The document discusses the important role that teachers play in student learning and success. It summarizes research showing that teacher effectiveness has one of the greatest impacts on student achievement. An effective teacher can increase the chances of academic success for students, even if the school is otherwise ineffective. The document also quotes authors who state that as reading teachers, they have the potential to change lives and society by developing students' reading skills. Overall, the key points are that research shows teachers have a significant impact on student learning and success, effective teachers can help students succeed even in ineffective schools, and teaching reading can positively change lives and society.

1. The Teacher Makes the Difference
Research has continually shown that an effective teacher in the classroom
makes a significant difference, According to a study documented by Robert J.
Marzano (2003), “the most important factor affecting student learning is the
teacher. The clear implication of this finding is that more can be done to improve
education by improving the effectiveness of teachers” (p. 72). Schools operate
effectively based on the leadership placement in both administration and in within
the classroom. Research shows that even if a school is ineffective, then a strong
teacher in the classroom increases the chances of students’ academic success.
I really love the quote from a book in one of my courses that said: “There is
nothing in this world that can replace the power of an effective classroom teacher.”
I think about the influence that teachers can have by not only molding
impressionable minds to critically think, but I also think about the ideals teachers
can potentially instill in their students: respect, thoughtfulness, manners,
enthusiasm, and creativity. Students will follow the lead of their teacher. If a
teacher has high expectations and hold students to that standard with love and
encouragement, then the students will accept it and follow accordingly.
D. Ray Reutzel and Robert B. Cooter Jr (2011), authors of Teaching Children to
Read: The Teacher Makes the Difference, say that “reading is the gateway to social
justice, your role as a reading teacher has the potential of changing lives and,
therefore, our society” (p. 5). As teachers we have an incredible opportunity to
shape lives in positive ways. As corny as it may sound, it is also very true that with
such an incredibly opportunity, we also have an immense responsibility. We are
responsible to also hold ourselves to a high standard as we also hold our students.
This standard includes continually developing ourselves as professionals, daily being
prepared, intentionally seeing each student as an individual and their part in the
class as a whole, and purposefully engaging students in learning. If we can do these

2. things, then I really believe, at the core, that students will not only be successful in
their academic endeavors, but they will continue on in their lives with confidence
and determination to succeed in the future.

3. References
Marzano, Robert J. (2003). What Works in Schools. Alexandria: Association for
Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).
Ruetzel, D. Ray and Cooter Robert B. Jr. (2011). Teaching children to read: Seventh
edition. New Jersey: Pearson Education Publishing Company.