3 Mindsets of Master Teachers: By Chike Akua The following are thoughts from the book Education for Transformation: The Keys to Releasing the Genius of African American Students. What separates Master Teachers from mediocre teachers? Certainly part of it has to do with teaching methods. But a good deal of it has to do with a teachers mindset. The predominant thoughts of a teacher makes all the difference in the world. Among other things, Master Teachers demonstrate the following three mindsets: 1. MISSION: Master Teachers are on a mission. You may notice that they have a pep in their step. They are purpose-driven. Their mission and purpose far exceeds minimal compentency, high stakes, standardized tests. Their mission and purpose (and results) often exceed that of the district they teach in. Their mission is to prepare their students to be successful in life beyond any of the hoops, hurdles, and traps their students will face, whether academic, cultural or social. The time they put in far surpasses their salary because they understand, Uncommon accomplishments require uncommon commitent. They typically come early and stay late. The Master Teachers mission-mindedness is transferred to their students; students are often led to find their purpose for living and pursue it passionately. 2. MAGNETISM: Students are drawn to Master Teachers NOT because of charisma, but because of the love, light and energy that Master Teachers radiate. They genuinely care for their students. This is not necessarily demonstrated in syrupy sweet sentimentality but an attitude toward students that says, There is greatness within you and I will not let you be less than you are capable of. Students appreciate that they are challenged in the class of a Master Teacher. They appreciate the fact that Master Teachers dont take no mess. But the magnetism of the Master Teacher is born from their ability to communicate with diverse personalities and direct the flow of energy in their classrooms toward excellence and achievement. 3. MEANING: Master Teachers add a deep sense of meaning behind what they teach. They dont just teach a lesson because it is part of a scripted curricula. They are able to show students why they are teaching what they teach and why it is important that students learn it. They make their lessons relevant to their students. As a matter of fact, though they are in a standards-driven national education climate, Master Teachers are, first and foremost clear about their own standards. They set the bar high and then help to cultivate not just the skills, but the confidence students need to reach it. With thoughtful creativity, Master Teachers add meaning by taking otherwise uninteresting standards and making them culturally and socially relevant and responsive to the needs of the students. youtube/watch?v=8R824L99hvY
Posted on: Wed, 29 Oct 2014 22:16:25 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015