BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL TEACHER

1. Consistency is key
Teachers must be a reliable presence in their students’ lives. Students need to know what
to expect from teachers and when they can expect it. Young people thrive on consistent
schedules, so teachers should implement one in their classrooms that encompasses
academic subjects, arts, exercise and quiet time.
2. Establish classroom rules and post them on the wall
Setting behavior expectations is a fundamental part of classroom management. Teachers
can choose short phrases that set clear expectations for conduct such as listening, being
kind to others, and following directions, then compile these into a short list of classroom
rules that are posted where students can always see them. To help students understand the
class rules, teachers should  model them on the first day of school — for example, by
making a list of ways to show respect for others — and explain the related rewards and
consequences. Posted classroom rules are an effective visual aid for students to remember
how they should behave in class.
3. Get to know students
With each new bunch of students will come 20, 30 or even 40 new personalities. It’s
important for children to feel that their teacher cares about them individually. A simple act
like greeting students at the classroom door is a great way to connect. Teachers should
learn their student’s names as quickly as possible and include some getting-to-know-you
activities in the first few days of the school year. Some teachers even send home a
“Beginning of the Year Survey” that students fill out with their parents, answering
questions about their learning style, likes and dislikes, reading preferences, and goals.
Teachers who get to know everyone in their classrooms are better equipped to teach to
students’ strengths, identify and intervene on problems early, and find a balance for the
different learning styles and personalities in the class.
4. Keep the lines of communication open
Elementary school teachers who expect students to listen to and respect them must
provide them with the same courtesy. Furthermore, asking students questions and paying
close attention to their answers helps teachers adjust their instruction to suit students’
strengths and weaknesses and supports development of soft skills. A successful teacher’s
students will feel comfortable coming to them with questions or problems, confident
they’ll get a fair chance. In addition, good communication with teachers builds trust in
students as they continue their educational journey.
5. Make learning fun
One of an elementary teacher’s main duties is to provide an educational foundation for the
future. At the same time, they want students to look forward to entering the classroom
each day. Fortunately, teachers can use many strategies to create a learning environment
that engages students and ignites their intellectual curiosity. Here are just a few:
 Develop and use creative lesson plans
 Experiment with instructional methods such as project-based learning and flipped
classrooms
 Provide options for every type of learner, whether that involves students working
quietly on their own or hands-on activity
 Use social media as a classroom tool.