A survey done by J. William Towne about “The Ten Commonalities of Great Teachers” led me to reflect first the definition of a great teacher or I may say a fully committed teacher.
I believe that great or fully committed teachers are those that have passion, desire, and drive combined that form an intense intrinsic motivation to act. They have heart that moves them to continually put the advantage of her pupils first. These leads them to attend professional development, listen to advices and do strategies necessary for the flow of learning. Their motivation is not to get a certificate but to improve their teaching capabilities for the benefit of their pupils. I also accept as true that these teachers also heed to counsel and advises. They embrace new teaching models, such as co – teaching and technology in the classroom. They are thirsty for information and seek to not only hone their skills, but to share them with others. They are open, resourceful and ready to learn. I feel that it is also important to these teachers to self – evaluate, study, research, observe, and adjust, all without prodding from department heads and administration.
And aside from that according to what I have read in the article about education since teachers are the most important aspect of education reform they are also expected to find ways of overcoming every obstacle to classroom success, and let no flawed legislation, shortsighted assessment test, or close-minded administrator stand in their way.
Being a teacher for more than ten years, I believe that these skills when practiced will indeed help me to become a better teacher in time.
1. Solicit Student Input
We are not the only knowledgeable person inside the classroom. Our pupils also have data that when drawn out can also give us information. So great or fully committed teachers solicit and involve pupil on things such as planning, implementing, and evaluating assignments. They believe that if their pupils have a hand in the decision-making process, they are much more likely to perform well.
2. Build Individual Relationships
Great or fully committed teachers know each of their pupils by first names, know what each of their pupils like and don’t like, and their fears and dreams. They see and treat each pupil as an individual and build on each relationship throughout the year.
3. Focus on the Whole Child
Great or fully committed teachers don’t just focus on test scores; they focus on integrated child learning. While the academic side is important, they don’t forget there’s more to child development than just academics, regardless of what the curriculum states.
4. Make the Learning Fun & Relevant
Great or fully committed teachers always find ways to make the lesson at hand fun because they believe the more interesting that they make it, the more their pupils will want to learn what they have to teach. They are creative that they incorporate things like music, art, food, games, and humor into the lesson and do it in a way that’s relevant to their pupils’ lives. They are make their classroom fun and enjoyable for their pupils.
5. Use Hands-On Lessons
Great or fully committed teachers use hands-on lessons and projects to reach multiple learning abilities and do very little formal lecturing. They find ways to liven it up by getting their pupils out of their seats.
6. Build Teams
Great or fully committed teachers actively build effective teams with other teachers, administrators, and parents. “No man is an island” is an old saying that fits teachers too. Even if they can’t get parental involvement, they try to compensate for it by involving respected community members and experienced co-workers.
7. Incorporate Technology
Great or fully committed teachers know that technology is a resource that cannot be ignored. They incorporate it as a tool to enhance their teaching in various ways. They use it with the pupils to make lessons fun, and even use it to have electronic grade books.
8. Take Risks
Great or fully committed teachers often take risks, actively going against the norm to develop new models and programs. They do not respect the status quo when a program is not working. Don’t sit around waiting for it to improve, take the initiative and change it yourself.
9. Master Your Craft
Great or fully committed teachers are never satisfied with where they are professionally and always strive to improve. They have mastered their subject matter, yet always continue their professional development. Many great teachers have advance degrees and/or are continually learning to better their craft.
10. Write Grants / Solicit Sponsors
Great or fully committed teachers also have the ability to write or look for or solicit sponsors to help overcome the lack of school funding. They do not use a lack of money as an excuse to teach poorly.
Well these skills that I feel when incorporated in my day to day activities will hone me to become a fully committed teacher not only in academics but also in life experiences. But while these ten commonalities provide a framework of what to do to become great or fully committed, I also believe that I will need to develop my own specific methods within it. This provides an enormous amount of latitude and creative opportunity for me as a teacher.
By: by: Nanette S. Sarile MT-1 Limay District
