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.