"Educators who believe in effort-based ability believe that all students can do rigorous academic work at high standards, even if they are far behind academically and need a significant amount of time to catch up. Educators who carry this belief into practice are not unrealistic about the obstacles they and their students face. They simply have not given up. And we know for sure that they will get results if they translate this belief into appropriate practice" (Saphier, 2005).
As I made my way through each and every classroom in Harney County this past 2 weeks, I stopped by a classroom in our county and in that classroom the teacher had shared a list of qualities or traits that that her students wrote on the board, these included things they did and did not want their teacher to do. In other words, what they wanted to see in a quality teacher. Along side it was a list of qualities of a top notch student.
The list mimiced that of Robert Marzano, Danielson and/or Archer. They know what good teaching looks like. It articles suggesting the keyattributes of great teachers; luckily, there appears to be no shortage of such lists and research. Jeff Zoul, education scholar and author is cited as saying, "I still find myself going back to one such list that was comprised by a researcher fifteen years ago (Traina, 1999). Although I typically cite more current research, this one still rings true to me today. Moreover, I think these traits are also ones covered by my colleague's students and would likely be met with approval from all students—our primary customers. The author sought to identify characteristics that are consistently cited by students and parents as those exhibited by their very best teachers. Traina maintains that these three traits are critical to effective teaching and have been so for generations..." (Zoul, 2014).
What Makes a Good Teacher:
As I made my way through each and every classroom in Harney County this past 2 weeks, I stopped by a classroom in our county and in that classroom the teacher had shared a list of qualities or traits that that her students wrote on the board, these included things they did and did not want their teacher to do. In other words, what they wanted to see in a quality teacher. Along side it was a list of qualities of a top notch student.
The list mimiced that of Robert Marzano, Danielson and/or Archer. They know what good teaching looks like. It articles suggesting the keyattributes of great teachers; luckily, there appears to be no shortage of such lists and research. Jeff Zoul, education scholar and author is cited as saying, "I still find myself going back to one such list that was comprised by a researcher fifteen years ago (Traina, 1999). Although I typically cite more current research, this one still rings true to me today. Moreover, I think these traits are also ones covered by my colleague's students and would likely be met with approval from all students—our primary customers. The author sought to identify characteristics that are consistently cited by students and parents as those exhibited by their very best teachers. Traina maintains that these three traits are critical to effective teaching and have been so for generations..." (Zoul, 2014).
What Makes a Good Teacher:
Command of subject matter. Effective teachers know their subject matter inside and out. In addition, they convey a love of, and passion for, their subject matter.
Caring deeply about each student and about that student’s accomplishment and growth. Effective teachers take time to consider each student as an individual and a unique learner. They take the time and make the effort to get to know about each student, inquiring of their interests, family, and so forth.
Distinctive character. Effective teachers add a special flavor and zeal to their instruction that creates a memorable impression on their students. Whether it is an eccentric sense of humor or a tragedy overcome, such teachers stand out in the minds of their students (Traina, 1999).
Zoul (2014) goes on to say in a blog post, "One thing we can do to fulfill the second trait is to communicate—and embody through our actions—that we believe in the ability of all students to achieve at high levels. We must communicate on a daily basis that being smart is “something you can get” and not simply something with which you are born. In schools that value effort-based ability that Saphier alludes to above, teachers constantly remind students of three crucial messages:
'You can do it.'
'I (We) will not give up on you' (p. 1).
Remembering back to my elementary days I can remember one such teacher, Mr. Art Payne. Mr. Payne got me energized about school and gave it both life and meaning. In my high school days, that person was Mr. Jerry Peacock, a former elementary school principal and then high school principal.
Caring deeply about each student and about that student’s accomplishment and growth. Effective teachers take time to consider each student as an individual and a unique learner. They take the time and make the effort to get to know about each student, inquiring of their interests, family, and so forth.
Distinctive character. Effective teachers add a special flavor and zeal to their instruction that creates a memorable impression on their students. Whether it is an eccentric sense of humor or a tragedy overcome, such teachers stand out in the minds of their students (Traina, 1999).
Zoul (2014) goes on to say in a blog post, "One thing we can do to fulfill the second trait is to communicate—and embody through our actions—that we believe in the ability of all students to achieve at high levels. We must communicate on a daily basis that being smart is “something you can get” and not simply something with which you are born. In schools that value effort-based ability that Saphier alludes to above, teachers constantly remind students of three crucial messages:
'You can do it.'
'I (We) will not give up on you' (p. 1).
Remembering back to my elementary days I can remember one such teacher, Mr. Art Payne. Mr. Payne got me energized about school and gave it both life and meaning. In my high school days, that person was Mr. Jerry Peacock, a former elementary school principal and then high school principal.
Mr. Peacock believed in me during a time in my life when--truth be told--it didnt feel like many did. I did things that I perhaps should not have during these exploratory days, but Mr. Peacock still believed in me. As teachers we and most definitely YOU will have a long-term impact on your students.
We can consistently send messages to our students about our belief in effort-based abilities. Whether it be our most high energy student, that student that might get on our nerves now and again, or our greatest student...they all need the consistent message that effort can bring successes. This message is the basis of the American Dream and can assist our students in a lifelong journey to success.
Be that voice for your students. Be the champion to your students!
We can consistently send messages to our students about our belief in effort-based abilities. Whether it be our most high energy student, that student that might get on our nerves now and again, or our greatest student...they all need the consistent message that effort can bring successes. This message is the basis of the American Dream and can assist our students in a lifelong journey to success.
Be that voice for your students. Be the champion to your students!
EN
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Videos to Check out
DuFour Phony Crisis? (3min)
Origins of the Redneck Jokes (3 min)
Carpe Diem (3min)
Calendar of Events:
Kindergarten Assessement Collection Webinar--Sept 16, 2pm ODE
Art Integration @ rural schools Sept. 16-17.
--I or Janet will be out to your school and give you 30ish minutes to have an in depth discussion with our art integrationist Karin Putnam. Please simply prepare as you would for a sub.
Webinar: K Assessment Data Collection--Sept 16 @ 2pm
Public release of SBAC/OAKS results--Sept 17
Homeless Liason Training--Sept. 18 @ Harney ESD
Public release of SBAC/OAKS results--Sept 17
Homeless Liason Training--Sept. 18 @ Harney ESD
Class Size Validation Due--Sept 22
Supplemental data due for Report Card--Sept 25
ODE/CIP Indistar Training--Sept 25 @ Harney ESD
Public release of report cards and detail sheets--Oct 15
SBAC/OAKS online practice tests available--Oct 20
K Assessment testing window closes--Oct 22
ODE/CIP Indistar Training--Sept 25 @ Harney ESD
Public release of report cards and detail sheets--Oct 15
SBAC/OAKS online practice tests available--Oct 20
K Assessment testing window closes--Oct 22
Number Sense Training Opportunity--Oct 23-24 @ Harney ESD
K Assessment collection window closes--Oct 30
DTC Training online from ODE--Nov 3-5K Assessment collection window closes--Oct 30
Blog post idea from the great Jeff Zoul!
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