The Big XII: Skills for Teaching (and Life!)

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The Big XII Skills for Teaching (and Life!)

• Heather Sparks, NBCT
• Oklahoma Teacher of the Year
• May 5, 2009

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12. Empathy

• Get to know your students and the lives they
  live.
• Show interest in student activities.
• Even on your worst day, youre a students best
  hope. Larry Bell

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11. Respect

• Show the respect you expect.
• Find ways to connect to students.
• Create a special greeting.

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10. Patience

• Students that are hardest to love, need your
  love the most.
• Know when to reschedule students
• Keep your power in perspective.

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9. Flexibility

• Be willing and able to make changes.
• Learn to compromise.
• Create win-win situations.

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8. Collegiality

• Know your strengths and those of your colleagues.
• Find common ground and work together.
• ALWAYS treat the school secretary, custodian and
  other power players with respect.

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7. Creativity

• Dont be married to one specific teaching
  strategy or textbook.
• Explore resources regularly.
• Seek professional growth opportunities.

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6. Problem Solving

• Have a solution before you complain about a
  problem.
• Ask advice of other professionals.
• Involve families.

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5. Positive Attitude

• Fred Factor
• Being positive is a choice!
• Which candy salesperson are you?

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4. Sense of Humor

• Dont be afraid to laugh at yourself.
• Create class jokes that include everyone.
• Learn jokes appropriate for your field or subject.

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3. High Expectations

• Set worthy goals for yourself and reflect often
  on your progress.
• Establish high expectations for your students.

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2. Amnesia

• Learn to let goDont be a garbage truck!
• Every day is a fresh start for students.

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And the number one skill needed for successful
teaching(and successful living)
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1. Self-Care

• Know your needs and make sure they are met.
• As much as possible, leave school at school.
• Adopt a hobby and give yourself permission to
  enjoy it!