Current and future educators attending Florida Blogging and Technology Conference
Thoughts for Male Teachers in the New School Year
by William Jackson, M.Ed.
Public and Higher Education Educator
Teacher of the Year 2014 – 2015 Venetia Elementary
#VESOMA Venetia Elementary School of Medical Arts
#MyQuestToTeach on Google
As the new school year begins there are so many duties that a
teacher must perform, for male teachers the mental preparation
is important.
Teaching over 25 years and seeing other male teachers excel and
some meet with difficulty I hope these reminders / suggestions
help male teachers have a great year.
1. Keep your eyes to yourself. The eyes are the windows to the
spirit. Your not trying to impress any kids mom just because she
may be cute or attractive. Remember the mission of your
profession. To many male educators get distracted by a smile,
a flirt, a handshake, a seemingly innocent hug. Be a professional
2. Your not trying to be a substitute daddy, sugar daddy,
surrogate daddy or potential daddy. Focus on what your trained
to do and be, a professional educator. As a male professional
you have to set boundaries and not overstep them and not allow
others to disregard them. Your boundaries are for your protection.
If you break these you run the risk of loosing your credibility,
reputation and Brand as a professional.
3. Don’t get in the habit of telling your personal business
to students to share at their house. Students want to know as
much as they can about their teachers this is natural for children
to make connections. Teachers should build relationships, they
should be in the proper context of always being a professional
and as an adult. As a teacher you’re not their friend nor their
substitute parent.
4. A school is not your personal dating pool for conquests
and booty calls. Temptation is a dangerous thing and so is
the attraction of others when you do not have the correct mind
set. Relationships with parents and even other teachers and
administrators have boundaries, as male educator keep your
distance and your hormones in check.
5. Male administrators are always under the microscope
and being watched. Too many times they are categorized, labeled,
stereotyped and even judeged before the first day of the school
year. They must remain focused and mission driven.
6. Always be professional in your dress, actions, behaviors
and interaction with teachers, students, parents and the
community. Do not get in the habit of allowing others to call
you by your first name (this is my opinion). That may open
doors for students, parents and even educational peers
to over step personal and professional boundaries of respect.
7. You’re not Black Panther, Luke Cage, Captain America,
Iron Man. You are not there to save the world, you profession
is to educate. Do not take on someone elses burdens or social
challenges. Use the community resources to refer for help.
The best way to help others is to empower them with information
to help themselves.
8. Do not put yourself in a position of people questioning your
intentions as an educator. Never talk to students, parents and
even other teachers alone with the door closed. If you think
meetings maybe uncomfortable take it to administration first.
9. Have a caring, genuine and a listening ear to others, but do
not get caught up trying to be someones savior.
10. Manage your money, finances and pay your bills on time.
If you have a teachers union use their resources because you
are paying for them with your dues.
11. Surround yourself with a good support system of veteran
teachers. Have a mentor that will guide you and provide honest
ideas and suggestions for professional improvement and stability.
12. Consider joining the teachers union there are benefits
that help you grow professionally and personally.
13. Start investing early for future retirement and higher
educational degrees.
14. Always seek professional development opportunities that
build your strengths and address your weaknesses.
15. Each paycheck should have a purpose and a plan.
16. Your not a taxi service, do not volunteer to pickup
another teachers child / children unless there is a
understanding of behavior and length of time to do this.
17. If you do not want your personal business spread all
over the school, city, commumnity do not friend students
and other teachers on Social Media. Social Media can kill
your professional reputation.
18. When you go out on the weekend remember someone
may be watching your behavior and actions. No one cares
that your a grown “A” man or a grown “A” woman, you’re
teaching children and your actions can be perceived differently.
19. Be careful of your associations, collaborations,
assimulations, and other “isms” that may influence your
performance in the classroom.
20. Have a good foundation in ministry at your place of
worship with prayer, praise and biblical teachings, but
do not share this with students. You may connect with
teachers with similar doctrines but keep school and church
separated.
21. If possible get to work 20 minutes early to alleviate
rushing and forgotten duties and responsibilties.
22. If parents have concerns have them make an appointment
to talk, do not allow any parent to run your class or question
your professional behavior in front of other teachers and
students.
23. Keep your lesson plans updated, they are legal documents
that should be consistent, do not fail to do this you will
be held responsible.
24. If you mess up or make a mistake take ownership and
responsibility then move on to do better.
25. If you don’t know ask questions. The first 3 to 5 years
are the toughest because your finding your educational
strengths and abilities.
The school year can be stressful, make sure you get rest,
exercise even if you’re just walking during the week and
drink plenty of water. Get regular checkups and mentally
unwind when you can. Follow your ritual and routines to
keep yourself consistent.
William can be found online at:
Instagram: http://instagram.com/williamdjackson
Twitter: @Wmjackson
Tumblr: http://Tumblr.com/WilliamDJackson