1	Characteristics of Effective Teachers Research Project submitted by Education Capstone Seminar Students Spring 2008
2	Attitude An effective teacher Is energetic Has no “bad days” Uses various teaching techniques Doesn’t get discouraged Realizes no one technique is effective for all students Thinks positively Doesn’t jump to conclusions
3	Attitude, continued Focuses on teaching students not subjects Establishes a sense of family in the classroom Sees every encounter as an opportunity for students to learn Displays pride in the profession Realizes failing a student is not power, it is defeat Uses praise Inspires others to do their best
4	Competency An effective teacher Relates content to real world context Provides practical applications Has high verbal ability which relates to student achievement Relates content to the bigger picture Varies teaching style Always looks for improvement
5	Competency , continued Provides strong links to subject matter with ways to teach it- schemata Participates in professional development activities Knows what’s going on beyond the classroom Provides two types of feedback – informational and acknowledgement Demonstrates knowledge of discipline and pedagogy Is mission driven
6	Classroom Management An effective teacher Is accepting of mistakes Is a motivator Emphasizes strengths and not weaknesses Displays good organization Does what he/she says he/she’s going to do Makes students feel comfortable Has structure Is prepared Enforces consistency in policies Has high standards of conduct and academics Plans lessons with room for flexibility Is strict but not too strict Is prepared for teachable moment
7	Classroom Management, continued Has presence (moves and speaks in controlled and captivating way) Provides stimulating environment allowing for curiosity and appropriate risk taking Knows what students need before planning objectives Holds discussions and provides meaningful cooperation Uses technology to increase the depth of student involvement Displays with-it-ness Builds success into class Is proactive Realize discipline precedes learning
8	Dispositions An effective teacher Is caring Is understanding Has good listening skills Is respectful to students Is helpful to students Has passion for the profession Builds positive relationship with students Has enthusiasm Is compassionate Is egalitarian – believes in equality Has sense of humor
9	Dispositions, continued Has emotional stability Is creative Is honest Has patience Has the ability to challenge and motivate students Is novel (new and different) Is empathetic Encourages learning Does no harm Is non- discriminatory Displays confidence not arrogance Provides for individualization Gives constant support to students Says something to every student everyday Uses head and heart equally Explains clearly Know appropriate verbal and non verbal communication Is authentic Is alive Is flexible
10	Practical Knowledge An effective teacher Is concerned with schedules and outside activities Knows how to respond to situations Captures teachable moments Realizes not all techniques work all the time Adapts instruction to students’ level of knowledge and skill Provides feedback to students
11	Reference List The Ten Commandments of Good Teaching by Vickie Gill 10 Traits of Highly Effective Teachers by Elaine K. McEwan Teaching Tips: The Effective Teacher, electronic resource www.ilr.Cornell.edu Teaching for Excellence by Robert E. Glenn
12	Teachers of the Year Minnesota North Carolina Florida Illinois Iowa Idaho California Texas New York Hawaii Wisconsin