Professional Growth
https://sites.google.com/view/teacher-ana-site
or type: Google teacher-ana-site
Finnish Lesson s 2.0, Pasi Sahlberg: Chapter 1, The Finnish Education System in 2015
READ PAPER online/download with a Google account)
(On webpage, click on the arrow head down ▼)
1. A clear and shared focus
Everybody knows where they are going and why. The focus is on achieving a shared vision, and all
understand their role in achieving the vision. The focus and vision are developed from common
beliefs and values, creating a consistent direction for all involved.
2. High standards and expectations for all students
Teachers and staff believe that all students can learn and meet high standards. While recognizing
that some students must overcome significant barriers, these obstacles are not seen as impossible
to achieve. Students are offered an ambitious and rigorous course of study.
3. Effective school leadership
Effective instructional and administrative leadership is required to implement change processes.
Effective leaders are proactive and seek help that is needed. They nurture an instructional program
and school culture conducive to learning and professional growth. Effective leaders have different
styles and roles -- teachers and other staff often have a leadership role.
4. High levels of collaboration and communication
There is strong teamwork among all staff across all grades and subject areas. Everybody is
involved and connected to each other, including parents and members of the community, to identify
problems and work on solutions.
5. Curriculum, instruction and assessments aligned with state standards
The planned and actual curricula are aligned with the essential academic learning requirements.
Research-based teaching strategies and materials are used. Staff understands the role of
classroom and state assessments, what the assessments measure, and how student work is
evaluated.
6. Frequent monitoring of learning and teaching
A steady cycle of different assessments identifies students who need help. More support and
instructional time are provided, either during the school day or outside normal school hours, to
students who need more help. Teaching is adjusted based on frequent monitoring of student
progress and needs. Assessment results are used to focus and improve instructional programs.
7. Focused professional development
A strong emphasis is placed on training staff in areas of most need. Feedback from learning and
teaching focuses extensive and ongoing professional development. The support is also aligned with
the school or district vision and objectives.
8. Supportive learning environment
The school has a safe, civil, healthy and intellectually stimulating learning environment. Students
feel respected and connected with the staff and are engaged in learning. Instruction is personalized
and small learning environments increase student contact with teachers.
9. High level of family and community involvement
There is a sense that all have a responsibility to educate students, not just teachers and staff in
schools. Families, as well as businesses, social service agencies, and community colleges &
universities, all play a vital role in this effort.
Source: https://www.abeka.com/blog/12-characteristics-of-an-effective-teacher/
1. Prepared
The most effective teachers come to class each day ready to teach that day’s lesson. They:
Jump right into the lesson with enthusiasm.
Avoid wasting instructional time. They start class on time, teach for the entire class period, and time flies in their classes.
2. Positive (see 7 Traits of Optimistic People)
The most effective teachers have optimistic attitudes about teaching and their students. They always:
Look on the bright side of every situation.
Communicate with students about their progress.
Praise and recognize students for hard work.
Help students act kindly toward one another.
3. Hold High Expectations
“SET NO LIMITS ON STUDENTS AND BELIEVE EVERYONE CAN BE SUCCESFUL”
They:
Hold students to the highest standards.
Consistently challenge their students to realize their potential.
Build students’ confidence and teach them to believe in themselves.
4. Creative
The most effective teachers are resourceful and inventive in their teaching methods. They:
Might wear a clown suit if the class reaches its academic goal.
Agree to participate in the school talent show.
Use technology effectively in the classroom.
5. Fair
The most effective teachers handle students and grading fairly. They:
Allow all students equal opportunities and privileges.
Provide clear requirements.
Recognize that “fair” means giving every student an opportunity to succeed.
Understand that not all students learn in the same way and at the same rate
.
6. Display a Personal Touch
The most effective teachers are approachable and friendly. They:
Connect with students personally.
Are genuinely interested in who their students are as people.
Visit the students’ world. For instance, they sit with them in the cafeteria; they attend sporting events, plays, and other events outside normal school hours.
7. Cultivate a Sense of Belonging
The most effective teachers have a way of making students feel welcome and comfortable in their classrooms.
Have a warm, welcoming attitude that helps students know they belong in your classroom.
Communicate how much they love teaching and prefer it to other occupations.
8. Compassionate
The most effective teachers are concerned about students’ personal problems and can relate to them. Numerous stories established how the sensitivity and compassion of caring teachers affected them in profound and lasting ways. They:
Understand when students are having a difficult time and act accordingly.
Remember that students are people with lives outside of the classroom, just like teachers.
9. Have a Sense of Humor
The most effective teachers do not take everything seriously and make learning fun. They:
Use humor to break the ice in difficult situations.
Bring humor into the everyday classroom.
Laugh with the class but never at the expense of any particular student.
10. Respect Students
The most effective teachers do not deliberately embarrass students. Teachers who give the highest respect get the highest respect. They:
Respect students’ privacy when returning test papers.
Speak to students in private concerning grades or conduct.
Always avoid situations that unnecessarily embarrass students.
11. Forgiving
The most effective teachers do not hold grudges. They:
Forgive the students.
Start each day with a clean slate.
Understand that disruptive or antisocial behavior can quickly turn a teacher against a student, but that refusing to give up on a difficult student can produce success.
12. Admit Mistakes
The most effective teachers are quick to admit it when they’re wrong. They:
Apologize to mistakenly accused students.
Make adjustments when students point out errors and oversights.