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From the Chalkboard: Holding students accountable
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Anonymous user Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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0 responses 0 comments This is the second of a three-part series dealing with the educational team consisting of student, teacher and parent.
In the last issue we discussed the important role parents play in the education of their children. This issue we will discuss the role of the teacher. Study after study shows the single most important factor in a quality education is the quality of the teacher. Teaching is one of the most demanding professions in today’s world. It requires broad knowledge in subject matter, a love of learning, great organizational skills, age-appropriate disciplinary techniques, and a love for children. No wonder it is hard to find great teachers! 
While parents, and students themselves, play important roles, the teacher –– who spends more waking hours with students than any other person –– can be the main determiner as it relates to student success. Here are some characteristics of great teachers.
1. Great teachers value each student in spite of poor performance or disciplinary problems. They set high expectations and don’t give up, encouraging students to develop their full potential.
2. Great teachers establish strong relationships with their students. They are accessible, caring and sensitive to the various needs of all students.
3. Great teachers communicate with parents, for they understand the important role parents play in assisting and encouraging students to achieve. They are quick to contact the home if problems arise.
4. Great teachers are organized and prepared. They plan lessons that are interesting. They are enthusiastic and keep students motivated with a variety of approaches.
5.  Great teachers are team players. They work well with others on the teaching team. They understand that great accomplishments result from the collaborative efforts of many individuals working toward common goals.
6. Great teachers are loyal. They understand that loyalty is an integral part of good relationships. They are loyal to their students, their fellow teachers, and their administrators.
7. Great teachers are masters of their subjects. They are lifelong learners and continue to gain new knowledge in their respective fields. They instill a hunger in their students to learn more on their own.
8. Great teachers maintain a positive attitude in spite of negative obstacles. They have a good sense of humor and mix fun and the lighter side of life at the appropriate time.
9. Great teachers understand a basic principle: praise in public, criticize in private. No student should be put down by a hurtful or sarcastic comment.
10. Great teachers choose to be professional.  Whether it is arriving on time, showing up for yard duty, meeting deadlines or through choices of attire, they make a conscious effort to hold themselves to a high standard of performance and a more demanding code of conduct.
A great teacher still remains a human being like you and me. It is obvious that the qualities listed above are useful to keep in mind to be or become a great teacher, but they are only a few of the qualities teachers need to survive in today’s environment.
On a personal note, I’m not sure my favorite teachers were the smartest or the most organized, but they made me feel special. They were kind, patient, understanding, and caring. 


Next issue: The effective student.

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