If you thought students could be an unruly lot, teachers have been known to indulge in their fair share of bad behaviour too.
Whether you’re a classroom assistant aiming to be head teacher one day or a university lecturer moulding the minds of the next generation, there are certain things you simply should not do.
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Here’s how to avoid being sent home with a bad report card!
Be discrete
You may know Wee Davie is having problems at home or Suzy is struggling with her lessons, but this is privileged information.
So, don’t be tempted to share sensitive school stuff – even with your closest friends.
In a world connected so intricately on social media, you never know who’s going to use your well-intentioned conversation to create troublesome gossip.
Be grown-up
Alas, your own student days are now behind you and this means so must the student lifestyle. Dressing in charity shop clothes and acting like you’re way too cool for school is history.
Being professional needn’t mean being po-faced all the time. A sense of calm authority mixed with a sense of humour that doesn’t mock or go too far is the right balance.
Be mindful
Strong bonds can be created between a teacher and students. These are based on your understanding of their needs and their appreciation of your role in meeting them.
However, be careful to maintain appropriate boundaries for yourself and be wary of creating one-on-one working relationships that disrupt the teaching dynamic for the whole class.
Be calm
Losing your temper means losing control . . . and command of a classroom, especially one made up of teenagers, is difficult to wrestle back.
We all have bad days but showing mild irritation or outright anger is a big no-no.
Instead take time out to calm down – even if it’s simply by closing your eyes and counting to ten!
Be aware
Life as a teacher should be big fun at work and at play, but just because it’s outside of school hours, doesn’t mean you can revert to be a full-on rebel.
If you like to socialise at the weekends, party on! But exercise a degree of moderation and discretion. Staggering out of a nightclub or spilling your kebab on the late night bus is hilarious viewing for students . . . and an “absolute outrage” for their parents.
Be respectful
Finally, never search for a job while at work. Finding a new role really could boost your career, but you’ll need references so don’t burn bridges.
There are amazing vacancies in Education/Teaching available on s1jobs but consider them in the comfort of your home or on the go, such as during your daily commute.