What Great Teachers Do Differently

1. Focus on People, Not Programs: Great Teachers Make the Difference

It is never about programs; it is always about people.

Great teachers are the key. Programs come and go, but effective educators understand that the quality of a school depends on its teachers. No matter how innovative or well-funded a program may be, its success ultimately rests on the teachers implementing it.

People skills matter most. The best teachers excel not just in subject knowledge, but in their ability to connect with students, motivate them, and create a positive learning environment. They understand that teaching happens between people, and they prioritize building relationships with their students.

• Characteristics of great teachers:
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to adapt to individual student needs
  • Consistent positive attitude
  • High expectations for themselves and their students
  • Focus on student growth and learning, not just test scores

2. Set High Expectations for Yourself and Your Students

Great teachers have high expectations for students but even higher expectations for themselves.

Hold yourself to the highest standard. Effective teachers understand that their own performance sets the tone for the entire classroom. They continually strive to improve their teaching methods, expand their knowledge, and refine their skills.

Believe in your students' potential. While maintaining high expectations for students is important, great teachers go beyond this by demonstrating unwavering belief in each student's ability to learn and grow. They provide the support and encouragement necessary for students to meet these high standards.

• Ways to set and maintain high expectations:
  • Regularly reflect on and evaluate your own teaching practices
  • Provide challenging but achievable tasks for students
  • Offer specific, constructive feedback to help students improve
  • Celebrate student progress and achievements
  • Model the behavior and work ethic you expect from your students

3. Take Responsibility: You Are the Variable in Your Classroom

Good teachers consistently strive to improve, and they focus on something they can control: their own performance.

Embrace your power to effect change. Great teachers understand that they have the most significant influence on their classroom environment and student outcomes. Instead of blaming external factors, they focus on what they can control and improve.

Continuous improvement is key. Effective educators constantly reflect on their practices, seek feedback, and adjust their approach based on student needs and outcomes. They view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.

• Ways to take responsibility in your classroom:
  • Regularly assess the effectiveness of your teaching strategies
  • Seek feedback from students, colleagues, and administrators
  • Be open to trying new approaches when current methods aren't working
  • Address problems proactively rather than reactively
  • Model accountability for your actions and decisions to your students

4. Create a Positive Atmosphere and Use the Power of Praise

Every time I praise someone, at least two people feel better—and one of them is me.

Positivity is contagious. Great teachers understand the profound impact of a positive classroom atmosphere on student motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes. They consciously work to create an environment where students feel valued, supported, and encouraged to take risks in their learning.

Effective praise is a powerful tool. The best teachers use praise strategically to reinforce desired behaviors and boost student confidence. They understand that praise should be specific, sincere, and focused on effort and progress rather than innate abilities.

• Characteristics of effective praise:
  • Authentic: Genuinely recognize real achievements
  • Specific: Highlight exactly what was done well
  • Immediate: Provide feedback as soon as possible after the behavior
  • Clean: Avoid attaching conditions or criticism
  • Private: When appropriate, praise individually to avoid comparisons

5. Be Intentional: Have a Plan and Purpose for Everything You Do

Great teachers have a plan and purpose for everything they do. If plans don't work out the way they had envisioned, they reflect on what they could have done differently and adjust accordingly.

Purposeful planning leads to better outcomes. Effective teachers approach every aspect of their work with intentionality. They have clear objectives for each lesson, activity, and interaction with students, and they consistently evaluate the effectiveness of their approaches.

Flexibility is crucial. While having a plan is important, great teachers also understand the need to adapt when things don't go as expected. They view setbacks as learning opportunities and use them to refine their strategies.

• Elements of intentional teaching:
  • Clear learning objectives for each lesson
  • Thoughtful selection of teaching strategies and materials
  • Proactive classroom management techniques
  • Regular reflection on teaching practices
  • Willingness to adjust methods based on student needs and feedback

6. Base Decisions on What the Best People Will Think

Before making any decision or attempting to bring about any change, great teachers ask themselves one central question: What will the best people think?

Focus on your top performers. Effective teachers understand that their most engaged, motivated students often set the tone for the entire class. By considering how their best students will react to decisions and changes, teachers can create an environment that encourages excellence from everyone.

Elevate expectations, don't lower them. Instead of catering to the lowest common denominator, great teachers use their high-achieving students as a benchmark for class expectations. This approach challenges all students to rise to a higher standard.

• Benefits of this decision-making approach:
  • Creates a culture of excellence in the classroom
  • Encourages all students to strive for improvement
  • Helps maintain high standards and expectations
  • Prevents alienating your most motivated learners
  • Provides a clear vision for classroom goals and achievements

7. Treat Everyone with Respect and Dignity Every Day

If everyone in a school is not treated with respect and dignity, you will never have anything special.

Consistency is key. Great teachers understand the importance of treating every person with respect, every single day. This consistent behavior builds trust, creates a positive classroom culture, and models the kind of interpersonal skills students need to develop.

Respect transcends behavior. Effective educators maintain a respectful attitude even when dealing with challenging students or situations. They understand that respect is not earned, but given freely, and that this approach often leads to improved behavior and engagement from students.

• Ways to demonstrate respect in the classroom:
  • Use polite language and a calm tone of voice at all times
  • Listen actively to student concerns and ideas
  • Acknowledge and validate students' feelings
  • Avoid public humiliation or embarrassment
  • Treat all students fairly, regardless of academic performance or behavior

8. Develop the Ability to Ignore Minor Issues

Great teachers have the ability to ignore trivial disturbances and the ability to respond to inappropriate behavior without escalating the situation.

Choose your battles wisely. Effective teachers understand that not every small infraction requires a response. By selectively ignoring minor issues, they maintain the flow of the lesson and avoid unnecessarily confrontational situations.

Focus on the big picture. Great teachers keep their attention on the most important aspects of classroom management and student learning. They understand that constantly nitpicking minor errors can discourage students and create a negative atmosphere.

• Benefits of selective ignoring:
  • Maintains a positive classroom atmosphere
  • Keeps the focus on learning rather than discipline
  • Prevents escalation of minor issues into major disruptions
  • Preserves student dignity and teacher-student relationships
  • Allows teachers to address more significant issues effectively

9. Put Yourself in Your Students' Position

Great teachers have empathy for students and clarity about how others see them.

Empathy enhances understanding. Effective teachers make a conscious effort to see situations from their students' perspectives. This approach helps them tailor their teaching methods, understand student behavior, and create a more supportive learning environment.

Self-awareness is crucial. Great teachers not only understand their students but also have a clear perception of how they come across to others. This self-awareness allows them to adjust their behavior and communication style to better connect with students.

• Ways to develop empathy and self-awareness:
  • Actively listen to student concerns and feedback
  • Reflect on your own experiences as a learner
  • Seek feedback from colleagues and students about your teaching style
  • Consider the diverse backgrounds and experiences of your students
  • Regularly put yourself in learning situations to remember what it feels like to be a student

10. Keep Standardized Testing in Perspective

Great teachers keep standardized testing in perspective. They focus on the real issue of student learning.

Balance is key. Effective teachers understand the importance of standardized tests in the current educational landscape, but they don't let these assessments dominate their teaching. They maintain a broader view of education that encompasses critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth.

Focus on comprehensive learning. Great teachers use standardized test preparation as just one part of a well-rounded educational approach. They understand that truly effective teaching goes beyond test scores to develop lifelong learners and well-rounded individuals.

• Strategies for balancing standardized testing and comprehensive education:
  • Integrate test preparation into regular instruction rather than treating it as a separate activity
  • Use test prep as an opportunity to reinforce critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Maintain a focus on subjects and skills not covered by standardized tests
  • Celebrate student growth and achievements beyond test scores
  • Communicate to students the limited scope of standardized tests in measuring their full potential and abilities

Last updated: August 22, 2024