Professionalism

Walking back from Starbucks this morning I got to thinking about professionalism.  At the table the district wants to remind us as teachers that some of the best teaching occurs when we are professional and work with students on academic problems after class and at times we are not paid.  

I think that I have to agree with the district on this accord.  We are professionals and we do provide help to the community without hope of district reimbursement.  My biggest complaint is the district wants to use us in a professional capacity to do non professsional tasks, such as taking tickets or guardding at athletic competitions.  

An example of professionalism that was positive is reflected in this email I received yesterday.  
Hi Pat,
I hope this e-mail finds you and Sue having a wonderful summer. I am actually e-mailing you in hopes that you can help us out. Our 3 year-old son has been stuttering for almost a year now. I was first attributing it to the fact that he is constantly talking and relaying ideas. I just figured that he is an active 3 year old with an imaginative mind. However, he has been going through some pretty bad stuttering episodes where he is almost in tears because he cannot get the words out. I know that the kids at daycare have caught on and have recently started mimicking him. I don't know if this has caused him to realize his stuttering and make it worse, or if it is just getting more difficult for him to talk without stuttering. Do you have any insight on young kids and stuttering? I have read conflicting articles and would just like some suggestions and thoughts from someone I know is knowledgeable and is a credible and reliable resource. I would appreciate any suggestions and thoughts you can give.
Thanks, Pat

I sent her some suggestions and some disclaimers.. and I hope that it will work.

Many teachers are asked everyday by their communities to help in educational problems. This is our professional comittment. This is what we are trained to do.

Are we supposed to browbeat our fellow department members to comply with the district curriculum objectives. No not with out some economic support and some buy in from others in the department. This district by and large is willing to put money into this. How much? Up to now its been up to the principal.

Should they make our volunteer work "professional" and shame us if we do not do it.. I don't think so.

Just a little light to the negotiation table

Pat