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When confronted with negativity, walk away! Responding negatively is what the other person wants. Give a positive response back. 

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When confronted with negativity, walk away! Responding negatively is what the other person wants. Give a positive response back. 

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#8 It is important to provide a positive atmosphere for the students. It encourages learning and good behavior. As adults when we are presented with a positive atmosphere we perform better. This is the same for children.
C. Green

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Ch. 18  Make a postive comment to redirect the conversation.
Ch 19
#1  We are all in the business to put students' education first...  that is what we get paid to do. And yes, that is not easy to do with all the other @#$&% we have to put up with.  But oh so worth it those few times you actually did make a difference.

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Tettleton                                 1. When confronted with negativity it is critical that we do not encourage it to continue. We can steer the conversation to something positive, like sharing a sweet student-teacher moment from our classroom. If necessary we should just walk away rather than be drawn into the negative talk.

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Tettleton                                 1. When confronted with negativity it is critical that we do not encourage it to continue. We can steer the conversation to something positive, like sharing a sweet student-teacher moment from our classroom. If necessary we should just walk away rather than be drawn into the negative talk.

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2. If I had to choose the one most critical practice for a successful classroom, I would say #7 "Who is the Variable". The idea that most influences my daily teaching is the core belief that I am the only factor I have any control over. I can't control parent's attitudes towards school, discipline in the home, student IQ's, even the temperature in my classroom lol! What I can control is how I interact with and react to the people and events in my room. I am ultimately responsible for the education of my students for the time they are assigned to me.

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Make an effort to be positive.  Don't engage in negativity.  Walk away from the situation.

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Make an effort to be positive.  Don't engage in negativity.  Walk away from the situation.

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#8 Great teachers create a positive atmosphere in their classrooms, treat everyone with respect, and understand the power of praise.  Most everything stems off of attitude and environment.  Keeping a positive attitude and environment will set the students up for success and keep a good relationship with parents.
J. James

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Never engage in negative  conversation.Walk away. Treat this situation just like dealing with a parent. Stay calm. Be positive in every situation. 

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Never engage in negative  conversation.Walk away. Treat this situation just like dealing with a parent. Stay calm. Be positive in every situation. 

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#7 Teachers focus on students FIRST.
We have so many demands and unrealistic goals put on us. Our focus should always stay on the students and do what we can do as educators to educate these students to the best of our abilities and keep the stress off of them. We must create a learning environment that students can achieve their greatest success in.

E. Summersell

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Make an intentional effort to be positive. Do not engage in negativity. Walk away from the situation if possible.

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Make an intentional effort to be positive. Do not engage in negativity. Walk away from the situation if possible.

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S. Lambert

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Don't add to the problem, walk away.  You know when something is just not right.

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Don't add to the problem, walk away.  You know when something is just not right.

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#8 Great teachers create a positive atmosphere in their classrooms, treat everyone with respect, and understand the power of praise. We tend to start the year off with this is mind and then we start slipping.  We need to keep positive for the whole year.
R. Parmer

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Smile and nod, boys. Smile and nod. Just kidding. Walk away from situation. don't join it.

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Smile and nod, boys. Smile and nod. Just kidding. Walk away from situation. don't join it.

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The list is hard to narrow down but I would say #6 and #7. The teacher is the variable. Effective teachers are education at its best!

Davis

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Chp. 18 -One thing that great teachers can choose to do when others make negative comments is to simply find a reason to step away.

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Chp. 18 -One thing that great teachers can choose to do when others make negative comments is to simply find a reason to step away.

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Or... maybe even attempt to point out something (s) positive on the topic up for discussion.  :)
Chp. 19- Of the "17 Things that matter most," I feel that the foremost essential practice is #8.  (Great teachers create a positive atmosphere in their classrooms and schools.  EVERY person should be treated with respect  and we need to understand the power of praise.)
These practices are so very important because the entire atmosphere of a classroom can be affected by positive words of encouragement and by praising these students when they do well.
They all desire and need positivity in their life.

A. Hester

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Negativity breeds negativity. Sometimes, you can just change the subject and redirect someones attention to something positive.  The students are the most
important....always. They might drive us crazy and do things for spite, but we still have to steer them in the right direction. We don't always know everything they are going through in life. We can be the one bright spot in their day.
Templeton

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Do not engage in negativity. Always respond with a positive comment. Do not comment when other teachers make negative comments. You do not need to respond to everything. Do the right thing, even if others are not. 

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Do not engage in negativity. Always respond with a positive comment. Do not comment when other teachers make negative comments. You do not need to respond to everything. Do the right thing, even if others are not. 

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1. Great teachers can choose to not engage with a colleague who is making ugly comments. It is good to search for something positive to say.
2. I feel the most essential practice for great teachers is #17. If you care about your students, you will always do what is best for them as learners and people. You will put them first, you will consider their feelings, and you will try to have a positive impact on them because you care about them.
Morgan

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We have to prepare these students for life and that is why we are here.  We need to ignore the inappropriate behavior and do what is right.  We need to share a positive attitude.

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We have to prepare these students for life and that is why we are here.  We need to ignore the inappropriate behavior and do what is right.  We need to share a positive attitude.

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Blair

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One thing that great teachers can choose to do when colleagues make sarcastic, derogatory comments is refrain from commenting.

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One thing that great teachers can choose to do when colleagues make sarcastic, derogatory comments is refrain from commenting.

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I feel the foremost essential practice for a great teacher is focusing on the students first with a broad vision that keeps everything in perspective. They are the reason why we do what we do in the first place.
Simison

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1. Don't respond at all.

Just do what is right no matter what others do around you.
I feel that #1 is the one that matters that most.  A good teacher always looks at her students as people.
Linzey

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#1 Students matter the most!

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I believe that great teachers can choose to fall in the mire or choose to rise above it. Everyone has had moments  of negativity, however they can choose to turn the situation around and look for the positive. It is best to offer a kind response or alternative to the negativity. People do like to be heard and share their feelings, so listen and show empathy, but leave them with encouraging words. Don't fan the flames.

I think #7 is the most essential practice. It's easy to lose focus on whose needs are most important because the load is heavy. But remembering that the students' needs are our focus, it puts things back into perspective.
Donna Courtney

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 Rise above the negative and don't get drawn in, walk away or better yet, try to say something positive.There are many common sense points made in this book. One that I feel is very important is #1 It is people, not programs that determine the quality of a school, as for that matter a school system. You can have the best programs in the world but unless you have caring teachers to use them you have nothing.

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 Rise above the negative and don't get drawn in, walk away or better yet, try to say something positive.There are many common sense points made in this book. One that I feel is very important is #1 It is people, not programs that determine the quality of a school, as for that matter a school system. You can have the best programs in the world but unless you have caring teachers to use them you have nothing.

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Kemp

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I believe that negativity is contagious, as well as positivity.  Walking around with an attitude all the time makes for a miserable environment for learning.  

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I believe that negativity is contagious, as well as positivity.  Walking around with an attitude all the time makes for a miserable environment for learning.  

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I feel that #1 is the one that matters that most.  A great teacher always looks at her students as people, not a number, nor a robot.
Walker

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I believe that great teachers have the ability to turn a situation around. Being able to try and see other's perspectives is a skill that most people try to disregard. It's okay to understand where a negative teacher is coming from but try to give them another point of view, if they are open to it.

I really liked #1, "It's the people, not the programs."  I have had some children that seemed like the devil's spawn and it was hard to see them as human or having any humanity at all. Changing my perspective on them helped to allow me to humanize that child and try to understand why they do what they do. If but for nothing else other than, giving me a reason to find the good in a terrible situation.

Newgaard

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Respond to negativity with a positive comment. Don't engage in negativity! Of the 17 things that matter, I feel that # 1 and # 5 are my favorites. People and great attitudes make any school better. It doesn't matter if you have a great program, if you don't have great teachers. These great teachers will always have high expectations for themselves.  If they don't have high expectations for themselves, how can they expect it from students?

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Respond to negativity with a positive comment. Don't engage in negativity! Of the 17 things that matter, I feel that # 1 and # 5 are my favorites. People and great attitudes make any school better. It doesn't matter if you have a great program, if you don't have great teachers. These great teachers will always have high expectations for themselves.  If they don't have high expectations for themselves, how can they expect it from students?

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M. Knight

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The best thing great teachers can do when colleagues make sarcastic, derogatory comments is not to engage in negativity.  Turn the situation around to something positive.  

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The best thing great teachers can do when colleagues make sarcastic, derogatory comments is not to engage in negativity.  Turn the situation around to something positive.  

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I feel that #17 is the most essential practice.  If you make someone feel important, if you give them self-worth, they will respond positively.  They will work harder for you in order to keep your respect.  You always draw more flies with honey.

T. DuBose

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1. When colleagues choose to be derogatory or sarcastic great teachers choose not to participate in the fray but rather to express a positive opinion or no opinion at all. They make their opinion known without insulting the colleague.

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1. When colleagues choose to be derogatory or sarcastic great teachers choose not to participate in the fray but rather to express a positive opinion or no opinion at all. They make their opinion known without insulting the colleague.

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2.. Chapter 6 Great teachers have high expectations for students, but have even higher expectations for themselves.  Many teachers have high expectations for students in their classrooms, but  pair this with limited expectations for responsibility  of students ultimate learning which sets everyone up for failure.  The more we reflect on our craft and strive to improve our relationships, techniques, networking, and knowledge the more our students will succeed.  It really is up to us, we are the catalyst and must expect more of ourselves than our students if we expect them to respond to our lead in a positive productive way.  Either way we lead others to develop excuses or successes.

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Preparing students for life is what teaching is all about.  We have to "want" to make a difference.  WE are the ones who set the goals, both personal, and for our students.  WE have to care before we can expect anyone else to care; that is what will impact our students.  The quality of the teachers and administrators determines the quality of the school.Being a teacher is rewarding! We wouldn't be here teaching if we didn't have a love for what we do.  We are here to make a difference in children's lives! 

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Preparing students for life is what teaching is all about.  We have to "want" to make a difference.  WE are the ones who set the goals, both personal, and for our students.  WE have to care before we can expect anyone else to care; that is what will impact our students.  The quality of the teachers and administrators determines the quality of the school.Being a teacher is rewarding! We wouldn't be here teaching if we didn't have a love for what we do.  We are here to make a difference in children's lives! 

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McDavid

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1.  Respond to negativity with at least one positive.  If that's not possible, change the subject   :)       2.  I think #7 is the foremost essential practice.  It's easy to lose focus on whose needs are most important with all there is to do in a day.  If the students' needs are our focus, it's all worth it. 

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1.  Respond to negativity with at least one positive.  If that's not possible, change the subject   :)       2.  I think #7 is the foremost essential practice.  It's easy to lose focus on whose needs are most important with all there is to do in a day.  If the students' needs are our focus, it's all worth it. 

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Carpenter

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1.When a colleague is negative you can channel them away from being so negative. Ignore them, respond with a positive comment , don't go along. Stand up!  2.On the list my favorites are #7 and #8. The power of positive goes a looooong way!! That "Good Morning!" or the positive comment you give a student or colleague may be the only one they get that day or that week!!

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1.When a colleague is negative you can channel them away from being so negative. Ignore them, respond with a positive comment , don't go along. Stand up!  2.On the list my favorites are #7 and #8. The power of positive goes a looooong way!! That "Good Morning!" or the positive comment you give a student or colleague may be the only one they get that day or that week!!

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Sherrod

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My perspective on the most essential practices is a unified approach. There is not one practice that is better than another. If the practices are combined then you have an effective teacher. However, if I have to choose one, then it would be #17 because having a heart of caring is what teaching is all about. It is the core of teaching and what drives the other practices. We are not perfect and we strive to become more effective everyday by keeping our perspective and beliefs in line with being the best teacher we can be. Keeping it positive and creating an environment of positivity will drive the heart of the school and keep the focus on being the best school for the good of each student. 

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My perspective on the most essential practices is a unified approach. There is not one practice that is better than another. If the practices are combined then you have an effective teacher. However, if I have to choose one, then it would be #17 because having a heart of caring is what teaching is all about. It is the core of teaching and what drives the other practices. We are not perfect and we strive to become more effective everyday by keeping our perspective and beliefs in line with being the best teacher we can be. Keeping it positive and creating an environment of positivity will drive the heart of the school and keep the focus on being the best school for the good of each student. 

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C. Byrd

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Respond with positive or kind words or just walk away.

#11 Great teachers have the ability to ignore trivial disturbances and the ability to respond to inappropriate behavior with out escalating the situation.

I think this can apply to students , parents and other faculty members.

Shirah

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1. Walk away! Do not respond. Do not agree. Do the right thing. 

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1. Walk away! Do not respond. Do not agree. Do the right thing. 

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2. That is a difficult question! I like #8. Being positive is so important, for us teachers and the kids. It is essential that we respect each other and model that behavior for the children (and sometimes the parents, too). Praise goes a long way. The power of praise is amazing, and it can change attitudes when we use it the right way.
Travis

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1.  Great teachers don't respond or participate.

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1.  Great teachers don't respond or participate.

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2.  I feel that #1 is the foremost essential practice.  It is people, their attitudes and actions, that make a school great.  It is not the programs or the "extra fluff".
McDaniel

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2.  Student engagement, what is right for students.  Great teachers care about their students most.

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We all get tired or someone may just get on our nerves that day and sometimes people say things they regret latter. I don't always put stock in an angry remark.  Sure it hurts but the next day is a whole new day.

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We all get tired or someone may just get on our nerves that day and sometimes people say things they regret latter. I don't always put stock in an angry remark.  Sure it hurts but the next day is a whole new day.

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I feel that number 7 is important to me.  I try to always do what is best for my students.  They are the whole reason I come to work everyday.
Denney

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One thing great teachers do is that they "Do what is right, no matter what others do around you."

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One thing great teachers do is that they "Do what is right, no matter what others do around you."

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2.  I feel that number 8 is very important.  A positive atmosphere can turn many days around.  Praise goes a very LONG way.

Hester

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Just do what is right no matter what others do around you.
2. I feel that number 6 is the most important to me.  If i don't have and hold myself to the highest expectations in the classroom, I certainly shouldn't with students or parents.  I need to be the example for them daily.
-Lindell

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1.  Don't respond at all.  Being confrontational will not solve anything.  Do what is right.

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1.  Don't respond at all.  Being confrontational will not solve anything.  Do what is right.

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2.  #7 is the foremost essential practice: Great teachers focus on students first, with a broad vision that keeps everything in perspective.  I think this pretty much covers the other 16 essential practices!
T. Hughes

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Great teacher consistently filter out the negatives that don't matter and share a positive attitude.  With regards to the "17 Things That Matter Most ",  they all provide great advice for educators.  I feel strongly about how great teachers never forget that it is people, not the programs, that determine the quality of a school.  However, having a program in place is vital.  Nevertheless, teachers learn how to be flexible with the use of different programs in order to bring out the best performances from their students.

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Great teacher consistently filter out the negatives that don't matter and share a positive attitude.  With regards to the "17 Things That Matter Most ",  they all provide great advice for educators.  I feel strongly about how great teachers never forget that it is people, not the programs, that determine the quality of a school.  However, having a program in place is vital.  Nevertheless, teachers learn how to be flexible with the use of different programs in order to bring out the best performances from their students.

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Janice Arrington

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Teachers are human and there are times when negative comments will flow,however the way you handle it is by staying positive.  Great teachers are helpers and they want to build others up as much as possible. So just smile and keep your head up as this may help someone else deal with negative remarks better when they are under attack.

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Teachers are human and there are times when negative comments will flow,however the way you handle it is by staying positive.  Great teachers are helpers and they want to build others up as much as possible. So just smile and keep your head up as this may help someone else deal with negative remarks better when they are under attack.

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Finally of the 17 things that matter from
Mr .T. Whitaker's book I would have to state that #7 is what I base my belief upon as a teacher.  I truly believe that "Great Teachers", focus on students first, with a broad vision that keeps everything else in perspective .

DeBorah Darrington

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One thing great teachers can do when coworkers make negative remarks is to look at them and tell them that we need to keep it positive (as I was told earlier this week when I was being negative!). I know negative speech gets me nowhere but sometimes we need to be called out on it. 

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One thing great teachers can do when coworkers make negative remarks is to look at them and tell them that we need to keep it positive (as I was told earlier this week when I was being negative!). I know negative speech gets me nowhere but sometimes we need to be called out on it. 

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Thornton

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I believe the one thing that great teachers can do when colleagues make sarcastic, or derogatory comments is to always stay POSITIVE!  2. Of the "17 Things That Matter Most," I feel that #7 is the most essential practice. #7 states that "Great teachers focus on students first, with a broad vision that keeps everything in perspective." We are here for the students, and their success is what matters the most!

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I believe the one thing that great teachers can do when colleagues make sarcastic, or derogatory comments is to always stay POSITIVE!  2. Of the "17 Things That Matter Most," I feel that #7 is the most essential practice. #7 states that "Great teachers focus on students first, with a broad vision that keeps everything in perspective." We are here for the students, and their success is what matters the most!

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Freeman