Finding Good Teachers

As I have been led astray from the book already, I thought that I might start with a disclaimer. This is in no way is a linear exploration of Mr. Gladwell's book. I do find through his writing some great tidbits that milk the brain allowing ideas to emerge.

I happened upon an article that was published in the New Yorker titled "Most Likely to Succeed". Through the article he does a comparison of the selection process for quarterbacks in the NFL and teachers. He addresses one of the big issues in education, finding good teachers.

"After years of worrying about issues like school funding levels, class size, and curriculum design, many reformers have come to the conclusion that nothing matters more than finding people with the potential to be great teachers. But there's a hitch: no one knows what a person with the potential to be a great teacher looks like." (Gladwell, 2008, p.2)

The question then arises, what makes a good teacher? Obviously for educational leaders and thinkers this has huge implications. Here are some of the highlights that he gives in the article, an article I think that new teachers and veterans should take some time to read.

Highlights of a good teacher:
1. allows for the flexible engagement of the learner in the classroom
2. personalizes the content for the learner
3. provides quality feedback that allows for deeper learning- during the presentation
4. provides timely feedback that is individualized- in the classroom
5. possess something called withitness (being able to communicate to the students that you know that something is happening without actually saying something, or being able to recognize that there is the potential of something happening.)

These are the skills that are highlighted in his article, the question arises as to what he is missing? After being in the teaching profession you would expect that I would be able to identify the skills of a good teacher. Here is my personal take on identify a good teacher, not citing any literature.

Good teachers . . .
1. form relationships with their students. It has been my experience that a good teacher needs to be able to form a strong bond with their students. Does this mean that they are friends? No, not at all. These teachers are able to identify with the student, allowing them to get to know themselves as an individual. These teachers are able to share about their lives with the students in an appropriate way at appropriate times. They recognize their role, in loco parentis. They act in the way that is best for the student in their own eyes as if the child is their own. Having recently become a parent it is even more clear at this time of how important this is.

2. are effective communicators. There are a number of different times when a teacher must communicate. During the lesson the teacher must be able to clearly give instructions, feedback and present information. When issues arise, communication needs to happen with the administration of the school as well as the parents. They should not be afraid of conflict and need to present discipline issues in the form of information-providing trying to remove the emotional self from the situation (a difficult task one that may not be entirely possible). Teachers need to ensure that they do not take an acting out student as a reflection of themselves personally. It is important to recognize that students come with a variety of experiences, most of which you as a teacher have no previous knowledge of.  Teachers need to communicate with other colleagues effectively as well. There will be times of sharing and discussion of direction, students or pedagogical ideas for the future where the individuals input must be clear and professional.

3. are flexible and deal well with change. Change is an inevitable in an educational setting. Students are new each year, or each semester. Flexibility as I see it is the ability to deal effectively with situations where those teachable moments happen in the classroom setting. The teacher may have prepared what you thought was the most engaging lesson ever, but put it into practice and it seems to flop. Can they adapt? What will the teacher do? The teacher has two obligations in this particular situation, recognize that something is not working, and then ensure that you have some sort of an alternative plan. Much of this flexibility comes from experience in the class, as the individuals toolbox has developed over a period of time. This is a characteristic that grows with time.

4. have a great understanding of the process of learning. The individual is constantly revisiting learning theory. They understand that there are a variety a ways in which information can be acquired. They design lessons that allow for multiple opportunities to be exposed to the information in a fun and engaging way, where work is equivalent to play. They assemble a variety of techniques including the use of narrative and mimesis set within student culture (Paul, 2010).  The teacher understands that lessons they create must be personalized for the learners that are currently in front of them.

5. have a great understanding of the content they deliver. Having background knowledge of the content that you are teaching allows for multiple presentations of material. The comfort to explore and use more inquiry based lessons as the teacher feels confident with the material. It is easier for providing feedback in a timely way as you are comfortable with what the students are learning. Often these individuals can anticipate the problem areas of the content and are more prepared to help individuals through those problem areas.

6. are innovators and like to learn themselves. These individuals will use an array of delivery methods that are timely and current. They spend time learning about new ways to deliver material and reflect on their practice as a whole. Is this effective? Are the students engaged?

Ultimately, the test that I would have for a teacher is, would I want my child to be in this individuals classroom? If I was in a situation where I needed to hire an individual, I would call upon references and ask them that question. Would you have this individual teach your own child? This to me is the ultimate measure of the teachers ability. Finding good teachers and recognizing them is a very difficult task. The entire field of education needs to reflect on and learn to recognize those characteristics that make a good one.


Reference

Paul, J. (December 1, 2010). Lecture for Modern and PostModern Condition. University of Calgary.

Gladwell, M. (December 15, 2008). Most Likely to Succeed- How do we hire when we can't tell who's right for the job? The Annals of Education. Articles from the New Yorker. Retrieved from: http://www.gladwell.com/2008/2008_12_15_a_teacher.html