Shopping for Dedicated Teachers? Look for these Signposts

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Feb 28, 2001

Each semester the faculty on my campus are asked to indicate on a checkoff list which follow-up activities we completed to aid student success and retention in our classes. As I completed my list for submission, it seemed to me that whether or not a teacher completes these tasks is probably a good indicator of the level of dedication to student success. What are some of these signposts of a dedicated teacher?

Provides positive feedback. In our role as teachers we have toimpart a lot of information and giving assignments and tests is how we determine if that information has reached our students. What we do with students’ oral and written responses should be instructive, but also positive. This may take the form of oral response to students answers in class or written comments on tests. If you’re like most students, you comb through your graded papers and tests craving a crumb of praise or even just positive reaction to your ideas. Sarcasm and bitter verbal attacks from a teacher should be reported to your Dean of Students. Seek teachers known to give positive feedback.

Provides a variety of communicating with him or her. Every teacher is required to distribute a course syllabus the first week of class. This is more than just a bunch of objectives; it is a contract between you and the teacher identifying the goals, your part in reaching the goal, how grades are determined, and how to reach the teacher when you areabsent or have questions. Seek teachers known to be accessible by phone, email, fax and during office hours.

Provides an atmosphere conducive to learning. Every semester a few students report that they are suffering in a class where the students’ misbehavior and disrespect is so rampant that they can’t hear the teacher lecturing. A critical job of every teacher is to create an atmosphere where you cannot only hear the lecture, but where you feel safe to participate in discussion, where you are encouraged to work in small groups for more intense projects, and where you are asked to play a role in planning your own learning. Good teachers demand and give respect. Seek teachers who keep your class on the learning track.

Provides a bridge between generations. As I was thinking about this article, I was reminded of one of my favorite USC professors and former neighbors, Dr. Earl V. Pullias. In his book, A Teacher is Many Things, he warns college teachers to avoid complacency or resting on their own accomplishments.

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