TEACHING TIP SHEET

10 Tips on Becoming a More Effective Teacher

Continually examine your instructional practices.

A reflective teacher is always improving!

Communicate a sense of urgency.

Cut out unproductive activities. Keep expectations high, monitor progress closely, and give students the supports they need before they fail.

Communicate high expectations while recognizing student needs.

Communicate that you believe they can succeed, and differentiate instruction to meet individual needs.

Recognize the positive intent behind challenging behavior.

By giving them jobs and roles and providing them with multiple opportunities to interact with peers as they learn.

Engage your students in the classroom community.

Keep increasing your knowledge.

Adopt a “lifelong learner” mindset. The more you know, the more your students will benefit.

Focus on the 3 Cs—be a caring, creative, and courageous teacher.

Tell your students why they should learn what you’re teaching.

Answer the question what’s in it for me? When you feel like screaming at a noisy class, whisper—students will have to quiet down to hear what you’re saying.

Model what you want to see in your students:

Kindness, respect, thoughtfulness, and enthusiasm for learning.