In the field of Education, Professionalism and Discipline are critical elements that establish a proper environment for learning and promote mutual respect among teachers, students, and school personnel. At Byan Teach, we emphasize the importance of these principles in our training and support for foreign teachers, helping them adapt and excel in diverse educational settings. This article explores the significance of professional conduct and discipline in teaching and highlights the role of HR, particularly within Byan Teach, in supporting foreign teachers to thrive in their roles.

1. The importance of professional conduct.

Professional decorum involves behaviors and attitudes that reflect respect, responsibility, and a dedication to high-quality teaching. At Byan Teach, we emphasize the following principles to help teachers build trust and credibility:

• Respecting cultural norms: Adapting to local culture and understanding school expectations is crucial for building trust and fostering harmony. Teachers should learn local traditions, values, and school policies, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and professionalism. Engaging in school events and embracing customs strengthens relationships with colleagues, students, and the community.
• Effective communication: Clear and respectful communication is fundamental to professionalism. Teachers should practice active listening, use appropriate language, and adapt to any language barriers. At Byan Teach, we offer guidance to ensure teachers foster open and constructive dialogue with students, parents, and even school staff.
• Punctuality and Reliability: Being punctual and dependable demonstrates respect for others' time and creates a stable learning environment. Teachers are trained to meet deadlines, prepare thoroughly for classes, and consistently fulfill their responsibilities. This reliability helps build trust with students, parents, and schools, contributing to a positive and effective educational atmosphere.
• Appropriate dress code: Teachers are encouraged to follow professional dress codes that align with school standards and cultural expectations. This includes wearing formal or semi-formal attire and maintaining a polished appearance to set a positive example for students.

2. The role of discipline in teaching.

Discipline is essential for creating a productive classroom environment. Teachers can serve as role models for students by demonstrating an effective approach to discipline, which can significantly influence students. Key aspects of maintaining discipline include:

• Classroom management: At the beginning of the class, it's important to establish clear behavior rules and expectations. Explaining the reasons behind the rules and involving students in creating guidelines helps ensure everyone is aligned. Visual reminders can reinforce these expectations throughout the lesson.
• Consistency: Enforcing rules consistently helps prevent favoritism and ensures that students clearly understand behavioral expectations. At Byan Teach, we train teachers to apply uniform consequences and rewards based on student behavior.
• Positive reinforcement: Acknowledging and rewarding positive behaviors cultivates a culture of encouragement. Teachers are encouraged to praise achievements, helping to build students' confidence and motivation. This reinforcement fosters a positive learning environment where students feel valued and inspired to continue striving for success.
• Conflict resolution: Teachers are provided with strategies to handle conflicts calmly and constructively. Byan Teach highlights the importance of listening to all parties, encouraging respectful dialogue, and addressing underlying issues to prevent future conflicts.

3. Common challenges and solutions.

Foreign teachers may encounter unique challenges related to professional conduct and discipline due to cultural differences or language barriers. At Byan Teach, we offer customized solutions to address these issues:

• Misunderstanding local norms: Teachers may inadvertently violate cultural or school-specific norms. HR can mitigate this by providing comprehensive orientation programs.

• Classroom behavior issues: Managing students in a culturally different setting can be daunting. Offering classroom management training tailored to the local context can empower teachers.
• Parent-Teacher communication: Byan Teach offers support in bridging communication gaps, including providing translation services when needed.

4. The role of HR in supporting professionalism and discipline

Byan Teach’s HR team plays a pivotal role in ensuring teachers are well-equipped to uphold professional and disciplinary standards. Key initiatives include:

• Onboarding Programs: Providing detailed guidance on school policies, cultural expectations, and professional conduct during orientation.
• Ongoing Training: Offering workshops and resources on classroom management, conflict resolution, and cultural sensitivity.
• Performance Monitoring: Regularly evaluating teachers and providing constructive feedback to support their growth.
• Support Systems: Establishing clear channels (Facebook/ Zalo or even email) for teachers to raise concerns or seek advice regarding discipline and conduct.

Professional conduct and discipline are essential for effective teaching, particularly for foreign teachers adapting to new environments. Byan Teach is dedicated to supporting teachers with comprehensive training, practical resources, and ongoing guidance. Embracing these principles helps build strong relationships, fosters a positive school culture, and enables teachers to contribute meaningfully to the educational community.