What Great Teachers Do Differently Facilitator's Guide

Todd Whitaker

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2016
• Print ISBN: 9781138147515
• eBook ISBN: 9781317860082
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Education
• Subtopic: Education General

Written to accompany the second edition DVD of Todd Whitaker's best-selling title, What Great Teachers Do Differently, this facilitator's guide is a practical resource for teacher workshops, study groups, PLCs, and school improvement teams. It features thoughtful discussion questions to help educators reflect on and apply the concepts from the DVD to their own schools or classrooms.

Introduction

“Teaching is the profession that makes all other professions possible”.

You have chosen a profession that provides the foundation for student to excel in their learning. Schools and education are the equalizers for individuals to rise above personal circumstances and achieve their goals and dreams.

What are you doing to help students learn? Are you one of the “great teachers” that will be discussed in the video? If yes—Congratulations! You can help others in your school wanting to be great. If no—then this video can help you professionally and personally in making the changes needed to move you toward becoming a “great teacher”

In a time of high national and state expectations for school achievement, schools must determine how to meet these expectations. “People—not Programs” are the key to success and those schools that focus on developing “great teachers” will see students succeeding at higher levels. Utilizing the ideas and concepts found in the video is a critical first step toward “greatness.”

Dr. Todd Whitaker, through his insight and presentation, will walk you through what traits and characteristics make a “great teacher.” This video is not about a program but a chance to determine how effective you are and how you can improve yourself and your student’s achievements.

Note to Facilitators: This Facilitator’s Guide can be utilized for professional development with staff or as a roadmap for Individual Professional Growth goals. There are guided questions for both group discussions and for individual self-reflection and goal setting.

Eye on Education would like to thank Nancy Satterfield, Assistant Superintendent, Professional Development, Henderson County School District, Henderson, Kentucky, for her assistance in the preparation of the Facilitator’s Guide.

Chapter 1 The Standard of Greatness

DOI: 10.4324/9781315832845-1

Key Concepts

1. Your community and parents expect great schools and great teachers working with their students.
2. Great Principals focus on the growth of their teachers and help them develop to their fullest potential.
3. Everyone in the building should be considered a teacher regardless of the position they hold.
4. Everyone in the building should be considered a leader regardless of the position they hold.
5. The Leadership Tree—How do you identify your Leadership Skills?

Key Concept 1

Communities and parents expect to send their students to great schools.

After hearing Dr. Whitaker on the video, answer the following questions either with a group or individually.

Discussion Questions:

1. How would you rate your school—Great, Good, Needs to Improve?
2. On what factors do you base your school rating?
3. Can this rating be improved? How can it be accomplished?
4. Have you/your school formally or informally asked for feedback from your parents or community in determining how the school is perceived?
5. How do you feel the parents and community would rate your school today?

Reflection/Comment Summary: What can you personally do to make your school/classroom better?

Remember: Great schools begin with great people. Do your best to be one of the great teachers in your school.

Key Concept 2

Great Principals focus on the growth of their teachers and help them develop to their fullest.

Dr. Whitaker discussed the need for principals to focus on the people in their building and why it’s people—not programs, that can make a difference in a school. Discuss the questions in a group or answer individually.

Discussion Questions:

1. Dr. Whitaker talked about programs scho...

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table Of Contents
• Introduction
• Closing Comments