Excellent Teaching Is...

Teaching is the one of the most important and most difficult jobs in the world.  Where else can you find a career that has so many challenges yet such huge implications on the future of our nation?  When I pondered what teaching actually is, a flood of thoughts emerged, and then I fixated on the greatest teachers that I've ever had the privilege to work with.  

Here are a few descriptors that make them the best at what they do.

Tenacity

The ability to be obsessive about creative ways to hook every child into learning and discovering their purpose in life.

Enthusiastic Energy

The kind that inspires learners to surpass content consumption and see the impact that their learning  can make on the world.

Action of Accountability

A focused and committed environment that takes learners from where they are to where they need to be, but goes a step further by transforming engaged students into empowered learners.

Collaboration

A constant desire to learn with and from colleagues to find ways to improve at the art & science of teaching.

Hardwork

Which generally goes far beyond the hours and confines of the school building.

Inward Inquiry

Constantly asking the question, "How can I improve?"

No Excuses

The unwavering commitment to conquer all obstacles and never accept excuses when students fail to learn.

Greatness

The persistent pursuit for greatness in every child.

The greatest teachers know how to elicit greatness from their students. In fact, as you read through these descriptors, you probably had several teachers come to mind.  Teaching is a difficult profession.  It is sometimes thankless, but there are those times when it is the most fulfilling and most personally rewarding gift that a person could ever give themselves.  

I would definitely enjoy your thoughts on what you believe excellent teaching means to you.