1. A highly effective teacher: An individual view:
I believe that a highly effective teacher is mission driven and passionate. The teacher
brings learner oriented teaching to life with purposeful goals and knowledge relevant to what
they want the learner to achieve, while teaching to the curriculum with the needs of their
students in mind. I believe that teachers who demonstrate curiosity and passion about the craft
and subject area are subject to motivate their students to assume ownership and accountability
to learning. These educators seek to create new knowledge of intellectual argumentation,
cooperative problem solving and laying the groundwork for life long collaboration as best
practices within the educational paradigm.
An effective teacher exhibits attributes and traits that get ultimate results. He/she leads
and positively affects the lives of students, parents, and other stakeholders. The person
demonstrates caring, empathy, respect and fairness, elements which are critical to the
classroom best practices. The practitioner, is able to implement effective instructional
pedagogy, while having a philosophy and a structural plan. The person must be able to show
principles and abilities that lead all students to positive student outcomes. Further, I believe an
effective teacher has to have a substantive thought life whereby they are able to reflect and
respond to the demands of the profession.
Consequently, an effective teacher is really a strategically whole and engaged person
with students, colleagues, parents and community. Professionally and personally with habits
of mind they are responsive to the flexibility, changing needs, and demands of the profession.
As an individual the person is able to offer equitable treatment to all stakeholders along with
the creation of spaces for the human spirit to thrive and excel within the classroom
environment.