My 7th grade students (and the rest of the building) get to experience their next year's schedule and meet their next year's teachers tomorrow. I wanted them to go into the day with expectations, not judgement. After talking to them about giving each teacher a chance to show how great they are, I asked them a relatively simple question that got some amazing answers...
"What makes a teacher a GREAT teacher?"
The responses were as follows:
A teacher that uses humor.
An engaging teacher.
A teacher that is firm, but fair.
A teacher that really cares for their students and doesn't fake it.
A teacher that wants us to succeed, but doesn't over-push us to failure.
A teacher that understands that sometimes we have bad days.
A teacher who really knows their stuff without looking at a book.
A teacher that can tell that we are bored and does something about it.
As these answers were given, and I was recording them, I could not help but reflect on where I fit on this list. I think I did pretty well, but I plan on keeping this list as a reminder of that kids are looking for in a Great teacher.
Be Mindful.
Peace.
Mark Levine
#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites
I notice that no one said a great teacher gives extra recess or doesn’t assign homework. 😃 Your kids KNOW what a great teacher is because you have modeled it for them all year. Congratulations on doing great work, Mark!
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