The document discusses research conducted on perceptions of exemplary teachers. 10 participants from various backgrounds including students, parents, and professionals were interviewed. The research found that exemplary teachers are seen as role models who encourage creativity, continuous learning, and collaboration between teachers, parents, and students. They ensure a supportive learning environment and understand students' individual strengths and weaknesses. However, views differed based on participants' age, education background, and other demographic factors. The research highlighted the importance of understanding different perspectives on quality teaching.

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Exemplary Teachers
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Exemplary Teacher
Teachers play a crucial role in the life of a learner. They are essential in the learner's
performance outcome. The parent's guardians, benefactors, and the society at large work towards
the learners' success. Proper direction and motivation are needed to help the learner perform to
the best of their capability. A teacher's work has become quite demanding in the current world
due to integrating people from different backgrounds, races, and ethnic groups. It is through the
exemplary performance of a student that the teacher feels accomplished. For a long time, an
exemplary teacher has been weighed based on the student's performance (Duke et al., 2018).
However, there are different criteria used in defining the exemplary performance of a teacher.
Therefore, a teacher's effectiveness is paramount to offer the best to the learners based on their
different backgrounds, gender, and abilities. It is therefore essential to analyze an exemplary
teacher. The paper will involve conducting primary research to determine the different beliefs
people possess based on exemplary teachers and quality teaching. It will also explain the
importance of the identified qualities in high-quality teaching.
Reflection
Methods

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Participants. The research aims to identify the beliefs and perceptions of a different group of
people. Diverse groups of people have varied perceptions and beliefs concerning exemplary
teachers. The interview was conducted with different groups that included parents, students, and
professionals from various fields to evaluate the research question. The research participants
composed of six females and four males aged between 19-62 years. The ages were considered
since they were familiar with the education system and the role of a teacher. Two of the
participants were college students, while the rest were adults in different professions. Based on
the diversity in the education system, the participants were individuals from different ethnic
groups. This was also a mode of reducing any bias that might result from the collected data. Two
of the participants were workers in elementary schools: one was a private school worker while
the other was a public school worker. Four of the participants worked in a governmental
organization. Out of the ten participants, eight were parents whose children were in different
academic levels.
Data collection. Data was collected through the administration of semi-structured interviews.
Individuals were researched separately on their perception and understanding of exemplary
teacher and their qualities. The interview duration for each participant was 20 minutes. The
obtained responses were recorded in a digital tape, and later the process of transcribing the
interviews that were recorded commenced. Individuals responded to the interview based on their
experiences and beliefs of the subject matter. English was used as the language of the interview
since all the participants were conversant with the language.

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Data analysis. Data was analyzed through a qualitative approach, and similar responses were
grouped. The transcribed interview revealed different understanding, beliefs, and perceptions of
exemplary teachers. Groping of information based on the responses' similarities will help reduce
the bulk of the collected data. It will also help in the discussion and interpretation of information.
Findings and Discussions
The research revealed that exemplary teachers possess high professional expertise levels
and offer high psychological development. Based on how they live and act, they consistently
instill the same virtues to the learners. They are, therefore, role models to the learners. They
encourage creativity and provide a conducive learning environment for learners to develop
intellectual culture. The governmental organizations' participants described exemplary teachers
as individuals with high reflective capability who can understand the values behind different
decisions and choices (Jacques et al., 2017). They held in the development of intra and
interpersonal knowledge essential in formulation and structuring of their classroom's social and
physical characteristics. They understand the importance of knowledge development and
inculcating good habits and behaviors when they are at a tender age since knowledge acquisition
is a long time journey.
The exemplary teachers capitalize on the child's development to create an involving
environment encouraging learning. Exemplary teachers uphold continuous learning in their
profession. Continuous learning ensures teachers are knowledgeable about the current world and
the environment around them. They interact with parents and their colleagues to understand
perceptions of learners' outcomes and understand the best approach to deal with them. Through

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interaction with others, such as parents and colleagues, they learn different academic approaches
relevant to the learner's excellence. These teachers are involved in deep search and understanding
their learner's interests, hobbies, and family background to develop their potential. Through
gathering this information, they can link up the child to external and real-world experiences.
Parents and guardians are the long-term teachers for the children. Exemplary teachers make
regular contact with the long-term teachers and help them understand their children's strengths
(Jacques et al., 2017). They help the parents understand their children's weaknesses to create a
collaborative environment through frequent communication. Exemplary teachers believe in
cooperation and collaboration between them and parents to attain the child's goal.
The participants revealed that an exemplary teacher is a resolver of disputes in the
confines of school. They help the learners live at peace by giving direction upon the rise of a
conflict. Choices have consequences, and teachers help the children think through daily decisions
and understand their choices' probable outcomes. Teachers establish an appropriate platform for
class interaction on both academic and life issues. Communication skills are key aspects of
children's lives as they interact with their peers (Jacques et al., 2016). The application of various
teaching methodologies to help the learners engage in the reflective process is a characteristic of
an exemplary teacher. The application of these methodologies helps learners link the class
teachings to the real world's subject matters. Learners can think critically and creatively in
demonstration of their learning. Learners can sometimes best learn from their peers, and
exemplary teachers ensure they can teach and learn different concepts from each other. The
teacher seizes opportunities and chances to help learners think through different problems or
intellectual aspects (Jacques et al., 2016). Learners are taught to inculcate life skills, such as

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admitting when they are in the wrong, being honest, and listening without interruption. The
exemplary teacher offers learners an opportunity for self-reflection and, therefore, critique their
works. This allows them to learn more and think through situations soberly for a perfect solution.
It also helps them realize there still more to learn daily.
Comparison
Similarities
Based on the research and my own beliefs and experiences, exemplary teachers
understand that learners need more than subjects taught in class to excel. They understand that
the integration of various players helps the child cope with challenges beyond the classroom and
school environment. Exemplary teachers offer more than the basics by developing the child's
psychological perspectives and preparing them for future encounters (Duke et al., 2018).
Learners are taught to develop independence and flexibility to cope with life challenges outside
the classroom arena. Exemplary teachers base their teachings on the learners, who are their major
subjects of concern. Therefore, the education system becomes student-centered, and the goals
and objectives of learning revolve around the wellbeing of a child. They develop skills, such as
honesty, empathy, and self-control, in the course of their profession.
High-quality teaching revolves around equitable and fair distribution of resources, which
is necessary for exemplary learner outcomes. A learner's success is determined by a combination

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of adequate and quality teachers with their learners' welfare at heart. Learners, especially in the
marginalized regions, lack access to high-quality teaching due to staff inadequacy (Jacques et al.,
2016). Exemplary teachers offer their best in the face of challenges for the good of their learners.
They devise different strategies and mechanisms for the good of their learners. Integrating
different players is their ultimate goal to ensure success in their academics and guaranteed
general life. The cognitive ability of the teacher plays a key role in the learner's outcome. They
set the rules for the class and help the learners understand what is expected of them. According to
Duke et al. (2018), students spend most of their quality time in the classroom. Therefore,
exemplary teachers ensure that a conducive classroom environment is maintained for their peace
and comfort. Therefore, teaching calls for patience and passion since multiple challenges may
cause the teachers to feel discouraged. The personality of the teacher determines the respect
accorded to them by their learners. A teacher's effectiveness is determined by the learner's
outcomes in the overall sphere of their lives. Having control over the class is fundamental for an
effective teacher.
Differences
Based on the research, exemplary teachers focus on collaborative learning. Learners are
offered an opportunity to integrate and consolidate their thinking and brainstorm ideas together.
The teacher inculcates the spirit of cooperation to ensure every learner gains maximally from
both the teacher and their peers (Jacques et al., 2016). Most of the case assessments are based on
groupings where different groups are given various tasks to handle. For example, one group may
be expected to make a specific drawing while the other may be expected to make some painting.

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During the group sessions, the weak learners are assisted by their peers in the same group to
understand the concepts. In my belief and experience, exemplary teachers offer independent
learning. They impart the learners' knowledge and apply the knowledge later in life experiences
and challenges (Jacques et al., 2017). Different learners possess different capabilities, and
therefore, exemplary teachers meet their needs independently to ensure they maximally exploit
their full potential. They understand the teaching needed for each learner based on their
capabilities. Exemplary teachers are aware and have a deep connection with their learners at a
personal level and therefore understand what can inhibit their performance.
Based on the research conducted, the participants depicted exemplary teachers as
individuals who majorly focus on the learners' academic wellbeing. Their sole purpose is to have
the learners excel in their academics, preparing them for the unpredictable future (Duke et al.,
2018). They believe that the learner's success depends on their academic performance and,
therefore, emphasizes their academic performance. In my belief and experience, exemplary
teachers believe in developing the educational, social, and physical aspects of the learner.
Exemplary teachers have a strategized mechanism to ensure learners' growth in the different
dimensions (Jacques et al., 2016). They, therefore, have a clear understanding of the learner's
needs and incorporate those of learners with special needs. They understand what aspects work
best for the learners' overall growth and development. They have records and well-stored data
that act as a guide in understanding the needs of the learners. Based on the outcomes after
assessments, the teachers can guide each learner effectively and offer the opportunity to express
themselves. Exemplary teachers have a well-stipulated structure to correct behavior to ensure

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good behavior to the learners. This results in development and growth in every aspect of their
lives.
Critical reflection
The interpretation for quality teaching was influenced by the age difference of the
participants and their academic backgrounds. There has been a great transition in the mode of
teaching. The traditional teaching model has been replaced by new and current strategies to
ensure the learner's overall development is achieved (Jacques et al., 2016). With the increased
competition in the job market, the overall development of an individual is paramount. The
teaching dynamics aim to exploit the learner's full potential and help them grow in their talents
and abilities to be well equipped to face the future. A large percentage of the learners were above
40 years, resulting in differences in their beliefs and personal experiences. The difference in the
educational backgrounds is a factor that contributed to the differences in the outcomes. The
participants were from different racial backgrounds and financial capabilities. The experiences
were different, and therefore, the disparity might have resulted in alterations in the perception
and beliefs of quality teaching and exemplary teachers' characteristics.
Research in teaching is essential to help the teacher understand the best approach in
administering quality and effective education to the learner. It helps to make a substantial step
towards understanding the learner's needs and the curriculum's relevance in meeting all learners'
needs, including those challenged in various areas. Through research, it is possible to incorporate
new strategies and develop new approaches for effective learning outcomes (Jacques et al.,
2016). Research helps identify any existing gap in teaching that can be incorporated for

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exemplary learner's performance. The conducted research will guide my profession and help
build cooperation and teamwork for effective learner outcomes. The responses provided will help
shape my skills as an exemplary teacher.
Application of a large sample size would have helped understand the different groups'
perceptions of the teaching quality. The applied data may not effectively reflect the
characteristics of an effective teacher. However, the research was a learning process since it has
helped in interpreting different players' views. It has helped in understanding the interpretation of
qualitative data. Qualitative and quantitative strategies will act as essential tools in my practice
as a teacher to understand the students' various needs based on the obtained statistics. Action
research will be applied in dealing with the real-life situations that occur in class settings.
References
Duke, N. K., Cervetti, G. N., & Wise, C. N. (2018). Learning from exemplary teachers of
literacy. The Reading Teacher, 71(4), 395-400.
Jacques, C., Behrstock-Sherratt, E., Parker, A., Bassett, K., Allen, M., Bosso, D., & Olson, D.
(2017). Investing in what it takes to move from good to great: exemplary educators
identify their most important learning experiences. American Institutes for Research.

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Jacques, C., Weber, G., Bosso, D., Olson, D., & Bassett, K. (2016). Great to influential: Teacher
leaders' roles in supporting instruction. American Institutes for Research.