7 Habits of Highly Effective Teachers Adapted from Stephen R. Covey’s work

Habit 1: Be Proactive Act in the classroom, not re-act Every teacher needs a pause button Teachers are free to choose: Self-awareness, conscience, imagination, independent will Be a positive influence on your student’s emotional bank accounts

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind Teachers need a destination and a compass A Teacher’s Mission Statement Are teacher’s principle centered? The end should always be “what is best for the children under your care.” Planning ahead always makes things better.

Habit 3: Put First Things First Establish priorities in the classroom and at home Home culture 50 yrs. Age vs. Today -Where does that leave teachers?? Balance academics with social skills, character education, health and self esteem Be an ADVOCATE for children

Habit 4: Think Win-Win!!!! Adopt the attitude: “Let me listen to you first” or “Help me to understand” with students and parents. Positive discipline - How can you and the student win??? No power struggles. Moving children from “me” to “we” Class Meetings where agreements rule.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand..Then to be Understood Recognize your prejudices in the classroom and work to overcome them. All children want to belong - avoid miscommunications. Practice Empathic Listening - the highest form of listening. Give honest feedback to children and parents.

Habit 6: Synergize Work together with teachers, parents, children, administrators. Value and celebrate differences. Involve people in the problem and work out the solution together (great playground strategy) Never give up - small victories lead to larger ones.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw Renew yourself: physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually. Nurture your relationship with children. Begin your day with children with some quiet time to reflect. Always grow - be a better teacher tomorrow than you were today.