What makes a ‘Quality Teacher’?

Nancy — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:12:51 +0000

Today I happened to be listening to Question Time in Parliament, and was intrigued by the concept of ‘quality teachers’. There would be few who would dispute the need for quality teachers: there is so much reseach which shows that quality teachers and teaching / learning programs contribute integrally to the success of children in classrooms. This is also the year of the ‘education revolution’ and it is long overdue for children with learning delays.

What makes a quality teacher? Is ‘quality’ about professional application of practical skills, classroom and behaviour management, high-level understanding of curriculum or interpersonal and communication skills? Is it about the curious and seeking teacher, the one who continually updates knowledge and skills or the teacher who collaborates with others to find workable solutions to assist children to learn? I have been fortunate in that most teachers of my acquaintance are dedicated, committed individuals who would do somersaults if it meant that it would help children to learn, but is that enough in today’s world? What do you view as an essential characteristic of the ‘quality teacher’?

*** 5energies Basic Training (three days of professional learning about our integrated framework of screening, assessemnt and strategy development will take place in September: please contact us for more information if you would like to participate in this professional learning.

5energies » quality teachers

What makes a ‘Quality Teacher’?