What does an effective teacher look like? What are his/her characteristics. Dive in below, to have a look at what we believe to be an effective teacher, who will be remembered fondly by colleagues.
THE TEACHER AS A PERSON
- I assume ownership of this class and am responsible for the students’ success.
- I am approachable and pleasant.
- I understand the feelings of students.
- I communicate clearly.
- I admit my mistakes and correct them immediately.
- I think about my teaching, and learn from things gone wrong.
- I am not afraid to laugh and show my sense of humour.
- I dress appropriately in a manner suitable for my position.
- I always maintain confidential trust.
- My classes are structured, but I am flexible and spontaneous.
- I am responsive to situations and students’ needs.
- I enjoy teaching.
- I expect students to enjoy learning.
- I look for a win-win solution in conflict situations.
- I listen attentively to student questions and comments.
- I respond to students with respect, even in difficult situations.
- I tell my students that I have high expectations of them.
- I have positive one-on-one conversations with students outside the classroom.
- I talk to single students or small groups of students outside the classroom.
- I maintain a professional manner at all times.
- I address students by name.
- I speak with an appropriate tone and volume.
- I work actively with students.
- I care about the academic and personal well-being of each of my students.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION
- My students know what is expected on them.
- I am firm and consistent with discipline and management.
- I take care to have a physical environment in the classroom where the instructional material and equipment are in good condition.
- I take care to cover the walls of my classroom with student work, and other student-made work.
- I insist that students address one another in a positive and respectful manner.
- I encourage students to express themselves in the class in a polite and disciplined manner.
- I manage emergency situations as they occur.
- I establish routines for the running of the classroom and the handling of routine student needs (washroom visits etc.)
- I provide positive feedback and praise.
- I discipline students with dignity and respect.
- I provide opportunities to students for taking responsibility and leadership.
- I am consistent in management.
- I post classroom and school rules on the wall of the classroom.
PLANNING INSTRUCTION
An effective teacher
- I write detailed lesson plans for every single lesson.
- Lesson plans are aligned with scheme of work.
- The objective of each lesson is stated clearly.
- I have a measurable objective which I achieve most of the time.
- My learning material is always ready.
- I prepare interesting ICT based material when there is a need.
- I plan my lesson in such a way that time is utilized optimally.
- I mark books and give back the next day.
IMPLEMENTING INSTRUCTION
- I never waste instructional time by being late to class, by taking too much time to switch on the projector etc.
- I have effective strategies for ensuring that homework is handed to me by all students on time.
- All students have a chance to express themselves during the class in a structured manner.
- I have eye contact with all students.
- If a student asks a doubt, I make it a chance to explain it to the whole class.
- I move around the classroom a lot.
- I provide feedback (verbal, nonverbal and written).
- I always give doable homework.
MONITORING STUDENT PROGRESS AND POTENTIAL
- I design good tests that are doable yet challenging.
- I give constructive comments and feedback on how to improve.
- I give extra help after poor test performance by some students.
- I prepare students well for tests.
- I ask questions during the class to check for understanding.
- I ask questions to all students to check for understanding during class.
- I re-teach after assessment to correct gaps in student learning.
- I contact parents whenever there is a need.
PROFESSIONALISM
- I keep learning about my profession, how to teach better, and to improve my subject knowledge.
- I don’t mix the personal and the professional.
- I keep accurate records.
- I submit records on time.
- I am careful about my work .
- I attend all meetings and other workshops for my professional development.
- I don’t believe that I am a perfect teacher: I know that I have a lot to learn even though I am experienced and qualified.
- I perform assigned duties.
- I implement school policies.
- I work for the betterment of the whole school: not just my subject.
- I volunteer to assist other teachers.
- I treat my colleagues and superiors with respect at all times.
- I meet deadlines all the time.
There! Any teacher who aspires to greatness in his/her profession will internalize these pieces of wisdom, and act accordingly.