Professionalism

"Am I a professional? What are my personal actions that demonstrate this? What sets me apart from the peers at my school? Do I hold myself to a higher standard? We can always improve, What can I do to improve my professionalism?"

I believe that I am professional. I demonstrate this by always doing was is expected and required of me by my administration.  Within the classroom setting I also make sure to act like a professional.  I am young so sometimes my students will try to act like my friend, but I make sure to remind them that I am not their friend, I am their teacher. This doesn't mean that I can't form good relationships with my students, it is just important that they know the difference.  
While most of my peers are professional, there are certainly some that are act unprofessional at times.  For example, there are certain teachers who will complain about the administration a lot and will not always attend professional development sessions because they outwardly voice their negative opinions about them.  From time to time certain teachers will also make comments in PD sessions that seem to have an unprofessional and attacking undertone to them.  
I do hold myself to a high standard, but there is certainly room for improvement.  I believe my biggest issue comes in when students try to argue with me about something, and I often engage them instead of ignoring or handling it in a more professional manner.  Sometimes I find myself arguing with them, but then I remind myself that I am the adult and need to figure out a different way to resolve the issue.  I have definitely gotten better at this throughout the semester. 

Bullying

"Did you experience bullying as a child either as a victim, witness or as a bully? How did you survive that experience and what did you learn from it that is helping you now as a Teacher?"

I was fortunate as a child and was not bullied.  However, I did see other students who were bullied, especially in middle school.  The form of bullying I saw the most was name-calling.  I also see this form of bullying in my classroom from time to time.  This has prompted me to have a discussion with my classes on the different forms of bullying.  I think many students do not realize the effect their words may have on another.  I have discussed with my students how they may think what they are saying is just a joke, but they never know how the other person will interpret it.  I do not tolerate bullying in my classroom, and make sure to address it whenever I hear it.  Many students will respond with "well they know I'm just joking!"  I emphasize to them that they cannot know that, and even if they are joking it is not appropriate to tease others.  What they might think is a joke may be very hurtful to others, even if they do not say anything or show on the outside that they are offended.