Identifying Successful Teachers

Attributes of Successful Teachers Approachable Patient Truthful Warm Loving

Practices of Successful Teachers The context in which learning takes place. 1. Academically heterogeneous class assignments. 2. Flexible in-class grouping. 3. Maximized learning time. 4. Monitoring student progress. 5. Parent and community involvement.

The context in which learning takes place. 6. Primary focus on learning. 7. Small class size. 8. Safe and orderly school environment. 9. Strong administrative leadership. 10.Supportive classroom climate.

Academic Instructional Practices 1.Careful orientation to lessons. 2.Clear and focused instruction. 3.Effective questioning techniques. 4.Feedback and reinforcement. 5.Review and re-teaching as needed.

Mastery of Content as a Measure of Teacher Success Teachers come to the classroom with varying levels of content expertise. Traditionally Prepared Teachers vs. Alternatively Prepared Teachers

Content Mastery cont. The research finds… –Certified teachers are more effective than teachers with less formal training. –Students perform better when their teachers have majored in the subject area in which they teach. Active Teachers vs. Passive Teachers

Top 5 Characteristics of the Best Teachers 1.They have a sense of humor. 2.They make the class interesting. 3.They have knowledge of their subjects. 4.They explain things clearly. 5.They spend time helping students.

Top 5 Characteristics of the Worst Teachers 1.They are dull and have boring classes. 2.They do not explain things clearly. 3.They show favoritism towards students. 4.They have a poor attitude. 5.They expect too much from students.

Classroom Managements and Teacher Success Successful teachers are by definition effective classroom managers. Primary goal at the beginning of the year is to establish classroom management procedures and set expectations for student learning.

Day 1 Activities Should Include: 1.Seat assignments 2.Introductions 3.Ice breaker activities 4.Establishment of classroom procedures 5.Distribute and preview class textbooks. 6.Discuss classroom supplies 7.Clarify expectations

The Democratic Classroom Should be reasonable and fair. Encouragement produces success and allows for a non-competitive, supportive learning environment.

Culturally Responsive Classroom Management A lack of multicultural sensitivity can increase the difficulties that teachers have with classroom management. 1.Knowledge of students’ cultural backgrounds. 2.Understanding of the broader social, economic and political context. 3.Commitment to building caring classrooms.

Group Work In groups of three discuss any new words or phrases that describe a successful teacher. Are there any attributes that surprised you?