What does an effective teacher look like? What are his/her characteristics. Dive in below, to have a look at what we believe to be an effective teacher, who will be remembered fondly by colleagues.

THE TEACHER AS A PERSON

1. I assume ownership of this class and am responsible for the students’ success.
2. I am approachable and pleasant.
3. I understand the feelings of students.
4. I communicate clearly.
5. I admit my mistakes and correct them immediately.
6. I think about my teaching, and learn from things gone wrong.
7. I am not afraid to laugh and show my sense of humour.
8. I dress appropriately in a manner suitable for my position.
9. I always maintain confidential trust.
10. My classes are structured, but I am flexible and spontaneous.
11. I am responsive to situations and students’ needs.
12. I enjoy teaching.
13. I expect students to enjoy learning.
14. I look for a win-win solution in conflict situations.
15. I listen attentively to student questions and comments.
16. I respond to students with respect, even in difficult situations.
17. I tell my students that I have high expectations of them.
18. I have positive one-on-one conversations with students outside the classroom.
19. I talk to single students or small groups of students outside the classroom.
20. I maintain a professional manner at all times.
21. I address students by name.
22. I speak with an appropriate tone and volume.
23. I work actively with students.
24. I care about the academic and personal well-being of each of my students.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION

1. My students know what is expected on them.
2. I am firm and consistent with discipline and management.
3. I take care to have a physical environment in the classroom where the instructional material and equipment are in good condition.
4. I take care to cover the walls of my classroom with student work, and other student-made work.
5. I insist that students address one another in a positive and respectful manner.
6. I encourage students to express themselves in the class in a polite and disciplined manner.
7. I manage emergency situations as they occur.
8. I establish routines for the running of the classroom and the handling of routine student needs (washroom visits etc.)
9. I provide positive feedback and praise.
10. I discipline students with dignity and respect.
11. I provide opportunities to students for taking responsibility and leadership.
12. I am consistent in management.
13. I post classroom and school rules on the wall of the classroom.

PLANNING INSTRUCTION

An effective teacher

1. I write detailed lesson plans for every single lesson.
2. Lesson plans are aligned with scheme of work.
3. The objective of each lesson is stated clearly.
4. I have a measurable objective which I achieve most of the time.
5. My learning material is always ready.
6. I prepare interesting ICT based material when there is a need.
7. I plan my lesson in such a way that time is utilized optimally.
8. I mark books and give back the next day.

IMPLEMENTING INSTRUCTION

1. I never waste instructional time by being late to class, by taking too much time to switch on the projector etc.
2. I have effective strategies for ensuring that homework is handed to me by all students on time.
3. All students have a chance to express themselves during the class in a structured manner.
4. I have eye contact with all students.
5. If a student asks a doubt, I make it a chance to explain it to the whole class.
6. I move around the classroom a lot.
7. I provide feedback (verbal, nonverbal and written).
8. I always give doable homework.

MONITORING STUDENT PROGRESS AND POTENTIAL

1. I design good tests that are doable yet challenging.
2. I give constructive comments and feedback on how to improve.
3. I give extra help after poor test performance by some students.
4. I prepare students well for tests.
5. I ask questions during the class to check for understanding.
6. I ask questions to all students to check for understanding during class.
7. I re-teach after assessment to correct gaps in student learning.
8. I contact parents whenever there is a need.

 PROFESSIONALISM

1. I keep learning about my profession, how to teach better, and to improve my subject knowledge.
2. I don’t mix the personal and the professional.
3. I keep accurate records.
4. I submit records on time.
5. I am careful about my work .
6. I attend all meetings and other workshops for my professional development.
7. I don’t believe that I am a perfect teacher: I know that I have a lot to learn even though I am experienced and qualified.
8. I perform assigned duties.
9. I implement school policies.
10. I work for the betterment of the whole school: not just my subject.
11. I volunteer to assist other teachers.
12. I treat my colleagues and superiors with respect at all times.
13. I meet deadlines all the time.

There! Any teacher who aspires to greatness in his/her profession will internalize these pieces of wisdom, and act accordingly.