I can only imagine what you are thinking..."I've seen this list before and it's always the same old information!" Contrary to that thought, I believe it's time to take an honest look in the mirror and identify those 10 characteristics that I feel exemplify Great Teachers.
1) Great Teachers DO NOT Complain!
In an ever changing arena, teachers are constantly asked to do more with less. While it could be easy to roll your eyes and let out a gruff, Great Teachers relish in the opportunity to grow. Throw them a curve ball and they will knock it out of the park. Not only is this true in their profession, but ultimately in their classroom as well. Complaining leads to excuses, and Great Teachers leave no door open for excuses.
2) Great Teachers are CREATORS, Not Victims!
While very similar to the first one, Great Teachers take obstacles and turn them in to opportunities for growth. Since we are all human, inevitably we all make mistakes. Great Teachers take responsibility for their mistakes, learn from them, and ultimately grow and become better teachers because of them.
3) Great Teachers put Students First!
As high stakes, standardized testing continues to gain momentum, many teachers fall trap to 'teaching to the test'. Great Teachers realize the greater good in educating the whole child and helping them grow in life. Great Teachers will often wear many hats and know how to wear them well - counselor, parent, friend, teacher, or disciplinarian.
4) Great Teachers make Data-Driven Decisions!
While many teachers cringe at the idea of looking at data, Great Teachers understand the vital role data plays in directing instruction and teaching students. How else can you tell if something is working or not. Gut feelings are vital to on the fly modifications, but over the long haul of a teaching career, data needs to drive methodology and practices. With out data, a Great Teacher cannot be sure of what is working and what is not.
5) Great Teachers are Reflective Practitioners!
By reflecting on instructional activities, assessments, and methodology, Great Teachers take a deeper look at themselves and how to grow and improve for student success. Admitting difficulties and struggles allows Great Teachers opportunities for improvement, while using successes as an opportunity to share with others. Reflection allows teachers time to measure what student success looks like and feels like.
6) Great Teachers Seek Out Ways to Grow!
In understanding that teaching is a life-long learning opportunity, Great Teachers strive to stay current in the field of education and their content. Great Teachers use technology to enhance their classroom and look for new and up-coming opportunities to use technology. Great Teachers are eager to learn and are self directed in their professional development.
7) Great Teachers Collaborate and Share with Others!
Not worried about receiving credit for a great idea or class activity, Great Teachers look for ways to share ideas and information with others. Great Teachers understand how these activities can potentially reach more students. Great Teachers listen to others ideas and do not quickly dismiss them. Great Teachers are willing to try something new and work with others to modify current practices to increase student learning.
8) Great Teachers have a Student-Centered Classroom!
If you were to walk into a Great Teacher's classroom, odds are you might not know where the front of the room is located! Great Teachers create a learning environment that is Student-Centered and inviting to the student learning process. The classroom will probably be loud, chaotic at times, but a Great Teacher knows exactly what is happening and the purpose behind it. Activities are designed so that students can apply, analyze, and create based on what was learned.
9) Great Teachers are Patient!
Working with 20 - 120 students per day, Great Teachers understand that every student they encounter is unique in their own way. Great Teachers understand students learn differently and are adept at teaching in a variety of methods. Great Teachers do no mind questions, while they patiently guide students along the learning path.
10) Great Teachers are Model Students!
We've all been part of meetings or classes where colleagues complain they can't meet a deadline, or they don't have time to do something. A Great Teacher realizes that as a student them self, they must model the same expectations they ask of their own students. Work is handed in on time, thoroughly completed, and with all required components. Often, Great Teachers go above and beyond the requirements.
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