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Study after study shows the single most important factor determining the
quality of the education a child receives is the quality of his teacher.
Read on to learn how to identify a great teacher and what to do if you have
a problem with your child’s teacher.
What makes a great teacher? Teaching is one of the most complicated jobs
today. It demands broad knowledge of subject matter, curriculum and
standards; enthusiasm, a caring attitude and a love of learning; knowledge
of discipline and classroom management techniques; and a desire to make a
difference in the lives of young people. With all these qualities required,
it’s no wonder that it’s hard to find great teachers.
The elementary school teachers must have a bachelor's degree and pass a
rigorous test in core curriculum areas. Middle and high school teachers must
demonstrate competency in the subject area they teach by passing a test or
by completing an academic major, graduate degree or comparable course work.
These requirements should apply to all new hires.
Schools are required to tell parents about the qualifications of all
teachers, and they must notify parents if their child is taught for more
than four weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified.
Signs of a Great Teacher
If the teachers have a bachelor’s degree and pass rigorous subject area
tests, these requirements alone do not make a great teacher. We need
teachers who care about kids, who care about what they teach and who can
connect with their students. On top of that, they need to have faith in the
importance of their work.
Here are some characteristics of great teachers:
- Great teachers set high expectations for all students.
- They expect that
all students can and will achieve in their classroom, and they don’t give up
on underachievers.
Great teachers have clear, written-out objectives
Effective teachers have lesson plans that give students a clear idea of what
they will be learning, what the assignments are and what the grading policy
is. Assignments have learning goals and give students ample opportunity to
practice new skills. The teacher is consistent in grading and returns work
in a timely manner.
Great teachers are prepared and organized
They are in their classrooms early and ready to teach. They present lessons
in a clear and structured way. Their classrooms are organized in such a way
as to minimize distractions.
Great teachers engage students and get them to look at issues in a
variety of ways
Effective teachers use facts as a starting point, not an end point; they ask
“why” questions, look at all sides and encourage students to predict what
will happen next. They ask questions frequently to make sure students are
following along. They try to engage the whole class, and they don’t allow a
few students to dominate the class. They keep students motivated with
varied, lively approaches.
Great teachers form strong relationships with their students and show that
they care about them as people. Great teachers are warm, accessible,
enthusiastic and caring. Teachers with these qualities are known to stay
after school and make themselves available to students and parents who need
them. They are involved in school-wide committees and activities, and they
demonstrate a commitment to the school.
Great teachers are masters of their subject matter
They exhibit expertise in the subjects they are teaching and spend time
continuing to gain new knowledge in their field. They present material in an
enthusiastic manner and instill a hunger in their students to learn more on
their own.
Great teachers communicate frequently with parents
They reach parents through conferences and frequent written reports home.
They don’t hesitate to pick up the telephone to call a parent if they are
concerned about a student.
Signs of a Poor Teacher
If you notice any of the following warning signs, there may be a problem
with your child’s teacher:
Your child complains that his teacher singles him out repetitively with
negative remarks.
The teacher is the last one to arrive in the morning and the first to leave
in the afternoon. He doesn’t return phone calls or respond to written
communication.
Your child rarely brings work home from school.
Homework assignments are not returned.
The teacher does not send home frequent reports or communications to
parents.
The teacher exhibits limited knowledge of the subject he is teaching.
Lessons lack organization and planning.
The teacher refuses to accept any input from parents.
What to Do If Your Child Has a Problem With a Teacher
If you notice any of the above signs over a period of time, there may be a
problem with your child’s teacher, but don’t jump to conclusions too
quickly. Here’s a plan of action:
Gather the facts
Try to remain objective and open-minded. If there is a problem, don’t
immediately assume that it is entirely the teacher’s fault; it could be a
problem with your child or the school. If your school or teacher will allow
it, sit in and observe what goes on in the classroom. If parent observation
is not permitted, talk with other parents to see if their children are
having problems. Also talk with parents whose child had this teacher in past
years to determine if there is an ongoing problem.
Document the problems
Write down the times and dates of incidents of a teacher’s inappropriate
behavior. If other parents are noticing problems, ask them to do the same.
Call or meet with the teacher
Schedule a face-to-face meeting if you feel a phone call won’t resolve the
problem.
Approach the teacher as a professional and an ally
Avoid a confrontational attitude and stick to the facts. Try to stay clear
of personal criticism. Focus on classroom practices, curriculum and what you
feel your child needs. Once you have had a conversation with the teacher,
give him the opportunity and a fair amount of time to improve the situation.
Contact the Principal
If you don’t see any progress after a few weeks, take your concerns to the
principal. But be aware that it is always better if you can resolve the
problem without involving the principal. Once you involve the principal, you
cross a line, and your relationship and your child’s relationship with the
teacher will be forever changed.
Courtesy:
Shari
Nadeem |
Shari Nadeem