When we think of professionals, lawyers, physicians, and architects usually come to mind. Professionals display a service orientation to clients. Educators are also dedicated to their clients, but the similarities to other professions end there. Professionals are likely to be governed by the internalized standards of their field, established as part of the collegiality created during their professional preparation. There is little equivalent collegiality among educators.
Professionals refer more often to colleagues.
For students, the common denominator among good teachers is caring. I don't have to change. My students have to change. I'm not responsible if I don't get them to learn. My daughter is conducting research on the use of technology in the classroom.