A common thread among successful teachers is clear and open communication with students, parents and colleagues. They model respectful behavior and develop a rapport with students. Parents need to be a part of their child's learning process, and conscientious teachers make sure they respond to parents’ voice messages and emails before leaving work for the day, which may help to prevent potential conflicts. Successful teachers also update student progress reports at least once a week, and typically host blogs or websites so they can post homework assignments, special projects and ongoing class objectives. Additionally, they communicate well with their peers and share ideas and strategies.
Many elements of an exceptional teacher's day happen without much thought. Students need to know when they can sharpen pencils, use the restroom or leave their seats. Excellent teachers' classrooms run smoothly because of the procedures they have set forth -- students understand and practice them until they become second nature. Exceptional teachers also have well-established routines for the beginning and end of the class period; their students are clear on issues such as obtaining work after an absence, handing in late papers and turning in notes from home. Great teachers also develop personal routines for getting to work on time, grading papers in a timely manner and having lesson plans prepared in advance.
Each student is valued and each child's success is important to a caring teacher. Caring teachers believe that every child can learn, and they expect each student's best effort. Great teachers adjust their teaching strategies to accommodate visual, auditory and tactile learners and try different strategies in an attempt to reach all students. Kids quickly notice when teachers takes a genuine interest in them, and they tend to work harder to please them. Extraordinary teachers motivate reluctant children, offer extra help to struggling students and challenge high achievers with in-depth projects.
Excellence in teaching starts with a deep understanding of the subject or subjects being taught. Teachers often have to instruct various grade levels and subject areas and they need to have mastery of each one. Successful teachers stay informed about the latest research and developments in their field. They take continuing education classes and discover effective methods for teaching their subjects. These teachers plan lessons ahead of time and have clear objectives that don't confuse their students.
Students reap the benefits when educators are open to change and new ideas. When lessons don't work as planned, concerned teachers reflect on them, assess what went wrong and devise a new way to teach the objectives. Teachers often work on a team with cohorts. For example, fifth grade teachers might rotate reading groups or seventh grade math teachers might plan each quarter together. This collaboration requires give-and-take and a willingness to listen to what others have to say.