The Ten Commandments of Professionalism for Teachers: Words of Wisdom from a Veteran Teacher » (New Edition)

Vickie Gill has taught high school English, reading, and journalism for 28 years in both California and Tennessee. She has won a number of teaching awards, community service honors, and was a finalist for Tennessee State Teacher of the Year 2000. Gill is the author of The Ten Commandments of Professionalism for Teachers (Corwin Press, 2005) and The Eleven Commandments of Good Teaching, (Corwin Press, 2001), which is the second edition of The Ten Commandments of Good Teaching (Corwin Press, 1998). She has a bachelor of arts degree in English from San Jose State University and a master of education degree from Vanderbilt University. Gill currently conducts workshops on discipline, curriculum development, and the art of teaching. Contact her at vgill@juno.com to set up workshops for your school system.

"Finally, educators won't have to trudge forty years through the academic desert to find the answers to their teaching problems. The Ten Commandments of Professionalism for Teachers is a perfect 10."
Steve Young, Author

Avoid many of the professional pitfalls that plague beginning teachers!

All new teachers make mistakes. But if they exhibit a high level of professionalism, they will be welcomed back. If not, they may be searching for another job or even a new career.

The Ten Commandments of Professionalism for Teachers reveals the unspoken rules of conduct that help experienced teachers and educators thrive in the classroom, the district, and the community. Vickie Gill, the best-selling author of The Eleven Commandments of Good Teaching, explains how to behave in a professional manner with students, other teachers, administrators, support staff, and parents. Using humor, stories, and personal experiences, she examines the importance of professional and personal balance, maximizing teamwork, avoiding gossip, and being a positive role model.

Offering advice in a friendly and accessible manner, this practical guide includes insider information on:

• Finding a suitable mentor
• The use and abuse of power
• After hours job duties and administrative details
• Specific ways to use documentation to protect yourself
• Continued professional growth

Designed primarily for new teachers determined to demonstrate their professionalism and experienced teachers interested in mentoring, this book is also an indispensable resource forstaff developers, teacher trainers, and administrators.

1	Thou shalt define your terms	1
2	Thou shalt locate your mentor	7
3	Thou shalt keep up appearances	13
4	Thou shalt respect your power	17
5	Thou shalt take care of the parents	25
6	Thou shalt pull your weight	33
7	Thou shalt pay attention to the details	39
8	Thou shalt pick and choose your battles	47
9	Thou shalt grow in your profession	55
10	Thou shalt be yourself	61