10 things effective educators do

Ithings

Effective Educators

DISPLAY THESE QUALITIES

when they interact with students:

Patience Honesty Affection Confidence Flexibility

Acceptance of individuality

ORGANIZE THEIR CLASSROOMS to…

Maximize learning and minimize time lost during productive activity transitions or disruptions due to challenging behavior

ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION

AND AUTONOMY.

Involve students in the learning process and teach them a means for self-management and self-control.

FOCUS ON STRENGTHS.

Make a habit of understanding, appreciating, and building students’ assets and strengths as well as addressing their concerns and weaknesses.

ENSURE STUDENT PROGRESS by:

• Closely monitoring how students respond to interventions
• Exploring whether strategies have real benefits or are only effective in theory
• Changing interventions as needed
• Regularly providing students with feedback about their progress and accomplishments

FOSTER MEANINGFUL CHANGE

by focusing on variables within a teacher’s control:

• Curriculum selection
• Instructional strategies
• Interpersonal relationships with students

EDUCATE THEMSELVES

about human behavior and child development.

Understand that vast developmental differences exist in the abilities and learning rates of children.

Accept that STUDENTS WORK WITH THEM— NOT FOR THEM.

Respect students and treat them with patience and flexibility while keeping expectations high.

INSTILL A SENSE OF SECURITY.

Make the classroom a safe, secure place where every child feels important and valued.

10 UNDERSTAND the lifelong impact good teachers can have on their students.

My Teacher

The golden rule for being an effective teacher

is to be a good human being.

Adapted from Learning Disabilities and Challenging Behaviors, by Nancy Mather, Ph.D., Sam Goldstein, Ph.D., and Katie Eklund, Ph.D., NCSP, with invited contributors.