4f. Showing Professionalism

• Integrity and ethical conduct
• Service to students
• Advocacy
• Decision-making
• Compliance with school and district regulations

The teacher can be counted on to hold the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and confidentiality and takes a leadership role with colleagues. The teacher is highly proactive in serving students, seeking out resources when needed. The teacher makes a concerted effort to challenge negative attitudes or practices to ensure that all students, particularly those traditionally underserved, are honored in the school. The teacher takes a leadership role in team or departmental decision making and helps ensure that such decisions are based on the highest professional standards. The teacher complies fully with school and district regulations, taking a leadership role with colleagues.

Working with students is my passion, and I always demonstrate the utmost integrity in that work. I go out of my way to work with students outside of class and do everything I can to make sure that each student reaches their full potential. I worked extensively with one particular student this year who was struggling with her reading. During study halls, we worked together on homework, and I read assessments to her whenever possible. It was important to me that, despite not having an IEP to ensure accommodations, she understand that she was intelligent and could find success in school. As a young teacher, I also often seek out the help of my colleagues when situations arise that I am unsure of, discussing at length what the best approach might be. My positivity is evident in everything that I do, and my efforts are always concentrated on student success.