Post #4: Being a Professional

In my humble viewpoint I believe that I am a professional because of how I conduct myself towards my students, fellow teachers, other staff members and administrators. For instance, a non teaching staff member called my room and I was in the middle of a very important lesson. I became very hot once the phone rang but I taken several calm and deep breaths to maintain my cool. Then I immediately answered the phone and politely answered the phone. I said, "Good morning Mr. Lumumba." instead of being frustrated saying, "WHAT?!" as I heard other teachers say from time to time at other schools. Another example of my displaying my professionalism was when a mother of a student I had previously was verbally attacking me and our school for not being pro-active in her child being bullied. I immediately took several deep breaths and became very calm and sympathetic towards the parent and offered and solicited solutions. She became very calm and we worked it out. The bottom line is no matter how mad someone makes me I try to calm down and keep it professional and hopefully the problem goes away. If it still bothers me I try talking to person and express my concerns in a civil manner. And if I feel I can't through to this person I use the chain of command. This is where I hold myself to a higher standard.


There's always room for improvement especially as a professional. I believe that I have to participate in conferences, professional development classes, and seminars. This is how I can grow as a teacher.

Prompt #5: Poverty

As a former homeless person in the states of Arizona and California and food stamp and welfare recipient during my time in Pennsylvania I have direct experience of living in poverty. Coming from these past experiences I have strong empathy for students living in those conditions. Also, I am deeply inspired from a book called, "I Choose To Stay: A Black Teacher Refuses To Desert the Inner City" by Salome Thomas-El, an award winning principal in Wilmington, Delaware.


Based on these experiences, empathy, and inspiration it is my belief that I can be the difference in the lives of students living poverty. In order for me to be the difference it is a must that I have positive expectations for them in thought, speech, and action. Also, I have to persevere in this endeavor everyday plus have an effective classroom management plan in place plus outstanding instructional engagement happening because students living in poverty may or may have the structure they need at home.


I want people to know that just because one lives in poverty doesn't mean that one won't rise out of it and succeed with a great education. If you don't believe me you ought to read Thomas-El's book which shows how students from inner city Philadelphia rise from poverty to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.

Prompt #3

At my current school I haven't seen anyone truly act in an unprofessional manner. However, I've witnessed it at some other schools I've been at before. For example at other schools I've seen some teachers gossip about other teachers and students especially in staff lounges. This is why I make it my business not to remain in the student lounge and engage in that kind of foolishness. I was once told by a retired educator and college professor to stay out of the copy room unless I necessarily have to go in there to make copies for my lessons I have to teach students. They also told me to stay out of the lounges and not to gossip because it could complicate situations and could jeopardize one's teaching career. For example, I once knew a teacher who was bad mouthing an administrator to other teachers and it got back to that particular administrator. Ultimately, this lead to this teacher being shown the door. Now I clearly see what this professor is talking about.

Prompt #2 Bullying

Growing up in Philly to be honest with you I've experienced all three as a victim, bully, and witness. As a victim I was picked on because of my small stature and book smarts. Sometimes I would walk away from fights because bigger kids would at times have my back. Then there were after having enough, on rare occasions, I would go berserk and give out a beat down. As I bully I'd play the dozens or what we called "bussin'" I was good at it and bussed on plenty of people. But at times it wasn't funny when I used to tease fat people. And I seen people get bullied whom I grew up with. It wasn't funny at all looking back today as a teacher.  What I learned that in today's times we have to be very careful and watch for the signs of bullying and keep our eyes open and prevent it from occurring.

Prompt #1 Fall 2014

I have two goals for this term and that is: 1) To be removed from the Professional Improvement Plan,
and 2) To pass the Professional Knowledge exam required by the Arizona Department of Education.  This semester I want to improve my classroom management skills and effective engagement strategies. I'd like to implement experiential learning in my classes along with cooperative learning practices by Spencer Kagan. My Cadre Leader can support me by answering any questions I need answered and offer some suggestions. :)