“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” - I Thessalonians 5:21

Every year teachers will have classes that are different and unique, but highly effective teachers, no matter whom or what they teach, practice the following seven items:

1. Highly effective teachers realize that it is people (students, parents, peers, leaders, etc.), not programs, that determine the quality of a school. They invest in people.
2. Highly effective teachers establish clear, just, and high expectations (spiritual, academic, conduct, etc.) at the start of the school year and consistently maintain them throughout the school year. They also set higher standards for themselves than for their students.
3. Highly effective teachers focus more on developing character not just dispensing penalties/demerits. Their goal is to help students not repeat their misconduct. Effective teachers realize and use the power of appropriate praise. Great teachers have the common ability to stop trivial disturbances in the classroom without interfering with instruction and they respond to inappropriate behavior precisely/appropriately without escalating the situation.
4. Highly effective teachers consistently strive to improve as they focus on increasing their performance and effectiveness.
5. Highly effective teachers create a positive, exciting, and profitable environment in their classrooms and school. They treat all people with respect.
6. Highly effective teachers work hard at establishing and building strong and positive relationships (parents, students, peers, leaders, etc.). Effective teachers, to a high degree, avoid hurting these vital relationships; but if hurt occurs, they are quick to repair any damage and restore these relationships immediately.
7. Highly effective teachers develop and demonstrate a genuine, consistent care for each of their students. This concern leads to greater student motivation and higher student achievement.

The ministry of teaching is an amazing vocation to which the Lord has called us. While it is a dynamic, rewarding, and worthy endeavor, daily it can be challenging and intense; but it will be worth it all. Let’s not lose sight of the amazing and wonderful privilege we enjoy each day to build, not with bricks and mortar which are temporary, but with our lives, our lessons, and most importantly with God’s Word. His truths are being written eternally each day in the hearts and minds of students by faithful teachers who desire to be highly effective teachers for the cause of Christ!

By Dr. Manuel Salazar
Administrator, Lancaster Baptist School