ETIQUETTE OF A GOOD

TEACHER
Presenter: JNK
 Introduction
• The French word 'etiquette' is defined as the formal manners and
rules that are followed in social or professional settings.
• Etiquette is a code of behaviour that delineates (describe or explain
something in detail) expectations for social behavior according to
contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class, or
group.
• Etiquette is all about how to conduct yourself beautifully. ... In fact,
the basic rules of etiquette are pretty simple. It is a culture of
speech, common courtesy, neat appearance, and control over your
emotions.
 General Professional Etiquette Tips
• Attire: Dress appropriately as a teacher. This defines who you are. As the
old adage goes, 'You are what you wear'. Your dressing sets you apart
from other professions.
• Be courteous (Well mannered): Learn to be polite to colleagues,
learners, support staff and parents. Learn to say thank you. Greet your
work mates everyday do not always wait to be greeted.
• Punctuality: Abide by the school's contracted hours for teachers and
show up on time (even early) for all work functions. If you do need to
leave early, let your administrator know ahead of time. Most of the time
they will understand, particularly if these absences are infrequent or if
they are aware of an extenuating ( justifying) circumstance (i.e. sick
parent).
• Effectiveness: Use work time effectively and appropriately. This
includes use of technology. Bidding on eBay, obsessively checking
your personal e-mail account, and having extended texting
sessions with friends during work hours are not appropriate work
behaviours.
• Behaviour in meetings: it is important to engage in respectful
behaviour during all school meetings. This includes general staff
meetings, smaller team meetings, etc. Whatever your role is in a
meeting, you should not be checking your cell phone or computer
unless there is some type of emergency. If you need to contact
someone during a longer training session, step out of the room
discretely (singly) or wait for a break.
• Communication: All staff communication should be appropriate.
• Discretion. Use discretion when talking about students and anything
confidential with other teachers. There are situations where it is
appropriate to discuss such topics, but it can be very easy to gossip. Do
not fall into this trap.
• Avoid cliques. I am sure that it is not a surprise that in schools,
particularly in elementary schools where the staff is primarily female,
there are a number of staff cliques. Rise above this middle school
behaviour. It may mean that you have less friends at work, but it is worth
the sacrifice. It also sets a good example for your students. How can we
expect students to learn how to respect others and treat them, as we
would want to be treated if we do not practice this behaviour ourselves?

• Language/topics. Use appropriate language and stick to appropriate

topics in the school environment, particularly in front of students. This
•• includes referring to other teachers as Mr./Mrs.__(Not first name)
and not discussing students unless it is necessary for a given situation
• Social media communication. There is nothing wrong with
communicating with your fellow teachers on Facebook, Twitter, etc.
However, it is important to keep school talk away from these public
forums. Not only is it not professional, but you never know who might
be reading.
• Respect. Teachers or not, everyone who works in a school plays an
important role. You never know when you will need to ask for a favour
from the secretary, lunch ladies, or janitorial staff (Caretaker). Make sure
that you know how much you appreciate their work with your students
and around the school in general.
• Topics: Do not discuss other students or confidential school issues (i.e.
salary, layoffs, and proposed budget cuts) with parents or outsiders
unless it is applicable, i.e. their child is having repeated problems with
another student in your class.
• Timing. Most parents do not want to hear about an important issue with their child,
particularly if it is negative, over the phone or through an e-mail. It is also not important
to introduce a major issue or concern at a parent- teacher association meeting. In most
cases, it is appropriate to schedule an in person meeting to talk about such topics.
Parents will be more receptive and everyone will be able to communicate more clearly
than they would over the phone or through e-mail.
• Social media...where do you draw the line? It is highly recommend keeping all school
talk off social media.
• Role model. As a teacher in the community, it is important to maintain a public image
as a good role model for your students. This means making smart choices when you are
in community places where you may run into students and staff (grocery store, library,
etc.) and in public forums online such as Facebook. If you go to a bachelorette party out
of town, do not post many drunk pictures of yourself on Facebook the next week. Keep
your private life private. (Prevent Halo Effect): The first impression is the lasting one. The
halo effect is a type of cognitive bias in which our overall impression of a person
influences how we feel and think about his or her character. Essentially, your overall
impression of a person, ("He is nice!") impacts your evaluations of that person's specific
traits ("He is also smart!").
• EatingHabits: Find the right place, right time to eat your breakfast,
brunch, lunch etc.
• BE HONSEST: Learn to tell the truth at all costs. As the bible commands
us to do. 'The truth shall set you free'
• Etiquette with administrators: Regardless of any differences, it is still
important to treat your administrators with respect both directly and
indirectly. It is usual for head/ deputy heads to visit classrooms. If the
class teacher is sitting down, when the Head enters the room and is not
actively involved with the children, he or she should stand up to greet
the Head teacher. (Read Romans 13)