Six Practices of a Great Teacher
A great teacher gets to know
each child individually.
A great teacher doesn't bark orders and talk to children in the
"to whom it may concern" style; she/he gets to know each child as a unique
individual, spending time cultivating one-on-one relationships with each child.
Great teachers know children deserve to be treated with individual respect,
even if they are in a group setting.
A great teacher shares a
joyful spirit .
A great teacher knows it is not enough to be "present". Children require us to
share our presence emotionally as well as physically. By sharing joy with
children, and carrying a positive attitude, great teachers give children
hope, encouragement, and a sense of the world being a good place.
A great teacher loves to
learn as well as teach.
A great teacher is as open to learning as she/he is excited about teaching.
Great teachers know that learning and teaching are lifelong processes that go
hand in hand. They encourage their students to view learning as fun, and view
teaching as a natural outcome of wanting to share enthusiasm for learning.
A great teacher learns from
his/her students.
Great teachers influence and are influenced by their students. Not only do
great teachers learn about their students, they learn from their students, too.
By listening to students, asking them questions, and getting their opinions,
great teachers encourage a dialogue that is meaningful and educational for all.
A great teacher looks at the
big picture.
Great teachers know how to put learning into context. They help their
students understand how each new piece of information fits in with the rest.
They seldom teach isolated facts and skills. Instead, they try to help
children
see how ideas are related to each other, and how they connect to the child's
life.
Great teachers inspire and motivate others.
Great teachers share their passion for teaching, and in doing so, inspire those
around them, including students, parents and other teachers. Great teachers
are
gifted in finding the good in each person, uncovering the talents in every
child,
and fueling the fire of greatness that exists in us all.
Information used from:
http://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/hesteachers/laboonac/web%20pages/teacher_inspiration.htm