Coty W Wright - Professional Portfolio
Things I would add to your campus
Passion for the Group I Teach.
Since an adolescents I've always had a natural affinity in being able to relate to a specific group of individuals. From creative secondary and University presentations carrying over to my student teaching experiences at the Elementary and High School level. Being an effective teacher has much more to do with just being able to motivate students to learn. Teaching them HOW to learn and doing so in a manner that makes it relevant and meaningful will have a more positive impact on students' learning experiences. Caring for your craft and having a strong passion for it gives off a sense that you genuinely care for and have high expectations for your students, ultimately increasing engagement and willingness to learn.
Willingness to Put in the Necessary Time
There's no way an effective teacher is maximizing their potential by working 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Just as you would any other serious profession, teaching requires lots of time and commitment. Devoting time in: preparing prior to class, organizing activites for students outside of class time, maintaining good relationships with parents, attending school, district, or professional conferences..etc. an effective teacher invests time indicating to students that they sincerly care about their learning.
Capacity for Growth
Teachers undergo constant change. Great teachers are able to remain intellectually open to appropriate change proven by theory, research, and practice. It's essential for an educator to understand how to maintain high standards for all learners. Continual growth occurs by: taking college and/or inservice courses, reading professional literature related to your content, becoming apart of education committees, or by engaging others who share similar concerns in serious conversation about school related issues. The phrase "lifelong learner" should definitely be applied when discussing qualities of effective teachers. Ideas including: integration of new methods for technology, research on the most effective strategies for teaching and multiple instruction, or developing cooperative learning approaches should all be taken into consideration when trying to maximize not only your growth as a professional, but student involvement and engagement.
An Effective Classroom Management Style
Without proper classroom management it's almost impossible for effective learning to take place. Every great teacher has their own method(s) of "managing" their classroom; the more effective teachers draw from well-known and established theories, and adapt them to fit their personal preference. Effective classroom managment techniques vary dependent on the teacher, however all share at least three common characteristics in their classrooms, including: minimal behavior problems, a very clear, shared understanding of acceptable and appropriate behavior, and a community of trust and respectfulness.
Postive Relationships with Staff and Other Adults
Teachers spend a great deal of time with other adults in a school: other teachers, administrators, parents, members of the custodial team..etc. and must be able to maintain postive relationships with each of these groups. Teachers depend on one another and many times are used as a source for obtaining information, enrichment, and even sometimes as a support. Great teachers make it a priority to keep parents involved and informed about their child's progress, and if necessary, perspectively help parents in understanding any problems that persist. It's important for teachers to understand that a lack of a strong partnership between teachers and students' families may have a negative impact on reaching your best efforts ultimately depriving students of reaching their max potential.