What is an effective teacher?

I believe an effective teacher gives students skills that they carry throughout life.

An effective teacher:

- involves students in the learning process, so they learn through direct experience rather than the traditional lecture-style transfer of information.

- finds ways to inspire creative enthusiasm in students and keep them returning for more learning.

- ignites a sense of ownership in their students for the subject matter or task.

- recognizes individual learning styles and caters to large-group and individual learning situations.

- avoids complacency by continuing to practice their craft in and out of the classroom.

- stays on the cutting edge and displays a love for the discipline that is contagious.

- presents the material in such a manner approachable by advanced and less experienced students.

- devoted to the personal success of students

- approachable

- acts as an exemplar for their students in and out of the classroom.

- displays a model for collegiality, interacting and collaborating with staff, administration, and parents. This cross-disciplinary teaching builds a cohesive school environment that gives learners an optimum chance to retain and apply the subject material.

- involves students in the learning process, so they learn through direct experience rather than the traditional lecture-style transfer of information.

This pursuit of continual professional development underscores how I perceive my responsibilities in my educational philosophy.