There are many attributes and skills that are
necessary to be an outstanding teacher. However, I selected the following
attributes that in my opinion are among the most important ones:
1) High expectations: An outstanding
teacher knows and strongly believes that all her students can learn and will
learn. If her students are not learning, an outstanding teacher is going to
question her practice and reflect on her teaching. She will examine the
curricula, her own teaching, the teaching programs, and see what needs to be
modified and adjusted. An outstanding teacher does not give up and find
alternate and innovative ways to help her students reach their full potentials.
2) Caring: An outstanding teacher takes the
time to establish a culture of care, respect, and appreciation for each other. She
creates a learning environment where students feel comfortable and secure to
actively participate, express their opinions, and enjoy learning. An
outstanding teacher knows her students’ well. She is aware of their talents,
interests, backgrounds, and families. She designs lessons that are culturally relevant
and which build upon the strengths her students come with.
3) Starts with the objective in mind: An
outstanding teacher knows what she wants her students to learn. She begins the
teaching and learning process with an end in mind and all instructional
strategies are carefully and skillfully selected to help her students reach the
lesson’s objective. An outstanding teacher is clear about what her students
need to learn. She is familiar with the CCSS and the school and district
expectations. She designs student centered lessons which promote active student
involvement and interaction among each other. Teaching becomes a purposeful
exercise that is goal oriented, relevant to student lives, and differentiated
to meet students’ needs.
