1. Outstanding Teachers Session September 20, 2001

2. An Outstanding Teacher... n builds a community of learners. n meets the needs of all learners. n is caring, dedicated, enthusiastic, and innovative. n is knowledgeable about content and pedagogy. n is a life-long student. n fosters relationships with parents and the community.

3. Most rewarding aspects of teaching n Seeing the light come on. n Being a part of something greater than yourself. n Making a positive impact on a person’s future. n Receiving unconditional love from students. n Working and learning with other teachers.

4. Least rewarding aspects of teaching n Lack of time and resources. n Teachers often not treated or regarded as a professional. n Lack of broader public understanding and support of public schools. n Our curriculum cup is overflowing. Less is best!! n We often work solo--we don't have the opportunity often enough to interact with our colleagues.

5. Recommendations for teacher preparation n Year long student teaching placement. n Compensation for student teachers. n State-wide standards for supervising/cooperating teachers. n Balance of theory and practical applications. n Forge a bond between higher education and public schools.

6. Attracting people to teaching n Positively market the profession n Create multiple pathways within the teaching profession n Offer financial incentives for joining and excelling in the profession

7. Helping principals enable teachers n Encourage shared decision making between principal and staff n Focus professional development on both managerial and instructional leadership n Provide time for principals to revisit the classroom as teachers n Move the expectation from manager to instructional leader