What Great Teachers Do

Great teachers.......






-teach students, not math, reading, english, history...etc...
-greet students at the door to read their moods, head off behavior issues, and talk to them about things that interest them
-use humor and laugh at themselves and LOVE what they do
-are aware of EVERYTHING going on in their classrooms at all times
-modify for each and every student that shows a need for it whether they have an IEP or not
-contact parents on a consistent basis until they have talked with all of them throughout the year
-differentiate instruction to teach one concept many ways to reach all learners
-create a classroom climate that is inviting and accepting
-NEVER, EVER, EVER give up on any student at any time for any reason
-try new ways to motivate their students, even if they fail and have to try a different way again
-inform students of their progress/grades once a week
-hold students accountable for their own learning
-use positive presuppositions with students, for example:  as students walk into the room, greet one who normally has issues with this statement:  I can see that you are having a tough day today.  I know you will do great in class today and I cannot wait to see what you will learn."

To make a mother happy.....

all you need to do is gather her family and just BE.  There's nothing like having all of the family under one roof healthy and happy, especially when the kids are grown and have moved away.  The sounds of several conversations taking place at one time, one talking over the other, the laughing, the chaos, the kids walking around listening to everyone trying to join in...mom's love it all and are in complete heaven.  When asked what I want for Mother's Day or my birthday, Christmas, or any other day I can get away with it, I always give the same answer; I'd like all of my family home, together, for as long as possible.  There is no greater joy!