How to Become a Successful Teacher

Teaching can be challenging, exhilarating, stressful and rewarding all at once. It is a profession that requires continued growth, openmindedness and flexibility. Following these steps will help you on your way to becoming a successful teacher.

Continue your own education. The first step to becoming a successful teacher is to never stop learning. There is always new research being published that examines ways to reach all types of students. By keeping up with current research, you will feel armed with ideas when faced with a new, difficult situation. Be organized and go into each day with a structured, well-prepared lesson plan. However, realize that the day may not always go as intended. Often, a class may lead a lesson in a direction you weren't expecting, but it's important to be flexible and allow for the fluidity of learning. Implement classroom management procedures. According to Harry Wong, a well-managed classroom has "students that know what is expected of them and are deeply involved with their work...relatively little wasted time, confusion, or disruption, and a work-oriented, but relaxed and pleasant classroom climate" (see References). Spend a few days or weeks in the beginning of the year explaining and practicing each classroom procedure, from how to enter the classroom to how to turn in work. Once students understand each procedure, there will be minimal confusion during the rest of the year and more time to learn. Differentiate instruction. Dr. Howard Gardner of Harvard University labeled eight types of intelligences. "In 1983, I concluded that seven candidate intelligences met the criteria sufficiently well: linguistic, logicalmathematical, musical, spatial, bodily- kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal (Gardner 1983)....In 1995, invoking new data that fit the criteria, I added an eighth intelligence---that of the naturalist" (see References). Most students learn information one of three ways: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Visual learners learn from writing or drawing, auditory learners learn by hearing or verbalizing and kinesthetic learners learn best by experiencing a new concept. Always introduce new information in all three of these ways, if possible. Then, when practicing

concepts, give students opportunities to use their other intelligences as often as possible. Meet your students at the door in the morning and be enthusiastic throughout the day. If you are obviously excited about a topic, your students will be as well. Likewise, if you are grouchy and unapproachable, your students will also act in this way. Harry Wong suggests that an enthusiastic teacher will use words such as "I appreciate your help" or "Tell me about it." He also asserts that good teachers "smile, listen, wait your turn, and use inviting statements such as, "making mistakes is all right," and "I could learn to do that" (see References). Applying these strategies will create a warm and nurturing atmosphere and allow students to feel comfortable asking questions about new material. Ingratiate yourself with your colleagues and administration. Visit other classrooms just to say hi to teachers, eat lunch with other staff and find out your principal or vice principal's communication preference. Some administrators prefer emails and/or formal appointments, while others are always available for impromptu chats. Sign up for an extra responsibility or two to show your good work ethic. Always be on time in the morning, and don't abuse your sick day/personal leave time. Involve the families. Parents are a child's first teacher, and they know their child the best. Send home a survey in the beginning of the year, asking parents to tell you a little about their child. Be present and enthusiastic at "back to school" night and patiently answer questions. Be available, either by phone or email, throughout the year for parent questions, and be sure to respond promptly to their inquiries. Invite parents with special talents to your classroom to share their knowledge. According to the authors of "The Unauthorized Teacher's Survival Guide," it is necessary to have the parents on your side if you want your students to succeed in the school year (see References). Remember that a child does not exist in a vacuum but is part of a community outside of school. Get to know that community, and you will develop a plan to teach that child.