What Does A Successful Teacher Look Like?

Do you consider yourself a successful teacher? There are many different teacher evaluation systems and districts use many tools to evaluate teachers. The media and the public also have opinions about what it means to be a successful teacher. Everyone has been to school, and as a result, everyone has an opinion of what good teaching looks like.

We know that many teacher assessment tools don’t get at all the things that make a teacher successful.  Some things are more easily measured than others. We can look at your students’ scores on standardized tests easily. It is much more difficult to assess whether you are kind and build an atmosphere of mutual respect in your classroom. Both are important.

What does a successful teacher look like? Consider the following:

A successful teacher builds connections with students.

The teachers we remember most fondly are the ones that knew us well. We felt respected and we knew the teacher cared about us. Students will work hard for you if they know you care. Good teachers know a lot about the students they teach. They listen and talk to them.

Successful teachers know about their students’ lives inside and outside of school. They understand their learning strengths and challenges. Knowing students well means that they can choose the best instruction for them.

A successful teacher knows many teaching strategies and techniques.

Teaching strategies are important. Good teachers know how to choose different strategies for different purposes. They have a toolkit of techniques to help them work effectively. Every class is different and good teachers know how and when to adapt as they teach. Successful teachers also have techniques for organization, and for structured routines and transitions.

A successful teacher has high standards.

The best teachers hold high standards for student behavior and for student learning. They are clear about their expectations and hold students accountable. Good teachers know that they have to teach and model so that students know both what is expected of them and how to do what they need to do to meet those expectations. They don’t just have high standards, thy support students in their personal growth and achievement.

A successful teacher is proactive with parents.

Good teachers keep parents informed about what is happening in the classroom, whether through classroom newsletters or their on-line portals. They make contact with parents and establish a relationship before there is a problem. When there is a problem, they keep parents in the loop and work with them to find solutions.

A successful teacher supports colleagues.

Being a supportive colleague means that you do your part. You are helpful when you can help someone. You come to meetings prepared. You follow through on tasks. You take care of duties and turn in your attendance, grades and other requirements on time. If you take care of business, you will have earned the trust of the people you work with and they know they can count on you. Being valued as a colleague is a sign of success.

A successful teacher knows when to ask for help.

Rather than being a sign of weakness, asking for help is a sign that you are responsible enough to know that you don’t know everything and that you are willing to learn. No teacher has ever completely mastered everything. Asking for help shows a growth mindset, and life-long learning is a trait that successful teachers share.

A successful teacher is involved in their school community.

Good teachers are invested in their school communities. They show up at events. They volunteer for committees in the school and at the district level. They get to know the community around the school by patronizing local shops and restaurants. For example, a teacher we worked with did not live in the town where he taught.  He made an effort to service his car at a shop near the school. “They fund my paycheck,” he said, “why would I not want to support them?”  People notice when you are committed to your school and the community.

What would you add to our list?  What makes you feel success as a teacher?  As always, we would love to hear your ideas.

Our best,

Would you like a principal’s take on this?  Check out How to Impress Your Principal During Your First Year of Teaching