What are the conditions and behaviors that make you successful in your career? We’ve identified ten traits of successful teachers.
We understand that teaching can be incredibly challenging. Teachers often work long hours under difficult circumstances. Some teachers are strong and effective, others less so. Some teachers leave the profession while others stay. What makes the difference?
Teachers who thrive have some things in common. Some of these things are personal traits and strengths, others are learned behaviors, but all can be developed. Where do you stand in the following?
Ten traits of successful teachers:
Successful teachers know their why.
Successful teachers have a sense of purpose and passion for students. They see the bigger picture in the day to day activities and believe that they can and are making a difference. The rewards are intrinsic, knowing that you played a role in the successful development of a student, school, or program helps to sustain you.
Successful teachers build relationships with students.
Successful teachers know that they can best serve their students when they know and understand them. They work to uncover students’ strengths and challenges. They take time to learn about students’ different cultures, backgrounds and experiences. Successful teachers know that students work harder for you when they know you care.
Successful teachers know and use different strategies.
Students are different, classes are different and the teaching environment is constantly changing. This requires flexibility in strategies and activities. Teachers who know and call upon different strategies have the tools to reach the students they have today in the classroom they have today.
Successful teachers remain flexible.
It’s good to have schedules and routines, but every teacher knows how often they must adjust these routines. Whether it is for severe weather, a district in-service day or a mandated testing schedule, classroom schedules are constantly changing and successful teachers learn to go with the flow in ways that result in the least upheaval.
Successful teachers understand motivation.
Classroom motivation is not about setting up elaborate reward and punishment procedures. It is not about holding students accountable as much as it is about creating student ownership. Motivation occurs when people have some autonomy, they understand their purpose, and have the ability, time and resources to master the material. Successful teachers create an environment where students are motivated to learn.
Successful teachers assess and analyze learning.
Teachers are often expected to use multiple forms of assessment. Collecting assessment data is not the same thing as analyzing it. Analyzing assessment data is more than putting a grade in a gradebook and sharing a test score with a parent. Analyzing assessment data means that you look at the learning behind the numbers. What does the score mean? Which skills and strategies are students able to use? Where are the gaps or weaknesses and how can we fix them?
Successful teachers have a growth mindset.
Teachers often teach growth mindset concepts to students, but successful teachers also have a growth mindset for themselves. They are willing to take risks and try new materials or new ways of teaching. They understand that they will sometimes fail, and that failure is a growth opportunity. They understand that learning is a path, but not necessarily a straight line.
Successful teachers are always learning.
Whether working on advanced degrees or certifications, learning new strategies, or doing personal reading, successful teachers are always learning. They model the life-long pursuit of learning for their students. They are not afraid to admit that they don’t know something, and then demonstrate that they can find out. They truly embody the role of chief learner in their classroom.
Successful teachers have a strong support network.
Whether at home or at school or both, successful teachers have a strong support network. They may get support from a partner, family, or friends. Many teachers form strong bonds with teaching partners and colleagues. Administrators and parents may also be part of a support network. Successful teachers know that they travel life easier and farther with support.
Successful teachers know their superpowers.
Every teacher brings a unique set of talents, skills and abilities into their classroom. They may have deep content knowledge. They may bring a powerful sense of humor. Some teachers have strengths in creative or artistic skills. Perhaps they have amazing problem-solving ability or excellent conflict management skills. When teachers understand who they are and the strengths they bring to their classroom and then use those gifts, they open the door for magic to happen.
Which traits of successful teachers do you most relate to? What have we missed? We’d love to hear your insight.
Our best,
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