Eileen! I too have tattoos and have to work in the corporate world, cpommon sense tells me I should not display them… Appearances are what impacts first specially a child or teen in their formative years. A teacher is one of the highest (next to parents) role models for children and although we are all free to chose and we are human the question here is “what is appropriate” if you chose this role you MUST make a concioius effort to do it to the best of your ability its hypocritical to tell kids say no to drugs…when one is walking around with a marijuana tattoo! Children learn by example and treating others with respect, being professional are the foundation of a great educator. To those offended by the truth : the truth hurts, if the shoe fits wear it.
Guanaca,
Of course..you have “common sense” to know that we are SUPPOSE to be ROLE MODELS!!!! Your last line is key and crucial!!!!
Thanks for reading, commenting, and supporting!!!
Eileen 🙂
Teachers are important role models for the society. For me, teachers are as important as a doctor or as a high level politician. Their impact in kids’ lives is amazing. I personally have a big tatoo in my back that is covered full times. I have nothing against tatoos, but I really don’t think a tatoo of the kind you’re describing should be allowed or is inspiring for a child in any way. A tatoo of that kind is an invitation to try drugs. I agree that freedom is the flag of this country, but we have to be careful about not intimidating others with our freedom, specially when they are young children who are highly influenced by us. I don’t care about people’s races, piercings or tatoos. I don’t even care if they use drugs or not, but I will, if that person is supposed to be the role model of my kids, for the simple reason that as a parent I do my best for teaching them rules, and to keep them off from drugs and it´s just not fair that their pre-k teacher is giving them the opposite message with her cool tatoo. Any other kind of tatoo is not a problem for me.
Eliana,
I think you have so many valid points.
Thank you for reading and commenting!!
I think that’s the most important thing–“teachers are role models”.
If you choose this profession you must live up to it.
It means serving as that role model—if you have a tattoo respect the children enough to cover it up–especially if it is inappropriate as I described in my article.
We all have the freedom to live the way we want but if we want our children to have HIGH expectations of themselves—we should do the same as Educators!
If I want my children to see “street like” behavior I would send them to the street to learn. I want better for my children!
Thanks again mama,
xoxoxoxoxox
Eileen
Hi Eileen!
I was searching for some articles about unprofessionalism in the teaching field and I came across your blog. I have yet to finish my course in education and I still have a few years left, but I have already seen and experienced events under what I assume as unprofessional teachers.
I would like to share some instances that happened in our classes. Please do tell me your opinion.
One of my teachers would tell the us that she doesn’t like someone in the class and that this student acts as if he/she knows everything. She would then add, “Who are you to act as if you know everything? What have you achieved/attained in life? It was as if she was implying that she is already a teacher and that we are just students.
Another thing, this has happened many times, two of my teachers would insert topics in between our class discussions about students who act like they are the most intelligent people in school. They would insist that they dislike such students and sometimes they would add something about students who criticize them, who judge them based on their ability to teach or their knowledge about the subject.
I would not have been bothered by all these if it did not happen a number of times. I admit that as a student, I have also criticized them (I am older than some of my teachers) based on their performance but I have not done anything to destroy their reputation. I guess, most, if not all, students have something to say about their teachers whether it is good or bad. And even the teachers (my teachers) have the right to express their feelings. But my questions is, must they address their issues with the student/s that way?
I feel uncomfortable whenever they do that in class. Maybe because I believe that personal issues should be dealt in private. As a student, it doesn’t help their image as “teachers” and it sends us a different message.
I really like to hear from you and maybe from your subscribers.
Thank you very much! 🙂