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Pro Power-Up!

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Lesson Plan

Pro Power-Up!

Students will be able to identify key components of professionalism and understand their importance in academic and future career settings. Students will also practice applying professional communication skills.

Professionalism is crucial for success in all aspects of life. Mastering these skills now will empower students to make strong first impressions, build positive relationships, and open doors to future opportunities.

Audience

11th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, practical examples, and scenario-based thinking.

Materials

Pro Power-Up! Slide Deck, Professionalism Warm-Up Warm Up, Professional Scenario Challenge Activity, and Professionalism Exit Ticket Cool Down

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What Comes to Mind?

5 minutes

  • Display the Professionalism Warm-Up prompt on the board or projector.
    - Ask students to briefly jot down or share out their initial thoughts on 'professionalism.'
    - Facilitate a quick whole-class share-out, noting common themes or interesting perspectives. (Refer to Pro Power-Up! Slide Deck Slide 2)

Step 2

Introduction to Professionalism

5 minutes

  • Use the Pro Power-Up! Slide Deck to introduce the concept of professionalism.
    - Discuss what professionalism means in different contexts (school, job interviews, group projects).
    - Highlight key pillars: appearance, communication, etiquette, and responsibility. (Refer to Pro Power-Up! Slide Deck Slides 3-5)

Step 3

Professional Scenario Challenge Activity

15 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups or pairs.
    - Distribute or display the Professional Scenario Challenge activity.
    - Instruct groups to discuss the scenarios and decide on the most professional way to handle each situation.
    - Circulate to provide guidance and facilitate discussion.
    - Bring the class back together for groups to share their responses and reasoning. (Refer to Pro Power-Up! Slide Deck Slides 6-7)

Step 4

Cool-Down: One Takeaway

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

Welcome to Pro Power-Up!

Today, we're unlocking the secrets to making a great impression, every time.

What does "professionalism" mean to you? (Think: school, future jobs, everyday life)

Welcome students and introduce the day's topic: professionalism. Ask them what comes to mind when they hear the word. Encourage a quick brainstorm.

What is Professionalism?

It's how you act, speak, and present yourself.

It's about demonstrating competence, reliability, and respect in any setting.

Why does it matter?

  • First Impressions
  • Building Trust
  • Opening Doors to Opportunity

Transition from their brainstorm to a more structured definition. Explain that professionalism isn't just about suits; it's about how we act and present ourselves.

Pillar 1: Appearance Matters

It's not about being fancy; it's about being appropriate for the situation.

  • School: Dress code, cleanliness
  • Job Interview: Smart, neat, clean
  • Workplace: Follow company guidelines

Think about: Is your appearance distracting? Does it show respect for the environment?

Discuss appearance: what's appropriate for different situations? Emphasize that it's about being prepared and respectful of the context. No need for a uniform, but understand the expectations.

Pillar 2: Communication Counts

How you speak and write makes a big difference.

Verbal:

  • Clear, concise language
  • Active listening
  • Respectful tone

Non-Verbal:

  • Eye contact
  • Body language
  • Paying attention

Written:

  • Proper grammar and spelling
  • Polite tone (emails, texts)

Focus on communication. Highlight verbal and non-verbal cues. Give examples of professional vs. unprofessional communication in both spoken and written forms (emails, texts).

Pillar 3: Etiquette & Responsibility

These show you are reliable and committed.

  • Punctuality: Being on time
  • Reliability: Following through on commitments
  • Respect: For others' time and opinions
  • Accountability: Taking ownership of your actions
  • Initiative: Being proactive

Discuss etiquette and responsibility. This covers things like punctuality, meeting deadlines, showing initiative, and owning up to mistakes.

Scenario Challenge!

It's time to put your professionalism to the test!

In your groups:

  1. Read each scenario carefully.
  2. Discuss the situation.
  3. Decide on the most professional way to respond or act.
  4. Be ready to share your group's reasoning!

Introduce the scenario activity. Explain that they will be working in groups to apply what they've learned. Give clear instructions and tell them to refer to the handout.

Let's Share & Discuss!

What did your group decide?

  • What were the key professional choices?
  • Why is that the most professional approach?
  • What could be the consequences of an unprofessional response?

This slide is for when students are sharing their responses. Facilitate discussion, ask probing questions, and reinforce correct professional behaviors.

Pro Power-Up: Your Takeaway

What is ONE key thing you learned about professionalism today that you will try to apply?

(Write it down on your exit ticket!)

Conclude the lesson by asking for a single takeaway. Reinforce that professionalism is a skill that can be developed over time and will benefit them greatly.

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Warm Up

Professionalism Warm-Up

Think about it: When you hear the word "professionalism," what comes to mind? What does it look like, sound like, or feel like in different situations?












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Activity

Professional Scenario Challenge

Instructions: Read each scenario with your group. Discuss the situation and decide on the most professional way to respond or act. Be prepared to share your reasoning with the class.

Scenario 1: The Late Project

You have a group project due tomorrow, and one of your teammates hasn't contributed much. They just messaged the group saying they can't finish their part because they were busy with something else. The rest of the group is frustrated.

How do you, professionally, address this situation with your teammate and with your teacher?














Scenario 2: The Online Comment

You see a classmate post a harsh, critical comment online about a teacher. Other students are starting to like and share the comment.

What is the professional way to handle seeing this online, and why?














Scenario 3: The Job Interview

You have an interview for a summer internship. You arrive 5 minutes late because of unexpected traffic. When you sit down, the interviewer asks you about a topic you know very little about.

How do you demonstrate professionalism in this interview, both regarding your tardiness and your lack of knowledge on the topic?














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Cool Down

Professionalism Exit Ticket

One Takeaway: What is ONE key thing you learned about professionalism today that you will try to apply in your daily life, whether at school, home, or in future endeavors?







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