Julia G. Thompson, long-time educator and author of "Discipline Survival Kit for the Secondary Teacher," emphasizes that unless you know your course content and the material that you are supposed to teach, "your teaching will lack authority." However, being a subject matter expert is only the beginning. Designing lesson plans for student mastery requires incorporating such things as assessment data, objectives, activities, materials, technology, different learning modalities and accommodations for students with special needs.
An effective teacher prevents discipline problems through good classroom management. Some of the ways experienced teachers maintain a positive classroom environment are simple and direct: talk less, listen more; keep your students active and engaged; keep lessons structured and provide plenty of input; reward and praise; mix up the activities during the same class period; be friendly and firm; treat students with great respect and expect the same. Thompson recommends using a problem-solving approach to discipline problems once they occur in the classroom: define the problem, generate as many solutions as possible, evaluate each solution and then choose the best, decide how to implement the solution and evaluate its effectiveness.
A working knowledge of child behavior is vital to the effective teacher, who should spend time getting to know his own students. He enjoys learning and shares that enjoyment with his students. He treats students fairly and consistently and communicates high expectations. He engages students in conversation and addresses them by name in an appropriate tone and volume. According to research by the University of Memphis on "Characteristics Every Teacher Should Possess," effective teachers have a positive attitude and "believe in the success of their students and their own ability to help students achieve."
Being a professional teacher means maintaining a positive and active role in the school and community. Teachers must juggle many responsibilities between students, parents, colleagues, administrators and the public. Teachers maintain professional standards through consistent communication, accurate records, attendance at meetings and professional development classes, service on committees and teams, participation in school and community events and performance of their assigned duties to the very best of their ability. They also are expected to adhere to school policies, keep confidential information private and protect students' learning, health and safety.
An effective teacher takes responsibility as the leader in his classroom. A well-run classroom is appealing to work in, with a focus on learning. Students understand rules and procedures and their daily responsibilities, and are active, engaged and encouraged to collaborate and share. A teacher who takes responsibility admits his own mistakes and corrects them, reflects on his teaching, is creative, compassionate and has high expectations for both himself and his students.