The Best...
Over the past couple of weeks I've been talking with a number of teachers, administrators, parents, and other members of the school community about what the best educators do differently than everyone else. I know that there have been a number of books written on this topic including What Great Teachers do Differently by @ToddWhitaker. This book has informed many of the thoughts within this post however; I will explain the six things that I feel the best educators do better than everyone else.
The best educators invest more time into their work.
The best educators are not clock or contract watchers; they realize that their responsibility of educating students never stops, regardless of the time commitment. The best educators are passionate about their students, the subject they teach, and most importantly in the connections that they make with their kids. The best have high expectations for students but even higher expectations for themselves. The best educators will not stop until they've met the needs of all students and established connections that will last a lifetime.
The best educators work effectively with parents and families at home.
They not only communicate and relay positive information, but also collaborate with families to problem solve. The best listen to parents and ask what works at home because no one knows the child quite like their family members. The best educators partner up to make sure students and families have a voice collectively to create opportunities for success.
The best educators collaborate effectively with their peers.
The best realize that the work is too important and big to do alone. Not only do the best educators learn from their peers, but also contribute their ideas for the improvement of the team.
The best educators are extremely positive.
The best educators invest more time into their work.
The best educators are not clock or contract watchers; they realize that their responsibility of educating students never stops, regardless of the time commitment. The best educators are passionate about their students, the subject they teach, and most importantly in the connections that they make with their kids. The best have high expectations for students but even higher expectations for themselves. The best educators will not stop until they've met the needs of all students and established connections that will last a lifetime.
The best educators work effectively with parents and families at home.
They not only communicate and relay positive information, but also collaborate with families to problem solve. The best listen to parents and ask what works at home because no one knows the child quite like their family members. The best educators partner up to make sure students and families have a voice collectively to create opportunities for success.
The best educators collaborate effectively with their peers.
The best realize that the work is too important and big to do alone. Not only do the best educators learn from their peers, but also contribute their ideas for the improvement of the team.
The best educators are incredible classroom managers.
The best have strong classroom procedures, routines, and are intentional with every move. They not only manage students effectively, but also manage themselves, by not showing frustration, anger, or using sarcasm. The best educators never yell, never use sarcasm, and they treat everyone with dignity and respect 100% of the time (10 days out of 10). The best develop comprehensive instructional plans for each day beginning with the end in mind. They are always conscious of the amount of time that they have for a lesson, unit, or a semester worth of content. The best realize that strong classroom management allows additional instructional time which ultimately increases student achievement.
The best have strong classroom procedures, routines, and are intentional with every move. They not only manage students effectively, but also manage themselves, by not showing frustration, anger, or using sarcasm. The best educators never yell, never use sarcasm, and they treat everyone with dignity and respect 100% of the time (10 days out of 10). The best develop comprehensive instructional plans for each day beginning with the end in mind. They are always conscious of the amount of time that they have for a lesson, unit, or a semester worth of content. The best realize that strong classroom management allows additional instructional time which ultimately increases student achievement.
The best educators focus on the things that they can control and then ensure they are taking a positive approach each and every day. Teaching is hard because it matters. The best educators face challenges head-on and model the behavior they expect in others while remaining positive in all situations.
The best educators are extremely reflective.
The best educators are constantly reflecting on their lessons, decisions, and continually ask, "What could I have done differently to make this better?" The best educators do not look out the window, instead they look in the mirror, especially when times are tough.
I feel very fortunate to work with superstar teachers at @EpworthElem and @FESBobcats who display many of these characteristics. We have great schools because of the dedicated educators who are committed to continuous improvement.
Dan, great job my friend. Your comments are spot on. We can never underestimate the impact of our classroom teachers, They are truly the difference makers for our children, but as leaders, we also play a vital role in selecting, developing and supporting them on a daily basis. Thank you for what you do to support teaching & learning in your community. I am confident EpworthElem knows they have a great leader in you! - jimmy
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments, Jimmy. As leaders, we have the responsibility to model what we expect. It is my responsibility to model all of these characteristics. Your leadership inspires me. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dan. Your list resonates completely with me. I will share it with colleagues and I'm sure it will provoke conversations and reflection.
ReplyDelete(Please tell me where you got your images. I particularly like a few of them and would like to maybe use them; I don't see a source or citation.)
Thank you, Debbie. I'm glad that you have found some points to share with others. Images are simply from Google Images.
DeleteDan this is a great list! My favorite two are the ones that deal with time and collaboration. You make a great point that great teachers do not watch the clock and they do not worry about what the contract says. They do what they have to do to get it done. I also like the emphasis on collaboration. This is an invaluable skill that is often undervalued, but ever so critical when building a strong team. Excellent piece!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments, Jon. Collaboration is so incredibly necessary in today's world. So grateful that I work with superstars who exemplify so many of these traits.
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DeleteDan, I always find myself appreciating the wavelength you're on, and the leadership style you convey. This blog post only reinforces that sense. It also serves to remind that our values, as school leaders, should never waver, particularly this time of year. Whether we are nearing completion of the school year or have just entered the summer phase, reflection on what we've committed ourselves to do daily, and doing better, is a critical focal point for us to keep.
ReplyDeleteEach of these you mention is vital (and non-negotiable). However, to commit to being reflective indicates someone who is never satisfied with their current state, or the status quo. Reflection is what makes for a better learner, a better teacher, and a better leader. We need to invite more conversations about that, for everyone's sake.
Outstanding post, once again, Dan! Thanks for sharing and keeping those who read your work, focused on striving to be "the best" we can be.
~ Dennis
Dennis,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments and continued support. Reflection is so critical in the improvement process. Even when things are going well, we must ask why and focus on the process and the decisions that we made. When we have a solid process, the results will take care of themselves. Thank you again for your kind words, Dennis.
Thank you, Dan. I think your "best educators" characteristics are so true. Often as teachers we don't get a lot of validation but looking at this list can help great teachers feel some validation when they see themselves in these descriptions. It can also be a wake-up call to those that just put in enough time and effort to get by - maybe there is more they can do to rise to the top & make a difference!
ReplyDeleteJen,
DeleteThank you so much for your comments. Great teaching makes all of the difference, and as I tell our staff members daily, we have an amazing school because of our great people. Your support is so very much appreciated.
Dan - I'm going to make a poster of your list! Putting more time in the pursuit of learning for all is huge. Learning has no time limits, and neither should we. I believe that being an educator is a calling, a mission, and a 24/7 endeavor. Your list speaks to the dispositions of effective educators, and I am glad to see "putting the time in" at the top of your list. Thanks for the morning lift!
ReplyDeleteJim,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, and thoughtful response. We have an obligation to reach all kids and that cannot simply be done from 8:00-3:30 Monday-Friday. Teaching is a calling or a life's work. I cannot imagine doing anything else. Thank you.
Dan
Dan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great post. I especially appreciate #1. I have never been a clock watcher, or have believed my day begins and ends with the kids. Teaching is who I am, not what I do. I can't just turn it off. Many people, even teachers, don't truly understand that, so I thank you for recognizing and acknowledging those of us who never really feel "off the clock".
Michele,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words within the comment. I agree that teaching is a calling and is certainly not for the faint of heart. It's who we are as educators and what we do. You're so right, we are never off the clock and the reason why is because what we do matters every single day. I appreciate you taking the time to read this post and providing a comment. Thank you.
Dan