Elementary school is a transformative time for students. As your child progresses through the grades, they will encounter a wide range of teachers who vary in style, experience, and expertise. Some of these teachers will be truly exceptional, making a lifelong impact on your child.
Sometimes, it’s easy to spot these super teachers. They develop a reputation at the school, especially among former students. Other super teachers may not receive wide renown, but quietly connect with a student who may have otherwise struggled.
As a parent, there are a few different ways to recognize a super teacher.
Super teachers create a comfortable, personalized environment for students
Every student comes to the classroom with unique needs and experiences, and the best teachers don’t just recognize this–they plan for it. They take a personalized approach to learning and deliver rich, engaging lessons with multiple pathways to success.
No matter what kind of learner your student is, a super teacher will design their classroom to support their needs. This means incorporating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans when accommodations will help a child, as well as developing activities that reflect different learning styles. Whether your child is a creative learner, an analytical learner, a literary learner, or an active learner, a super teacher will have activities geared towards them.
Super teachers also include games that encourage active learning and engagement, providing quiet time to reflect. They understand that not every child will experience immediate success. They know that all students are smart and capable, but that they learn in different ways and at different rates. To nurture this concept, super teachers promote an environment where it’s safe to fail. These teachers understand that mistakes are a part of the learning process, and “getting it right” isn’t the ultimate goal. They encourage a growth mindset that revolves around curiosity about the world.
Expectations are communicated clearly
The classroom of a super teacher is designed so students know what is expected of them at all times. They set clear guidelines from the first day and put strong boundaries in place. Their students know what to do, when to do it, and why it’s important. This doesn’t mean they’re inflexible or unable to adapt—quite the contrary! Super teachers have a firm but flexible classroom foundation in place.
In addition, parents are kept in the loop and invited to engage in the learning journey of their child. These teachers understand the importance of parent engagement and capitalize on it as an asset in the classroom. Memorable instructors invite questions and feedback from parents and students alike, and take all of these insights seriously.
Even though it’s difficult, super teachers are honest with parents about their child’s performance. They choose their words carefully and clearly explain any struggles that have cropped up.
Super teachers look beyond their walls
A classroom is only four walls. The world is much wider, and provides many different applicable learning opportunities. Super teachers think outside of the box and find alternate pathways to education. They may incorporate online learning, field trips, and even homeschool techniques into the regular classroom.
In addition, super teachers acknowledge that they are preparing their students for lifelong success. This means offering guidance, support, and tools that help them prepare for the sometimes distant seeming realm of college and career. Great teachers empower their students to shape their own futures from an early age by following their passions. This is often as simple as including student choice in assignments and projects, or offering opportunities for advanced learning.
Embracing education beyond the classroom goes beyond academic learning and analytical skills. Socio-emotional learning is just as important, and super teachers model and teach these skills. Students in these classrooms learn how to work as a team, offer constructive feedback, ask questions, and manage conflict..
Super teachers are super learners
Teachers are continuous learners. They believe they can learn from their students (no matter how young they are!) and do not act like the all-knowing “sage on the stage.” They aren’t afraid to admit it when they’re stumped, and they see those moments as teaching opportunities. Instead of bluffing their way to an answer, they use it as a way to encourage the student for asking good questions and search for the answer together.
Super teachers are also continuously refining their skills as educators. They reflect on what works, what doesn’t, and how they can continue to adapt. These teachers don’t hesitate to change direction if it makes sense for a particular student or class, and they often seek out professional development opportunities to stay on the cutting edge of new educational finds.
Super teachers promote safety above all else
Bullying is an unfortunate social dynamic many students encounter, both at school and in the digital space (cyber bullying is one of the most frequent forms of bullying). A super teacher not only understands this, but takes the ramifications of bullying seriously. They promote a bully-free environment, making all students feel safe in their classrooms. If bullying does happen, they act swiftly to ensure it is handled fairly.
Students are encouraged to accept one another and lift each other up. Super teachers encourage diversity and inclusion within their classrooms and make it clear that there is no excuse for disparaging another person.
Do you have a super teacher on your hands?
If you notice that any of your child’s teachers fit these descriptions, don’t hesitate to tell them! Many teachers work long hours to create a classroom that feels warm and welcoming, and to develop learning experiences that last a lifetime. Taking the time to thank a teacher can go a long way towards helping them know how meaningful their work truly is.
