Professional+Expectations

McKEESPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Professional Expectations Developed and Presented by the MASD Professionalism Committee

Endorsed by the MASD Board of Directors – August 16, 2006
I. Introduction and Intent

 ﻿ ﻿ The following is intended to provide clarification pertaining to the conduct that should be demonstrated by employees of MASD while fulfilling their individual job responsibilities. The committee, that is comprised of representatives from the Board of Directors, Administration, professional employees and support staff has acted in a manner that serves to ensure all residents of the community that employees of MASD conduct themselves at levels of professionalism that are above reproach. All MASD employees should be mindful of the following overriding principles and conduct themselves accordingly. II. Community/Professional Awareness


 * As an employee of the MASD individuals are scrutinized closely by community members since all have daily contract with students. All employees, regardless of their role, should be mindful that parents of this community expect all school employees to serve as role models.
 * As an employee of the MASD, individuals often represent the district while in the community. Behavior within the community should be that which can be described as professional.
 * All employees of the MASD are expected to demonstrate a level of cultural sensitivity and embrace the concepts of diversity. Employees must serve as role models of students regarding cultural sensitivity and must promote responsible discussion relating to various cultures.
 * All MASD employees are reminded that they are charges with the responsibility to protect the right to privacy of students and families. All should be mindful to safeguard the confidentiality of the individuals we serve.
 * All MASD employees are reminded that e-mail should be used respectfully. Jokes or comments that ay see funny to the sender may be offensive to the recipient and can demonstrate a disregard for cultural and/or religious differences.
 * All employees should be mindful of appropriate interactions with students, parents and each other. Insensitive and negative statements including sarcasm should not be used.

III. Professional Development
 * All employees, regardless of position, should demonstrate a commitment to obtain and demonstrate the best practices relating to their job description.
 * Every employee should strive to demonstrate through their actions and conduct that he/she is committed to the belief that the quality of job performance is enhanced by a commitment to a process of life-long learning.

IV. Presentation and Attire In addressing aspects of presentation and attire, the professionalism committee provides the following guidelines as a method to ensure that all who work within the district are perceived by the community as individuals who dress appropriately for the role they are asked to play. The committee believes that for one to be treated as a professional, one should dress like a professional. All MASD employees are asked to demonstrate professional dress when meeting with parents and when teaching or interacting with children. MASD employees are expected to demonstrate attire that is no less than “Business Casual” and are asked to keep the following in mind when dressing for work: Following lengthy discussions, the professionalism committee has concluded that the following attire is not appropriate for school setting unless deemed appropriate as a result of job requirements:
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Men are encouraged to report to work in shirts with a collar.
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">All skirts, dresses and trousers must be professional length and style. (Administrators or Union Building Representatives can be asked for assurance.)
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">All shirts or blouses should have a professional neckline.
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">All employees are asked to wear professional footwear that is job appropriate.
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Professional denim is acceptable.
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Attire that exposes bare midriffs is not permitted to be worn by MASD employees while fulfilling their job responsibilities.
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">All attire should ensure that underwear is thoroughly covered.
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Athletic-wear, including hunting and/or jogging outfits, are not to be worn by employees while they are working unless deemed appropriate by job descriptions (i.e. physical education teacher, coach during times of coaching).
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Printed T-shirts (T-shirts with words, statements or graphics) are not to be worn to work by MASD employees while fulfilling job requirement unless deemed appropriate for job responsibilities and requirements.
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Clothing that is torn or has holes is not permitted to be worn by MASD employees while fulfilling job responsibilities.
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Blue jeans, painters’ pants, and bib overalls are not permitted to be worn by MASD employees. (Exceptions will be made where such attire would be appropriate due to work responsibilities, fund raising events, field days and school spirit days.) Individuals are encouraged to see their direct supervisor if he or she has questions.
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">It is recognized that many in-service days are spent in assigned building. On days such as these the principal will advise if jeans and/or shorts are permitted.
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">On days the entire MASD staff comes together for in-service days, all staff are asked to dress in no less than business casual attire.


 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Note: The professionalism committee will meet two times a year to review these guidelines and revise if necessary. **