Nine ‘Must Haves’ To Be A Great Teacher (not in order of importance)

 In Tips for Teachers

Most of us want passion and purpose in our career. Since we spend nearly as much time at work as at home,  we need joy and satisfaction from our job. Follow the nine suggestions below if you want to be a great teacher!  No one ever said that teaching is easy; but if done well, it will give you a fulfilling and worthwhile career.

  1. CARE ABOUT STUDENTS.

    Love, Compassion, Sympathy, Empathy, Personal Interest, Knowledge of Student Background, Knowledge of Student Strengths and Weaknesses, Careful Student Observations

    Rita Pierson’s Ted Talk

    “STUDENTS MUST LEARN YOU CARE BEFORE THEY CARE TO LEARN.”  Anonymous 

  2. BE A ROLE MODEL.

    Appearance, Speech, Relationships with Peers and Parents, Fairness, Consistency, Humor, Positive Attitude, Self-control, Passion, High Expectations of Self and Students

    “KIDS DON’T REMEMBER WHAT YOU TRY TO TEACH THEM. THEY REMEMBER WHAT YOU ARE.”   Jim Henson

  3. ORGANIZE YOUR CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT.

    Student-Centered and Self-Directed, Accessible Arrangement of Furniture and Resources, Instructional Centers, Attractive Environment, Student Helpers, Display of Student Work

    “IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN, YOU ARE PLANNING TO FAIL.”  Benjamin Franklin

  4. SET STUDENT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS.

    Class Rules, School Rules, Rewards and Incentives, Consequences, Consistency, Parent Communication and Cooperation, Self-discipline, Student Input for Policies and Procedures

    “CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT IS NOT ABOUT HAVING THE RIGHT RULES . . . IT’S ABOUT HAVING THE RIGHT RELATIONSHIPS.”   Danny Steele

  5. KNOW CURRICULUM AND PLAN LESSONS ACCORDINGLY.

    Clear Goals and Objectives, Variety of Activities, Creativity/Critical Thinking Skills, Learning Styles, Self Guided Learning, Evaluation Methods, Time on Task, Student Breaks

    “IN AN EFFECTIVE CLASSROOM, STUDENTS SHOULD NOT ONLY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING; THEY SHOULD ALSO KNOW WHY AND HOW.”   Harry Wong

  6. BE A LIFE LONG LEARNER.

    Technology Proficiency and Integration, Professional Development, Curiosity, Risk Taking, Professional Reading, Peer Teacher Observations and Mentorships

    “EDUCATION IS NOT PREPARATION FOR LIFE; EDUCATION IS LIFE ITSELF.”   John Dewey

  7. BE A TEAM PLAYER.

    Problem Solving, School Committees/Event Participation, Peer Sharing, Lack of Gossip, Flexibility, Reliability, Accountability, Collaboration, Commitment, Respect

    “COMING TOGETHER IS A BEGINNING, STAYING TOGETHER IS PROGRESS, AND WORKING TOGETHER IS SUCCESS.”   Henry Ford

  8. COMMUNICATE WELL WITH OTHERS.

    Listening, Diplomacy, Constructive Criticism, Feedback, Verbal Clarity, Admittance of Mistakes, Friendliness, Open-mindedness, Respect, Non-verbal Communication

    “THE WAY WE COMMUNICATE WITH OTHERS AND WITH OURSELVES ULTIMATELY DETERMINES THE QUALITY OF OUR LIVES.”   Anthony Robbins

  9. BALANCE YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE.

    Personal Time, Nutrition, Exercise, Time with Family and Friends, Hard Work and Hard Play, Support and Guidance during Personal Crises

    “NEVER GET SO BUSY MAKING A LIVING THAT YOU FORGET TO MAKE A LIFE.”  Dolly Parton

AND A FINAL QUOTATION TO BE A GREAT TEACHER . . .
THE MEDIOCRE TEACHER TELLS.
THE GOOD TEACHER EXPLAINS.
THE SUPERIOR TEACHER DEMONSTRATES.
THE GREAT TEACHER INSPIRES.  William Ward

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