Content Knowledge
Human Development and Learning
Diversity
Planning for Instruction
Learning Environment
Instructional Delivery
Communication
Assessment
Collaborative Relationships
Reflection and Professional Growth
Professional Conduct
An effective teacher must show knowledge of the content being taught in the classroom. If a teacher does not demonstrate such knowledge, the students will not have a positive learning environment to develop. A teacher must be prepared to learn more about the discipline that they are teaching. Mastery of a subject does not happen overnight. A teacher must stay current with the disciplines he is teaching in order to master the disciplines. Also, a teacher must find a way to integrate all of the disciplines into the lessons to show the students the value of all the subjects they are studying.
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Human Development and Learning
A teacher must demonstrate knowledge of his students’ diverse learning styles and multiple intelligences. There are many strategies a teacher can embrace to accomplish this virtue. Differentiated instruction, hands-on activities, and individual student attention are just a few strategies a teacher may use. A teacher must know his students to achieve this goal. During the course of the school year assessments will give the teacher the best data to properly identify each student. Previous records, placement tests, and informal assessments provide the teacher with more information to address each student in the classroom. Proper planning is also an essential part of this process. If a teacher does not plan a lesson to engage all of the diverse learners in the classroom he will not achieve the ultimate goal of engaging and informing his students.
An effective teacher sets clear goals and expectations for all of his students during those first days of school. A teacher must identify each of his diverse learners and develop appropriate lessons that embrace the multiple learning styles he encounters. Once a teacher identifies the students, he can make modifications to the lessons. These modifications do not go unnoticed. All of the students realize that their teacher understands how they learn. This approach can have a life-long impact on the students. The teacher should use reflections of lessons, assessments, and student feedback to assist with modifications that are necessary for the students.
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Planning for Instruction
A teacher that has well developed lesson plans will have students that are engaged with the lesson. Creative, innovative lessons allow for the teacher the opportunity to capture students’ interest. The lessons should embrace the diverse students learning styles and should include hands-on activities. The teacher must find multiple assessments to measure the students’ understanding of the content. Also, reflecting on the lessons after teaching the lesson gives the teacher the opportunity to make the changes that might be necessary to keep the students’ interests high.
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Learning Environment
A teacher must have a firm grasp on classroom management before any learning takes place in the classroom. Consistent routines and procedures are imperative for student success. Also, a clear consistent behavior plan should be addressed during the first days of school. If a teacher does not have a consistent, clear management plan, the students will not have the structure that is necessary for a positive learning environment. I have always embraced this virtue, and I have been told I have had a grasp on classroom management since the start of my internship.
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Instructional Delivery
If a teacher does not show enthusiasm and passion for the subject being taught, he will struggle when trying to engage the students into the lesson. A teacher should value the importance of good discussions in the classroom. Allowing students to interpret the content in their own words not only helps them with assessments, but it also prepares them socially for life outside the classroom. A teacher that is enthusiastic and passionate about the content will have a contagious effect on his students. Therefore, a teacher must show enthusiasm as it is a contagious virtue that will benefit the students in and out of the classroom. [Back to top]
An effective teacher must feel comfortable communicating with staff, students, parents, and members of the community. A teacher can do this with newsletters, phone calls home, collaborating with colleagues, and communicating via the listserv. Also, a teacher should model good communication skills and positive body language at all times when students are present. I have not had the chance to have a great line of communication with some of my students’ parents. However, parent-teacher conferences are approaching quickly.
Attached is a newsletter I sent to the parents of my 5th grade students.
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Assessment
A teacher must utilize multiple assessment strategies to measure the students’ understanding of the content. There are different types of assessments the teacher can use to accomplish this virtue. Using tools such as rubrics, essays, portfolios, and journals allow for a broad range of assessments that gives the students an opportunity to display their multiple intelligences. Also, reflecting on the students’ assessments gives the teacher the opportunity to make corrections for future assessments. If a teacher does not utilize multiple assessment strategies, he will not be able to fully assess each and every individual learner in his classroom. Moreover, little to no reflections on the assessments will result in future troubles with future students.
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Collaborative Relationships
This virtue is a clear indicator of the teacher candidate’s character and his ability to work with other members of the school’s staff. An effective teacher knows the importance of having a positive relationship with every staff member, from top to bottom. This cohesion sets the tone for the students. I believe I have embraced this virtue from day one. I collaborate and reflect with my mentor daily. Also, I have attended grade level, SILT, and village meetings during my first few weeks.
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Reflection and Professional Growth
A teacher must reflect on lessons and assessments to improve future instruction. Self-reflections are a valuable tool for a teacher. He can use these reflections to modify lessons for his diverse students, to alter classroom management strategies, and to identify pedagogical skills that need to be honed. Another resourceful reflection tool is feedback from mentors or colleagues. This type of feedback can enlighten the teacher on the exact strategies he must embrace to develop professionally. A teacher may reflect in many different forms. A written journal, conversations with colleagues, and simply taking five minutes to think about the day’s events are all wonderful reflection tools.
Attached is a journal reflection I completed during my Phase II placement.
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Professional Conduct
Every teacher has their own philosophy of education. However, most philosophies embrace similar practices based on current research. Applying differentiated instruction and embracing the constructivist approach are visible in most personal philosophies. A philosophy that is not supported in instruction is not a viable philosophy. A teacher can discuss and believe in his philosophy, yet if he consistently sways away from those beliefs the students will be impacted in a negative way.
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