What Makes a Teacher Effective?
Short Film: What makes an effective teacher? -
What makes a teacher effective? Research indicates that teacher preparation/knowledge of teaching and learning, subject matter knowledge, experience, and the combined set of qualifications measured by teacher licensure are all leading factors in teacher effectiveness.1
Recently, some critics have questioned the role of teacher preparation as a key to teacher effectiveness. It’s time to separate fact from fiction, truth from myth about teacher preparation. Most of the research findings on pre-service teacher preparation are consistent with common sense and the experience of those in the classroom. Here are five key findings from the existing research on teacher preparation:
- Teacher preparation helps candidates develop the knowledge and skill they need in the classroom
- Well prepared teachers are more likely to remain in teaching
- Well prepared teachers produce higher student achievement
- Leading industrialized nations invest heavily in pre-service teacher preparation
- NCATE makes a difference in teacher preparation
Available research supports the idea that high quality teacher preparation is important. Well prepared teachers outperform those who are not prepared. No credible research reveals any advantage to students of having teachers without preparation.
