A master teacher knows his/her students – who they are as people. These are the teachers who talk to kids before or after class, not about class necessarily – but about life. Teachers who connect with their students go to their games and concerts. In their classrooms there is an air of mutual respect that is both intentional and subtle. Students rise to the occasion and meet or beat expectations because of their high regard for their teachers.
The best teachers have their students up and moving and doing during class time. (Has listening to a teacher's lecture ever changed a student’s life?) Students in these classes read often, write constantly and think during every single class. Teachers are always thinking of new and novel ways that might help students learn material and inspire new discovery.
The best teachers know their stuff, and they love it. These teachers are always expanding their own knowledge of the course material because it is their passion. As learners, they then freely share with students how their views have grown or changed–sending the clear message to students that learning is a never-ending, glorious journey that all of us are lucky to be on.
At my school, Sanford School, a Preschool–12 college preparatory school, we are fortunate to have teachers who display these traits and strategies. Sanford students have the opportunity to work with teachers who are content experts, classroom specialists, and raving fans of kids. When a school is made up of a powerful team of teachers, it makes for an exceptional learning environment.