# data[].attributes.body
I attended Mills College to learn to become a teacher and earn my credential and Master's Degree because their vision of teachers in the profession resonated with me then and now and speaks to the posed question in their six core beliefs.

Our practice is reflective and requires active and systematic inquiry for learning throughout our career.

Our practice is inherently moral and guided by an ethic of care.

Our practice is collegial in that professional learning happens in the context of relationships that matter. Colleagues and community are central.

Professional practice is political in that, by definition, it is concerned with matters of change that are neither neutral nor inconsequential.

Professional practice is connected in deep and important ways to the content of our work. A central goal is to prepare others to acquire deep understandings of the content of their practice.

Learning is developmental and constructivist and thus best guided by developmental conceptions of how learners come to know.

(taken from: https://www.mills.edu/academics/graduate-programs/education/our-principles.php)

Teachers are self aware and reflective because teachers "teach who they are".

Teachers are passionate about learning and student achievement for all students.

While I think about what an effective teacher is, I cannot stop thinking about the systems of support and capacity building that effective teachers need and deserve from effective school leaders. Effective teachers can be limited and their passion/gifts squelched by ineffective school leaders which actually makes me realize that if an individual has a passion and heart for all children, is reflective, open and enjoys/is willing to learn, and professional at their core -- great leaders can build capacity to teach the required skills.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Mills College School of Education is built on the concept of principled practice which is reflected in the following six core beliefs. Our practice is reflective and requires active and systematic inquiry for learning throughout our career. Our practice is inherently moral and guided by an ethic of care.

# data[].attributes.body
Effective Teachers are those that put the students first. They are aware of the culture and community where each student comes from and use it to help guide their teaching practices. An effective teacher is open to new ideas, open to learning new techniques and constantly wanting to improve the way they teach to help students receive a quality education.

# data[].attributes.body
An effective teacher is first and foremost a person who can connect with and motivate kids. It is commonly said that students don’t care what you know until they know that you care.

Teaching is a method to get to learning and I find that teachers who focus on learning are most effective. Teachers who are growth minded, flexible, and experimental are most effective at finding out what works for the kids in front of them to learn best. These qualities are difficult to quantify in an evaluation sense.

Dee & Wyckoff (2015) described the IMPACT program in DC public schools. Policies described that I think are helpful in selecting the right teacher is extending the time before a teacher reaches tenure and/or creating a system in which teachers who are not effective can be coached up. If they consistently underperform, they should be able to be terminated with due process. I believe an evaluation system that measures multiple aspects of a teachers work is more fair and much more accurate in determining if a teacher is effective than test scores.

# data[].attributes.body
One of the wonderful things about being a teacher is that there are many ways to do it well allowing for creativity and individuality to create an impactful learning environment for all students.  However, while there are many ways to be an effective teacher, the results of effective teachers are always the same - students feel valued, understood, respected, and comfortably challenged.

The best teachers know who the stars of the show are - the students. They allow for students to explore and build knowledge with each other. They create safe spaces for students to strive and experiment where failure is viewed as a step, not a destination.

However, it is often difficult  to determine  if one's teaching is effective.  Often times teachers may judge this based on grades, which can be subjective.  Other times teachers might look at standardized test scores, but this might no capture independent studying and tutoring.

To that end, as we saw in several of the readings like Mead and Dee, teacher evaluation should focus on teacher effectiveness.

# data[].attributes.body
An effective teacher is open to new ideas, willing to learn and grow, community and student centered, empathetic, and uses critical reflection to constantly improve their practice and pedagogy for the betterment of those they impact. An effective teacher also strives to dismantle the status quo, and systems of oppression and racism in order to ensure all students receive equitable opportunities and educational experiences.

Desimone states that some of the most powerful learning experiences occur in a teacher's own classroom through self-examination or observation (2011). Having the ability to critically evaluate oneself while prioritizing students and the school community is important. In order to do this, effective teachers must have an understanding of their own epistemology and positionality, and how their worldview informs their approach to teaching practices and pedagogy.

# data[].attributes.body
Effective teachers recognize the culture and identities of each individual student.

They prioritize the learning process over student product. Effective teachers don't let the ego get in the way of doing what is best for the students in the room. They work collaboratively with colleagues, administration and parents.

Effective teachers are intrinsically motivated. They value evaluations and accountability, (not as a critique or burden as an opportunity to grow.

Effective teachers do not consider themselves the dispensors of knowledge but rather a part of the learning process. They facilitate and coordinate learning rather than lecture.

# data[].attributes.headline
Valerie Granados-What is an effective teacher?

# data[].attributes.subject
Valerie Granados-What is an effective teacher?

# data[].attributes.body
I have always admired the teacher that is able to meet their student halfway. To bring that experience to light, I wish to reference a statement from Carly Anne York, Ph.D:

“I’m really enjoying being aggressively accommodating for my students. Need an extension? ABSOLUTELY. Sick family members? Forget this class, go take care of them. Feeling overwhelmed? Let’s plan a break. Seriously if I can make anyone’s life easier right now.. You got it.”  Being a teacher that meets the social-emotional needs of their students makes an effective teacher. They consider the student not just as a learner, but as a whole. I find this to be extremely important because you can’t teach someone how to care. Our best teachers see their students as growing individuals with personal lives and that naturally allows them to build rapport.

Desimone (2011) makes a great point in regards to professional development and its relationship to teacher growth. I firmly believe that an effective teacher is a willing teacher-willing to grow, willing to make mistakes, and willing to adapt. An effective teacher has to be comfortable with trying new strategies and setting new goals, because change is evident in the curriculum, administration, laws, students, and school as a whole.

LaFors (2014) also highlights a great quality in an effective teacher, and that is someone who welcomes feedback. While some evaluations are more effective than others, a system for feedback is powerful for new and well-seasoned teachers. An effective teacher craves for suggestions and rather than taking feedback personally, they process and take what feels right.

# data[].attributes.body
There is no true formula or variable to describe an effective teacher. To me the definition of an effective teacher is one who models care, compassion, and a joy for learning. Caring is the first key value of an effective teacher. When the teacher cares about his/her students they will go to great lengths to ensure the presence of a rich curriculum. Additionally, he or she will continuously motivate students to reach mastery and high levels of success. Compassion is another disposition of an effective teacher. Effective teachers create a safe and inclusive classroom space where all voices, stories, and perspectives are heard. Lastly, an effective teacher continuously seeks growth and shows a joy for learning by setting professional goals, immersing in trainings, and collaborating authentically with colleagues.

# data[].attributes.headline
Michelle Pierce -          Effective Teachers            

# data[].attributes.subject
Michelle Pierce -          Effective Teachers            

# data[].attributes.body
I believe in effective teacher is someone who is passionate about what they do.
An effective teacher knows that students are not empty vessels to dump knowledge on but promote inquiry,  engagement, and push critical thinking so that students can become life long learners.

An effective teacher is not only is an expert in their content but someone who takes time to learn about their students, families and the community in which they serve.

An effective teacher creates a culture of care that allows students to feel safe in their learning space.

An effective teacher is reflective and is open to learning and growing for the betterment of the  school community.

An effective teacher does not work in silos but knows that a team effort is needed to move away from the status quo.

# data[].attributes.headline
Diana Hernandez- What is an Effective Teacher?

# data[].attributes.subject
Diana Hernandez- What is an Effective Teacher?

# data[].attributes.body
An effective teacher is one that is constantly learning, reflecting and growing as educator. They are empathetic, culturally proficient, possess the content and pedagogical skills to engage, inspire and effectively teach students while fostering a culture of care in their classrooms.
Effective teachers utilize Restorative Justice and Positive Behavior Intervention Supports to build community in their classrooms and help foster a positive learning environment.
They are lifelong learners who collaborate with colleagues, stay current on educational policy and pedagogy, and engage in professional development in order to better serve the needs of their diverse students.
Effective teachers also receive meaningful and constructive feedback on their teaching. That is why creating an effective and meaningful teacher evaluation system is key in order to foster, maintain and support effective teaching in our districts. Evaluations should be focused on a teacher's ability to engage students, build a positive rapport and community in their classroom, their content and pedagogical strategies, as well as how they handle intervention and enrichment for their students.

# data[].attributes.body
An effective teacher has a life-long, driven purpose of ensuring that every student is learning every day. Concurrently, teachers understand that they must continuously shape, improve, refine their pedagogical craft.

Effective teachers implement First Best Instruction by using effective methodologies, varied instructional strategies for diverse group of learners, and proficiency in utilizing assessments to inform their teaching practices. Much of this work would stem from collaboration through PLC work with their peers. Also, effective teachers know how to communicate and develop relationships with their students and their families. Their ability to create paths of partnerships and a culture of care is vital.

To have access to this kind of an effective teacher, it is important that teachers continuously receive professional development that is related to the educational and social-emotional initiatives, and skills to help them grow as caring communicators. In addition, teachers need long-term targeted supports. Too often, evaluations that just use classroom observations are not sufficient in capturing the strengths and areas of need, and the recommendations are not robust enough appear to have minimal oversight. Teacher evaluation systems need to be a multi-year support system that provides new and veteran teachers with ongoing support that strengthens their effective teaching in the classroom.

# data[].attributes.headline
Carlos A. Montes-What is an effective teacher?

# data[].attributes.subject
Carlos A. Montes-What is an effective teacher?

# data[].attributes.body
An effective teacher not only possesses content knowledge but has a deep understanding of effective pedagogical approaches and is able to differentiate instruction based on student needs.

An effective teacher also has a growth mindset, is open to feedback, and is always looking to grow as an educator. She/he looks at the evaluation process as a growth opportunity and welcomes new ideas to improve their own practice.

Effective teachers possess the ability to develop positive relationships with their students, colleagues, and school community members. They are collaborative, patient, and are focused on creating/delivering grade level assignments that are standards aligned and require students to do most of the thinking.

Additionally, effective teachers are focused on deep engagement of students and hold high expectations of all students.

# data[].attributes.headline
John Lopez-What is an effective teacher?

# data[].attributes.subject
John Lopez-What is an effective teacher?

# data[].attributes.body
An effective teacher requires having a combination of the right dispositions, knowledge, and skill set.

· Teacher dispositions include having the right attitudes, such as having growth mindset, and being genuinely interested in supporting and caring for children, regardless of their backgrounds or challenges.

· Teacher knowledge must include content knowledge as well as knowing how students learn best, methodologies and pedagogies.

· Teachers skills should include social-emotional competencies, cultural proficiencies as well as skills to implement meaningful and powerful learning experiences.

Teacher evaluations should embed indicators that assess the quality of teacher-child interactions and classroom climate via observations and student surveys.Teachers should be evaluated on the implementation of targeted or focused instructional strategies based on the school’s professional development and resources provided.

# data[].attributes.headline
Jorge Rodriguez-What is an Effective Teacher?

# data[].attributes.subject
Jorge Rodriguez-What is an Effective Teacher?

# data[].attributes.body
I have always thought of effective teachers as being those that have a profound belief in the potential of all students and doing all they can to expand their opportunities. Additionally, effective teachers must value diverse experiences and backgrounds and have the ability to work with all students in order to meet their needs. Finally, effective teachers are those that continually aim to improve on their practices and always seek to learn and receive valuable feedback in order to secure their success and that of their students.

To ensure that all students have access to the teacher I have described above the following are important policies that should be considered:

·      Consistent and effective professional development that increases their cultural and content knowledge, skills, and produces continual growth

·      A supportive teacher evaluation system that evokes a partnership between teachers and administrators and a profound mentorship where observations and feedback is welcomed

·      Multiple measures of teaching quality that captures a teacher’s ability to move their students and themselves forward and provide a quality education (no single variable can truly capture teacher effectiveness)

# data[].attributes.body
-demonstrates high levels of content knowledge including CCSS.
-use effective teaching strategies to deliver instruction and differentiate learning for students.
- proficient use of assessment data to monitor student learning and adjust instruction

# data[].attributes.body
Reflect on the readings to identify the most important policies needed to ensure all students have access to the teacher you have described