Getting Started - Course Instruction

Stay organized by following the course syllabus and outline. Have lesson plans prepared ahead of time for each class meeting.

Professional Conduct in the Classroom

A true professional has the attributes of honor, integrity, candor and respect for others. Professionalism in the classroom is expected at Florida Community College. Guidelines relating to students with disabilities, sexual harassment, dealing with academic dishonesty, and the like are set forth in the 2005-06 College catalog. Please find tips below from faculty regarding professionalism in the classroom and on avoiding potential problems.

Tips for Being Professional

DO

• Comply with Florida Community College policies and the law. Consult the College catalog when in doubt.
• Use humor and creativity in the classroom.
• Show compassion and respect towards students. Be courteous and expect the same in return.
• Promote academic honesty. Explain to students that professional responsibility is critical to their future careers. The instructor may consider modeling this ideal by citing references on his or her own course handouts as a model.
• Demonstrate impartiality and be fair in your treatment of students. This means not showing favorites.
• Respect student confidentiality as it relates to personal and medical problems or discussing grade related issues and personal information.
• Commit to excellence in teaching by staying current in your academic discipline and taking professional development courses or seminars. Many free courses are available through the college.
• Stay organized by following the course syllabus and outline. Have lesson plans prepared ahead of time for each class meeting; however, allow for flexibility when necessary. If modifications to the course schedule do occur, multiple communications to students of such changes is advisable.
• Engage students and show enthusiasm when introducing course material. Share with students the importance of the subject and how they will apply it in their future careers.
• Promote professionalism in the classroom, including dressing and speaking appropriately. Encourage students to do the same. Remind them that they will be entering into a profession and need to look and act the part.
• Be punctual by honoring class starting, break, and ending times.
• Utilize class time effectively and fulfill the time period allocated for the class.
• Respect diverse viewpoints and be cautious about imposing your own views on students.
• Maintain a professional relationship with your students. However, it is okay to be personable and friendly without becoming personally involved.

DON’T

• Tell lewd or inappropriate jokes. Otherwise, use humor to engage students.
• Meet a student in a off-campus setting to discuss anything.
• Embarass students. Instead, praise improvement and use positive reinforcement.
• Lose your temper. Remain level-headed. Be aware that students will test you. Anticipate how you will handle difficult situations; i.e., tardy or argumentative students before they arise.