In late December the Newark Board of Education met with a number of our high school graduates from the Class of 2000. As a confirmation to what the board members and administrators believe, the participants commented on the many outstanding teachers who filled their school years in the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Our school district is blessed with many extraordinary educators who produce consistently outstanding results among our students. Research and observations from many sources can provide the answers. This column will share some of the characteristics which are believed to be necessary for an educator to be considered outstanding.
Outstanding teachers are experts in their disciplines and have stayed current.
They understand the curriculum and how to deliver it to the students. They understand how proper planning can help to maximize learning. Their desire to learn themselves is also very high. They read research-based and general publications which will help them do an even better job in the classroom. Learning never ends.