Are You Making a Difference?
“We’ve all had those teachers who have given us perspective when we most needed it and least knew how much. By the time we realized it, the day to appreciate or thank was already in the rear view mirror.
Sarah Brown Wessling
Do you ask for feedback?
What kind of feedback do you receive from your students?
Can your students say good things about you?
Teachers should be actively interested in what students think about their teaching techniques, and ability to communicate and engage with them. Teachers should regularly seek feedback from students to determine if they are truly “making a difference”.
Are you a great teacher?
Consider the following extract on what makes a great teacher.
| Great teachers are warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring |
| Great teachers engage students in learning |
| Great teachers form strong relationships with their students and show that they care about them as people |
| Great teachers share and receive good ideas, keeping education dynamic |
| Great teachers set high expectations for all students |
| Great teachers are prepared, organised and focussed |
| Great teachers are masters of their subject matter |
The above qualities of great teachers are simple and achievable for any teacher. The teacher that cares will take the time and interest to be this kind of teacher and will make a difference.
