As a teacher, you are a member of one of the oldest and most respected professions on Earth. The continued respect that is accorded to you and your colleagues is largely a measure of how you present yourself and the attitude you convey. If you believe you are a professional and act as one, others will perceive you in that same way and treat you accordingly. What does it mean to be a professional? Essentially, being a professional in any field involves acting in ways that show respect for others while performing your job in a consistent, competent, mature manner, always striving for excellence and maintaining honesty and integrity. Professionals take responsibility and are accountable for their actions, know how to work on a team, are confident, project a positive attitude and image and continually strive to improve themselves. A professional knows what is right and does it, often going beyond what is simply necessary or required, performing in an outstanding manner and completing the task, whatever it may be. Professionals dress appropriately, arrive on time, are trustworthy, help others, maintain confidences, and do not offer excuses. A professional will have good manners and will be attuned to the situation at hand, knowing how to carry herself and how to act without emotional outbursts that heighten or cause negativity in ordinary events or in a crisis. Professionals are easy to recognize through their calm competence and capable, sharing attitudes. Professionals are respected as leaders in the school, whether they be teachers or administrators. When there is a problem, the professional is the one everyone turns to for help, because he or she has a proven track record of success in the face of adversity. There is nothing you can do to better enhance your career than to develop the core characteristics of a professional. You will be a happier individual and you will make a mark in everything you do. This section of the site will help you to focus on some of the key attributes that can help you to grow as a professional.