Today, teachers face enormous pressure to raise test scores. We feel like we never have enough time to get to all our content. You can gain more time to teach content by mastering the skills listed below! This list of skills is essential to a well run classroom. Take the year to work on this…just work on a couple at a time so you can truly master the skill.
Download a teacher-friendly copy here.
Good luck, LuAnne
Your district has many expert teachers. We encourage you to seek out these experts and learn their technique. If you are not sure who the expert is, ask your mentor, your administrator, or your peers.
As you observe/interview,
• Make note of what the expert does.
• How can you modify that technique to suit your style?
• How effectively are you implementing it?
In your building/district, WHO is the best with…
…using humor well while teaching?
…using transitions in the classroom and throughout the building?
…teaching classroom routines well?
…motivating students in class?
…greeting students as they arrive each morning/each class period?
…giving tons of positive feedback to students (maintains at least a 6:1 positive/negative ratio of interaction)?
…actively supervising throughout the instructional activity?
…having clear, positively stated and posted classroom behavior expectations?
…managing minor rule violations quickly and discretely?
…precorrecting predictable student problem behaviors?
…managing major rule violations?
…utilizing peer tutors?
…managing homework?
…providing specific feedback after analyzing student work?
…using bell ringer activities or flashback review?
…posting academic/learning objective for each lesson/period?
…implementing active student engagement techniques?
…managing instructional time efficiently and effectively?
…using various levels of questioning?
…using a unique strategy to stimulate learning?
…using multiple learning styles in teaching?
…challenging the gifted learner?
…assessing using various assessment styles?
…preparing well developed lesson plans?
…checking students for content mastery continuously?
…helping underachieving students?
…collaborating/co-teaching well?
…working with the learner with special learning needs?
…writing/implementing open response questions?
…writing/implementing on-demand prompts?
…implementing exit slips?
…integrating technology into instruction?
…communicating with parents?
Do you develop weekly lesson plans with your content partner?
Do you analyze student work at least weekly with your content partner?