What It Takes To Be An Excellent Teacher

Entering the teaching profession involves more than just completing the necessary training and certification. To truly stand out as a professional, you need to uphold high standards, give your best effort both in and out of the classroom, and build relationships grounded in mutual respect. If you're aiming to be a teacher, strive to excel by embodying professionalism in every aspect of your role.

Tip 1: Projecting a Professional Image

• Maintain a Polished Appearance

Your appearance plays a crucial role in how you’re perceived as a teacher. While dress codes may vary, it’s important to present yourself in a neat and professional manner. Avoid dressing like your students; instead, choose clothes that are modest, clean, and free from wrinkles or damage. You don’t have to wear formal attire, but aim for an appearance that reflects the professionalism of your role.

For example, you might opt for a skirt or trousers paired with a blouse or sweater, or slacks and a collared shirt, potentially with a sweater or jacket. Ensure your grooming is impeccable and avoid looking disheveled or overly casual.

• Exhibit Professional Behavior in Public

Remember that your actions outside of the classroom still reflect on you as a teacher and on the profession. Whether you’re at a social event or just out running errands, conduct yourself in a manner that garners respect. Avoid behaviors that could harm your reputation, such as public altercations or excessive criticism of your school and colleagues.

• Manage Your Online Presence Carefully

Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with others but can also lead to unprofessional conduct if not handled properly. Keep your personal and professional profiles separate, and apply strict privacy settings. Avoid sharing anything online that you wouldn’t discuss in a classroom setting, and be cautious about oversharing. Maintain professional boundaries, and always get consent before posting pictures of students.

• Be Prepared for Each Teaching Day

Professional teachers plan diligently to ensure they cover all necessary material and adhere to their teaching schedules. Review your planner the night before and organize your lessons and materials. A well-prepared teacher helps ensure that students receive the full benefit of the curriculum and are equipped with the skills they need for future success. Preparation doesn’t stop when the school day ends; it often begins again before the next day starts.

• Punctuality is Key

Arriving on time is crucial to setting a positive tone for the day. A professional teacher ensures they arrive early to get ready and mentally prepare for their classes. This helps in maintaining a smooth and effective start to each day, reflecting your commitment to your role.

• Adhere to School Procedures and Protocols

Embracing and modeling your school’s values and procedures is essential for professionalism. Collaborate effectively with your colleagues and follow the established guidelines. Even if you have personal reservations about certain policies, maintain professionalism and avoid letting these feelings affect your teaching or interactions with others.

• Meet Deadlines and Manage Grading Efficiently

Keeping up with grading and deadlines is a mark of professionalism. Avoid procrastinating on grading assignments and ensure timely feedback. For shorter assignments and tests, aim to return work within three days, and for larger projects, try to return them within two weeks. Timely feedback is crucial for maintaining student engagement and interest.

• Be Open to New Methods and Ideas

Embrace change and be willing to experiment with new teaching methods. Instead of rejecting new ideas outright, consider their potential benefits and approach them with an open mind. This attitude not only fosters a positive learning environment but also shows students that their ideas and perspectives are valued.

• Continuously Expand Your Knowledge

Keep learning by attending professional development courses and staying updated with the latest educational practices and policies. Your enthusiasm for your subject and ongoing education will enhance your teaching and inspire your students. A professional teacher is always seeking new knowledge and ways to improve.

• Show Passion and Positivity

Your attitude towards teaching greatly affects your students’ learning experience. Approach your work with enthusiasm and positivity, and make an effort to maintain this attitude even during challenging times. Remind yourself of your reasons for choosing teaching and the joy it brings you. Avoid contributing to negativity or gossip among staff.

• Engage in Professional Development

Regularly participate in professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge. Stay informed about the latest educational theories and practices and be open to sharing your insights with colleagues. Learning is a two-way street, and by sharing what you’ve learned, you contribute to the collective growth of your teaching team.

Tip 2: Mastering Classroom Management Like a Pro

• Take Control of Your Classroom

Establish yourself as the leader in your classroom by setting clear expectations for behavior and enforcing them consistently. Maintain a calm demeanor and avoid raising your voice; instead, communicate your rules and expectations clearly and assertively. Remember, your role is to be a mentor and a guide, not necessarily a friend or the most popular teacher. For serious disciplinary issues, don't hesitate to involve school administration to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.

• Prioritize Safety

As a teacher, you have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of your students. Uphold the "in loco parentis" (in place of a parent) role seriously by adhering to all safety regulations and risk management procedures established by your school. Whether you're conducting experiments in a science lab or managing a physical education class, make sure to clearly explain and enforce all safety rules. Avoid compromising on safety to gain favor with your students; safety must always come first.

• Aim for Excellence

Set high standards for your students and strive to inspire them to achieve their best. Provide clear benchmarks for improvement and offer praise for accomplishments as well as constructive feedback for areas needing work. Be supportive and innovative in helping students who struggle, and create an environment where excellence is the norm. Recognize and celebrate when both you and your students meet high standards, and provide support when improvement is needed.

• Take Pride in Your Teaching Materials

Ensure that all your lessons, notes, and handouts are presented in a professional manner. This means they should be neat, clear, easy to follow, and free from errors or typos. Regularly evaluate your own materials as if you were grading them. If they don’t meet your own standards for quality, put in the extra effort to improve them. A professional teacher takes pride in the presentation of their work and strives for excellence in all aspects of teaching.

• Own Your Students' Outcomes

Understand that while students are ultimately responsible for their grades, the quality of their results reflects on you as a teacher. Approach student performance as a shared challenge, not just a reflection of their effort. Look for ways to engage and motivate students who are struggling and see their success as a personal achievement. Avoid attributing poor grades solely to student laziness or lack of interest; instead, take an active role in finding solutions to help them succeed.

• Simplify Complex Lessons

Great teaching involves breaking down complex concepts into simpler, more manageable parts. Use a variety of methods such as examples, models, visuals, hands-on activities, and real-life connections to make the material accessible and relatable. Simplifying does not mean dumbing down the content but rather presenting it in a way that is clear and understandable. Continuously seek advice from experienced colleagues who excel at making complex topics easy to grasp.

• Engage Your Students with Enthusiasm

Your attitude and enthusiasm can greatly influence your students’ motivation and engagement. Show genuine passion for the subject matter and let it be evident in your teaching. Explain why the material is relevant and how it applies to their lives, which helps students see the value in what they are learning. When you convey excitement and purpose, it is more likely to resonate with your students, making the learning experience more impactful and memorable.

Tip 3: Building Strong Connections with Students, Parents, and Colleagues

• Make a Strong First Impression

Start the academic year on the right foot by presenting yourself as prepared, enthusiastic, and dedicated to student success. Your initial actions will set the tone for how students, parents, colleagues, and administrators view you. If you’ve unintentionally created a negative impression, work diligently to rectify it.

• Show Respect to Your Students

Always treat your students with respect and kindness. Avoid public humiliation or belittling remarks, and never discuss students' grades or performance in front of others. Handle disciplinary issues privately and fairly, focusing on maintaining their dignity and self-worth. Allow students to contribute to establishing classroom norms that emphasize mutual respect.

• Model Respectful Behavior

Your conduct sets the standard for your students. Exhibit a respectful attitude toward students, colleagues, the school environment, and your subject matter. Use a calm and respectful tone when interacting with others. Avoid discussing one class’s problems with another, as students often communicate across classes and will notice any negative remarks.

• Engage with Every Student

Take the time to understand each student’s individual needs and interests. Your involvement and care will positively influence their approach to learning and their overall educational experience. Avoid showing favoritism or dismissing any student as unimportant. While you don’t need to become friends with your students, connecting with each one as a mentor is essential.

• Protect Confidentiality

Handle students' personal information with the utmost confidentiality. Use this information to support their learning, without disclosing it as gossip or using it against them. Treat non-classroom information, such as details from staff meetings, with strict confidentiality. However, be aware of legal obligations to report certain situations, such as suspected abuse, to the appropriate authorities.

• Encourage Parental Involvement

Invite parents to participate in their child's education and support the school’s policies and procedures. Approach parent interactions with patience and professionalism, keeping the child’s best interests at the forefront of all discussions. While you can’t compel parents to engage, being welcoming can foster a positive relationship. Handle overly involved parents with patience and guide them to support their child appropriately.

• Support Colleagues and School Administration

Demonstrate your commitment to the school's success by prioritizing the needs of the institution and working collaboratively with your colleagues. Understand that while disagreements are natural and conflicts with administrators can arise, your focus should remain on supporting the school’s overall goals and ensuring the well-being of both students and staff.