Teacher of the Year Wisdom

Earlier this week the CBS morning show invited the 2012 Teacher of the Year - Rebecca Mieliwocki - to discuss her five things that make a great teacher.  It was refreshing to hear her discuss these five areas in relation to primary education, however I see similar application to higher education. (Watch Here)

Her first item deals with enthusiasm about children.  Early in my education I realized quickly that teaching younger children was not where my passion exists.  Rather, I was passionate about business and alternative teaching techniques.  As I progressed through my education, I came to realize that the traditional lecture failed to provide me with knowledge I needed to learn the required course objectives.  I had already gained several years of business management experience prior to returning to finish my education and had the practical experience and knowledge, yet lacked theory.  Listening to a hour lecture on theory did not cut it.  I learned most through application and collaboration.  This required enthusiasm about adult learners and their unique way of learning.

Enthusiasm for children can also be realigned in Higher Education as an enthusiasm for the topic.  As a long time business manager it was easy to identify with the lack of formal training that I and my employees had in leadership and management techniques.  This fueled my passion as an educator to improve the knowledge level of the graduates in these areas.  Poor leadership is often cited as the number 1 reason organizations lose good people - their most important asset.  The costs of turnover because of an organizations inability to provide solid leadership is significant, ranging from 50% to 200% of the replaced employees salary.  This is a waste that can be reduced with proper education.

One important point to mention is that it is not enough to just say we are enthusiastic about a particular topic or technique, we need to let that enthusiasm show through in the classroom.  Let your students in on the importance of the information, the reason for your passion.  Get excited and get them excited.  Be memorable.

Ms. Mieliwocki's second item was to personalize the education for the class.  I love this idea, however I have not yet done this on a personal level.  A friend of mine, and fellow educator, did this for a small seminar class she held last semester.  It was a great way to engage the students from the beginning.  She spent the first session asking the students about their interests in that particular topic area and then she structured her future activities and lectures on the list the student's provided.  Each student had at least one topic that they selected.  It was an amazing way to customize the learning.  She has admitted that there were a few topics suggested that she was not strong in, however she had a great time researching and preparing for these areas.  The students were more engaged and enthusiastic about the materials as they drove the course.

Next the topic of strong communication was listed as an important strength of a good teacher.  I love that in the interview she mentions the use of social media in our public schools.  I am so tired of visiting outdated and hard to read teacher websites in my son's schools.  Give me timely and real time notifications through email, text AND Facebook.  As an educator in Higher Education this applies as well, maybe not directly with parents, but with our students.  I keep a Facebook page for my course and encourage students to make posts and comments.  I keep the page updated with course reminders and even upcoming University events. My students have posted items like interesting articles and questions about upcoming tests.  I have found this an excellent way to stay in touch outside of the classroom.

Flexibility is also important to education.  I spend a great deal of time working out a syllabus and determining how long to spend on each objective in the class.  However, if an assessment given identifies a lack of knowledge in a covered area, I backup and go through it again.  Being willing to have a living, breathing syllabus allows us to focus on the needs of the students, rather than 'getting through the book'.

Her final topic mentions compassion.  This is critical in higher education as well.  We need to put ourselves in the shoes of our students and see the world from their eyes every once in a while.  They face unique challenges - room mates, first time away from home, jobs, families, life challenges, etc. We need to be fair, but also be understanding of their needs and challenges.  It is surprising how far a little compassion will go with these students who are trying to make it on their own for the first time.  They are often in need of an advocate and mentor, and who better than an educator who has experience in not only these areas, but also in advising.