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12 Characteristics
of an Effective Teacher
The Forum for Innovative LeadershipCook Convention Center
Memphis, TennesseeJune 7-9, 2011
12 Characteristics
of an Effective Teacher
The Forum for Innovative LeadershipCook Convention Center
Memphis, TennesseeJune 7-9, 2011
PresenterRobert J. Walker, Ed.D.
Chair, Department of EducationSouthwest Tennessee Community College
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
You may purchase a copy today You may purchase a copy today
from the author after this session.from the author after this session.$15.00$15.00
About this StudyAbout this Study What started out as a simple first week class assignment evolved
into an educational revelation. Over my collegiate teaching career, I have engaged college
students in discussion and writing assignments pertaining to the outstanding characteristic of their most effective teacher.
Effective was defined as the teacher who made the most significant impact on their lives.
After years of listening to students and reading their essays about their favorite and most memorable teacher, I have isolated what students said are the 12 Characteristics of an Effective Teacher.
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
What started out as a simple first week class assignment evolved into an educational revelation.
Over my collegiate teaching career, I have engaged college students in discussion and writing assignments pertaining to the outstanding characteristic of their most effective teacher.
Effective was defined as the teacher who made the most significant impact on their lives.
After years of listening to students and reading their essays about their favorite and most memorable teacher, I have isolated what students said are the 12 Characteristics of an Effective Teacher.
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
Significance of this StudySignificance of this StudySignificance of this StudySignificance of this Study The The 12 Characteristics of an Effective Teacher 12 Characteristics of an Effective Teacher are more are more
personal traits than they are academic traits.personal traits than they are academic traits. They are They are notnot qualities that teachers, going through a college qualities that teachers, going through a college
academic course of study, learn in their classes or by way of academic course of study, learn in their classes or by way of the textbook.the textbook.
These 12 characteristics make the point that no longer can These 12 characteristics make the point that no longer can teachers view themselves as merely a dispenser of knowledge. teachers view themselves as merely a dispenser of knowledge.
These 12 characteristics make the inference that teachers These 12 characteristics make the inference that teachers must model the character that they seek to instill in the must model the character that they seek to instill in the children they teach. children they teach.
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
The The 12 Characteristics of an Effective Teacher 12 Characteristics of an Effective Teacher are more are more personal traits than they are academic traits.personal traits than they are academic traits.
They are They are notnot qualities that teachers, going through a college qualities that teachers, going through a college academic course of study, learn in their classes or by way of academic course of study, learn in their classes or by way of the textbook.the textbook.
These 12 characteristics make the point that no longer can These 12 characteristics make the point that no longer can teachers view themselves as merely a dispenser of knowledge. teachers view themselves as merely a dispenser of knowledge.
These 12 characteristics make the inference that teachers These 12 characteristics make the inference that teachers must model the character that they seek to instill in the must model the character that they seek to instill in the children they teach. children they teach.
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
SurveySurveySurveySurvey Please take a few minutes to complete the Please take a few minutes to complete the 12 12
Characteristics of an Effective Teacher Characteristics of an Effective Teacher Survey Survey found in your handout. found in your handout.
You You will notwill not be asked to turn this survey in to me. be asked to turn this survey in to me.
This is just a presentation activity!This is just a presentation activity!
Please take a few minutes to complete the Please take a few minutes to complete the 12 12 Characteristics of an Effective Teacher Characteristics of an Effective Teacher Survey Survey found in your handout. found in your handout.
You You will notwill not be asked to turn this survey in to me. be asked to turn this survey in to me.
This is just a presentation activity!This is just a presentation activity!
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
Characteristic #1
PreparedPreparedCharacteristic #1
PreparedPrepared
They know the subject matter and are able to They know the subject matter and are able to teach it in a way that students can learn.teach it in a way that students can learn.
It is easy to learn in their class because they are It is easy to learn in their class because they are ready for the day.ready for the day.
They do not waste instructional time. They start They do not waste instructional time. They start class on time. They teach the entire class.class on time. They teach the entire class.
Time flies in their class because students are Time flies in their class because students are engaged in learning (not bored, less likely to fall engaged in learning (not bored, less likely to fall asleep).asleep).
They know the subject matter and are able to They know the subject matter and are able to teach it in a way that students can learn.teach it in a way that students can learn.
It is easy to learn in their class because they are It is easy to learn in their class because they are ready for the day.ready for the day.
They do not waste instructional time. They start They do not waste instructional time. They start class on time. They teach the entire class.class on time. They teach the entire class.
Time flies in their class because students are Time flies in their class because students are engaged in learning (not bored, less likely to fall engaged in learning (not bored, less likely to fall asleep).asleep).
Prepared - Prepared - The most effective teachers The most effective teachers come to class each day ready to teach.come to class each day ready to teach.
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
Characteristic #2Characteristic #2
PositivePositiveCharacteristic #2Characteristic #2
PositivePositive
They see the glass half-full (They look on the positive side of every situation).
They are available to students. They communicate with students
about their progress. They give praise and recognition. They have strategies to help
students be positive towards one another.
They love teaching and would not want to do anything else.
They see the glass half-full (They look on the positive side of every situation).
They are available to students. They communicate with students
about their progress. They give praise and recognition. They have strategies to help
students be positive towards one another.
They love teaching and would not want to do anything else.
Positive – Positive – The most effective teachersThe most effective teachers have an have an optimisticoptimistic attitudeattitude about being a teacher and about about being a teacher and about their studentstheir students
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
Characteristic #3
High ExpectationsCharacteristic #3
High Expectations
They have the highest They have the highest standards.standards.
They consistently challenge They consistently challenge students to do their best.students to do their best.
They are caring They are caring professionals who build professionals who build students’ confidence and students’ confidence and teach students to believe in teach students to believe in themselves.themselves.
They have the highest They have the highest standards.standards.
They consistently challenge They consistently challenge students to do their best.students to do their best.
They are caring They are caring professionals who build professionals who build students’ confidence and students’ confidence and teach students to believe in teach students to believe in themselves.themselves.
High Expectations: The most effective teachers do not set limits on any of the students and believe they all can be successful.
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
Characteristic #4
CreativeCharacteristic #4
Creative
Examples:Examples: Kissing a pig if the class reaches its Kissing a pig if the class reaches its
academic goals.academic goals. Wearing a clown suit.Wearing a clown suit. Agreeing to participate in school Agreeing to participate in school
talent show.talent show. Using technology in the classroom.Using technology in the classroom.
Examples:Examples: Kissing a pig if the class reaches its Kissing a pig if the class reaches its
academic goals.academic goals. Wearing a clown suit.Wearing a clown suit. Agreeing to participate in school Agreeing to participate in school
talent show.talent show. Using technology in the classroom.Using technology in the classroom.
Creative Creative - Effective teachers are very - Effective teachers are very resourceful and inventive in how they teach resourceful and inventive in how they teach their classes.their classes.
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
Characteristic #5
FairCharacteristic #5
Fair
They allow all students equal They allow all students equal opportunities and privileges.opportunities and privileges.
They clarify requirements for the They clarify requirements for the class.class.
They recognize that “Fair” doesn’t They recognize that “Fair” doesn’t necessarily mean treating everyone necessarily mean treating everyone the same, but giving every student the same, but giving every student what he or she needs in order to be what he or she needs in order to be successful.successful.
They understand that all students They understand that all students don’t learn in the same way and at don’t learn in the same way and at the same rate.the same rate.
They allow all students equal They allow all students equal opportunities and privileges.opportunities and privileges.
They clarify requirements for the They clarify requirements for the class.class.
They recognize that “Fair” doesn’t They recognize that “Fair” doesn’t necessarily mean treating everyone necessarily mean treating everyone the same, but giving every student the same, but giving every student what he or she needs in order to be what he or she needs in order to be successful.successful.
They understand that all students They understand that all students don’t learn in the same way and at don’t learn in the same way and at the same rate.the same rate.
FairFair – The most effective teachers are just in – The most effective teachers are just in how they treat students and in their grading.how they treat students and in their grading.
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
Characteristic #6
Personal Touch
Characteristic #6
Personal Touch
They connect with students in a They connect with students in a personal way.personal way.
They share personal experiences They share personal experiences with the class.with the class.
They take a personal interest in the They take a personal interest in the students and find out as much as students and find out as much as possible about them.possible about them.
They visit the students’ world They visit the students’ world (neighborhoods, homes, sit with (neighborhoods, homes, sit with them in cafeteria, etc.).them in cafeteria, etc.).
They come to sporting and other They come to sporting and other events outside normal school hours.events outside normal school hours.
They connect with students in a They connect with students in a personal way.personal way.
They share personal experiences They share personal experiences with the class.with the class.
They take a personal interest in the They take a personal interest in the students and find out as much as students and find out as much as possible about them.possible about them.
They visit the students’ world They visit the students’ world (neighborhoods, homes, sit with (neighborhoods, homes, sit with them in cafeteria, etc.).them in cafeteria, etc.).
They come to sporting and other They come to sporting and other events outside normal school hours.events outside normal school hours.
Personal Touch Personal Touch – Effective teachers are – Effective teachers are approachableapproachable..
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
Characteristic #7Develops a Sense of
Belonging
Characteristic #7Develops a Sense of
Belonging
Two comments repeatedly Two comments repeatedly mentioned by students mentioned by students were:were:
Feeling a sense of belonging in the classroom.
Feeling that the teacher was happy to have them in the classroom.
Two comments repeatedly Two comments repeatedly mentioned by students mentioned by students were:were:
Feeling a sense of belonging in the classroom.
Feeling that the teacher was happy to have them in the classroom.
Develops a Sense of Belonging – Develops a Sense of Belonging – The most The most effective teachers make students feel welcome and effective teachers make students feel welcome and comfortable in their classrooms.comfortable in their classrooms.
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
Characteristic #8
Admits MistakesCharacteristic #8
Admits Mistakes
Example (1):Example (1): When a student is mistakenly When a student is mistakenly accused, the teacher is willing to accused, the teacher is willing to apologize to the student.apologize to the student.
Example (2):Example (2): The teacher is willing to make The teacher is willing to make adjustments when students inform the adjustments when students inform the teacher that there was material on the teacher that there was material on the test they were not told to study or when test they were not told to study or when errors are made in grading.errors are made in grading.
Example (3):Example (3): The teacher is willing to give The teacher is willing to give students an opportunity to redo a project students an opportunity to redo a project if she did not explain an important step in if she did not explain an important step in the assignment.the assignment.
Example (1):Example (1): When a student is mistakenly When a student is mistakenly accused, the teacher is willing to accused, the teacher is willing to apologize to the student.apologize to the student.
Example (2):Example (2): The teacher is willing to make The teacher is willing to make adjustments when students inform the adjustments when students inform the teacher that there was material on the teacher that there was material on the test they were not told to study or when test they were not told to study or when errors are made in grading.errors are made in grading.
Example (3):Example (3): The teacher is willing to give The teacher is willing to give students an opportunity to redo a project students an opportunity to redo a project if she did not explain an important step in if she did not explain an important step in the assignment.the assignment.
Admits Mistakes – Admits Mistakes – Effective teachers are quick to Effective teachers are quick to apologize to students when an error was made.apologize to students when an error was made.
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
Characteristic #9
Sense of Humor
Characteristic #9
Sense of Humor
They have the ability to break the They have the ability to break the ice in difficult situations with ice in difficult situations with humor.humor.
They bring humor into the They bring humor into the classroom.classroom.
They enjoy laughing They enjoy laughing with with the class the class (but, not at the expense of a (but, not at the expense of a student.student.
They have the ability to break the They have the ability to break the ice in difficult situations with ice in difficult situations with humor.humor.
They bring humor into the They bring humor into the classroom.classroom.
They enjoy laughing They enjoy laughing with with the class the class (but, not at the expense of a (but, not at the expense of a student.student.
Sense of Humor –Sense of Humor – Effective teachers do not take Effective teachers do not take everything so seriously and make learning fun.everything so seriously and make learning fun.
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
Characteristic #10
Gives Respect to Students
Characteristic #10
Gives Respect to Students
Teachers who give the highest respect, Teachers who give the highest respect, get the highest respect.get the highest respect.
Examples:Examples: Respect students’ privacy when Respect students’ privacy when
returning test papers.returning test papers. Speak to students in private concerning Speak to students in private concerning
grades or conduct.grades or conduct. Effective teachers were remembered Effective teachers were remembered
for showing sensitivity for students’ for showing sensitivity for students’ feelings, and for consistently avoiding feelings, and for consistently avoiding situations that might unnecessarily situations that might unnecessarily embarrass students.embarrass students.
Teachers who give the highest respect, Teachers who give the highest respect, get the highest respect.get the highest respect.
Examples:Examples: Respect students’ privacy when Respect students’ privacy when
returning test papers.returning test papers. Speak to students in private concerning Speak to students in private concerning
grades or conduct.grades or conduct. Effective teachers were remembered Effective teachers were remembered
for showing sensitivity for students’ for showing sensitivity for students’ feelings, and for consistently avoiding feelings, and for consistently avoiding situations that might unnecessarily situations that might unnecessarily embarrass students.embarrass students.
Gives Respect to Students -Gives Respect to Students - The most effective The most effective teachers do not deliberately embarrass students.teachers do not deliberately embarrass students.
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
They are willing to forgive students for They are willing to forgive students for inappropriate behavior.inappropriate behavior.
They have a habit of starting each day with They have a habit of starting each day with a clean slate.a clean slate.
They understand that an attitude of They understand that an attitude of forgiveness is essential if difficult students forgiveness is essential if difficult students are to be reached. are to be reached.
They understand that disruptive or They understand that disruptive or antisocial behavior can be upsetting and antisocial behavior can be upsetting and quickly turn a teacher against a student. quickly turn a teacher against a student. But, the willingness to never give up on a But, the willingness to never give up on a difficult student can result in a wonderful difficult student can result in a wonderful success story.success story.
They are willing to forgive students for They are willing to forgive students for inappropriate behavior.inappropriate behavior.
They have a habit of starting each day with They have a habit of starting each day with a clean slate.a clean slate.
They understand that an attitude of They understand that an attitude of forgiveness is essential if difficult students forgiveness is essential if difficult students are to be reached. are to be reached.
They understand that disruptive or They understand that disruptive or antisocial behavior can be upsetting and antisocial behavior can be upsetting and quickly turn a teacher against a student. quickly turn a teacher against a student. But, the willingness to never give up on a But, the willingness to never give up on a difficult student can result in a wonderful difficult student can result in a wonderful success story.success story.
Characteristic #11
ForgivingCharacteristic #11
ForgivingForgiving – Forgiving – Effective teachers do not hold Effective teachers do not hold grudges against their students.grudges against their students.
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
Characteristic #12CompassionateCharacteristic #12
Compassionate
The teacher takes a special interest in helping students solve The teacher takes a special interest in helping students solve personal problems.personal problems.
Students can tell that their teacher loves them. Students can tell that their teacher loves them. The sensitivity and compassion of a caring teacher affects The sensitivity and compassion of a caring teacher affects
students in profound and lasting waysstudents in profound and lasting ways..
The teacher takes a special interest in helping students solve The teacher takes a special interest in helping students solve personal problems.personal problems.
Students can tell that their teacher loves them. Students can tell that their teacher loves them. The sensitivity and compassion of a caring teacher affects The sensitivity and compassion of a caring teacher affects
students in profound and lasting waysstudents in profound and lasting ways..
Compassionate - Compassionate - Effective teachers are genuinely concern about Effective teachers are genuinely concern about students’ personal problems and can relate to them.students’ personal problems and can relate to them.
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
ReviewReviewWhen students are fortunate enough to be in the When students are fortunate enough to be in the classroom of a teacher who displays a majority of the classroom of a teacher who displays a majority of the 12 Characteristics of Effective Teacher12 Characteristics of Effective Teacher, it can make a , it can make a life-long difference.life-long difference.
Characteristic #1 Characteristic #1 - - PreparedPrepared Characteristic #2 Characteristic #2 - - PositivePositive Characteristic #3 - Characteristic #3 - High ExpectationsHigh Expectations Characteristic #4 Characteristic #4 - - CreativeCreative Characteristic #5 Characteristic #5 - - FairFair Characteristic #6 Characteristic #6 - - Personal TouchPersonal Touch Characteristic #7Characteristic #7 - - Develops a Sense of BelongingDevelops a Sense of Belonging Characteristic #8 – Characteristic #8 – Admits MistakesAdmits Mistakes Characteristic #9Characteristic #9 - - Sense of HumorSense of Humor Characteristic #10Characteristic #10 – – Gives Respect to StudentsGives Respect to Students Characteristic #11Characteristic #11 - - ForgivingForgiving Characteristic #12Characteristic #12 - - CompassionateCompassionate
When students are fortunate enough to be in the When students are fortunate enough to be in the classroom of a teacher who displays a majority of the classroom of a teacher who displays a majority of the 12 Characteristics of Effective Teacher12 Characteristics of Effective Teacher, it can make a , it can make a life-long difference.life-long difference.
Characteristic #1 Characteristic #1 - - PreparedPrepared Characteristic #2 Characteristic #2 - - PositivePositive Characteristic #3 - Characteristic #3 - High ExpectationsHigh Expectations Characteristic #4 Characteristic #4 - - CreativeCreative Characteristic #5 Characteristic #5 - - FairFair Characteristic #6 Characteristic #6 - - Personal TouchPersonal Touch Characteristic #7Characteristic #7 - - Develops a Sense of BelongingDevelops a Sense of Belonging Characteristic #8 – Characteristic #8 – Admits MistakesAdmits Mistakes Characteristic #9Characteristic #9 - - Sense of HumorSense of Humor Characteristic #10Characteristic #10 – – Gives Respect to StudentsGives Respect to Students Characteristic #11Characteristic #11 - - ForgivingForgiving Characteristic #12Characteristic #12 - - CompassionateCompassionate
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
Group ActivityGroup Activity
Directions:Directions: Divide into four groups and Divide into four groups and discuss the following question:discuss the following question:
If you had only one of the If you had only one of the 12 Characteristics 12 Characteristics of an Effective Teacherof an Effective Teacher, which one would , which one would
you like to have and why?you like to have and why?
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
Final Words of WisdomFinal Words of Wisdom
“If students like you, they will do anything for you. If they do not like you, they will do anything to you.”
MarilynTaylor Memphis City School teacher.
“If students like you, they will do anything for you. If they do not like you, they will do anything to you.”
MarilynTaylor Memphis City School teacher.
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
The EndThe End
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
F.Y.I.F.Y.I.
This study was published in book This study was published in book format (144 pages paperback).format (144 pages paperback).
ISBN: 978-1-4357-1528-8ISBN: 978-1-4357-1528-8
You may purchase a copy todayYou may purchase a copy today from the authorfrom the author ($15.00). ($15.00).
This study was published in book This study was published in book format (144 pages paperback).format (144 pages paperback).
ISBN: 978-1-4357-1528-8ISBN: 978-1-4357-1528-8
You may purchase a copy todayYou may purchase a copy today from the authorfrom the author ($15.00). ($15.00).
© 2010 by Dr. Robert J. Walker all rights reserved.
