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."
