Becoming a Teaching Legend

My dream is to be in a school where every teacher is a legend.

An educator who has become a legend is one who makes a positive difference in the lives of their students.

If you are not one already the 2002/03 school year is an opportunity to continue on the journey to becoming one.

Legend Personalities

Legend personalities contribute to the emotional, skill level and intellectual growth of their students.

1. Research indicates:

Students are attracted to classrooms where instruction is informed and yet entertaining.• Creative• funny• friendly• interesting• happy• different

2. Research indicates:

Students look for a learning environment that challenges them to learn but is safe from ridicule and failure .• Informed• patient, nonthreatening• motivated, challenging• encouraging, positive

3. Research indicates:

Students wish to view their instructors as professionals, models from whom they may learn.• Motivated• intense• wise• dedicated.

4. Research indicates:

Students appreciate teachers who are sensitive to their emotional needs.• Compassionate• honest• understanding• even-tempered• fair• caring

The legend is Successful!

The legend is successful because he or she experiences success.

Legends are not shams. They love their areas of expertise and communicate that love to their students. Their payday is when their passion is caught by their students.

The Legend’s Attitude -

Looks for the best in every student.

Takes risks - welcomes accountability as a opportunity to show how good they are.

Are persistently fair. Their attitude is infectious

The Legend’s attitude -

Recognizes that the greatest difference is made with the disadvantaged student.

Overcomes adversity, personal obstacles and regardless of whether they may actually resent those challenges, they behave as if they don’t.

The Legend’s attitude -

Do not resent the difficulties of their profession - they embrace them, and in doing so, overcome them.

The Legend’s Habits -

Works hard and does work nightly, just as he/she expects students to do.

Interacts in a professional manner with students. ( A professional - client relationship)

punctual, professional in dress and organized.

The Legend’s Habits -

Professionally follows through commitments to their students regardless of personal concerns or problems.

Always polite in dealing with students treating them with respect and concern.

The Legend’s Habits -

Never has “free days” but always has a prepared meaningful educational experience for the class

The Legends #1 Job:

Is to manage student states (happy, excited, confused, hopeful, apathetic - there are 1000’s of them).

When things are not working in your classroom, the first thing to ask yourself is, Are my students in the right state?

States are what drive attention! State changers : share, write, turn

to your neighbour and say, music, change location, humour, ..etc

Finally, the student -

Knows that the legend will hold them up to tough standards and that they will have to work hard to succeed, but also knows that the teacher will be working just as hard to see that he/she succeeds.

Policies to Be Reviewed with all staff:

Harassment Policies and Procedures

Alleged child abuse policies & procedures

Protocol for dealing with Anaphylactic Students

Field trip and Excursion procedures

Policies to Be Reviewed with all staff:

In-school security procedures Bomb treat procedure OSR guideline 2000 Staffing timelines Location of Collective Agreements Protocol for students with

Diabetes.

Policies to Be Reviewed with all staff:

IT - Acceptable Use procedures Suspension & Expulsion

procedures Holidays & Observances

Policies to Be Reviewed with all staff:

Surviving the first few days Procedures To Address With Your

Classes Basic Essentials Duties of a Teacher Attendance at staff meetings Professional Misconduct