Unprofessional Behavior

Unprofessional behavior happens in every profession including education. One thing I have noticed over the years is how much gossip has escalated. Teachers began to be scrutinized more and held accountable for more of society’s problems.  I am so old that my first evaluations were “how’s it going George? Great job, good to see you, keep up the good work.” I found myself 25 years later sitting in something called PLC’s and going over AIMS test data with an administrator. If the data turned out in your favor, you had bragging rights and a chance to ‘gossip’. You could massage your ego, and point out to everyone who would listen that the other unreliable moron down the hall didn’t have a clue compared to you. Of course, if you are the teacher with the data that did not turn out as grand as your colleague, you too can ‘gossip’. You can point out to everyone that the teacher with the high test scores (who the principal loves) is really a moron and just teaches to a test. The way you avoid these pitfalls is simple – don’t ‘gossip’. Stay humble, keep learning from your colleagues, and take what is good and true back to your classroom. Be professional.