Other Data: 20 Signs You’re Actually Making A Difference As A Teacher

    Some ways teachers and administrators make a difference as a teacher are very evident and an educator receives instant gratification. A student tells you you are their favorite teacher and you see their growth and sparkle in their eye make you very happy. But some of the following ideas are notions that are intrinsic that you notice about yourself without the compliments of anyone and others happen when your colleagues or students start to practice and seek you out for a list that is twenty great items but there could always be more added. See how many of the twenty you have noticed about yourself in the last school year. I bet you notice that you are making a difference and should put a bounce in your step.


Other Data: 20 Signs You’re Actually Making A Difference As A Teacher
by Saga Briggs, opencolleges.edu.au
You plan. You assess. You network. You collaborate.
You tweet, differentiate, administer literacy probes, scour 504s and IEPs, use technology, and inspire thinking.
And for all of this, you’re given bar graphs on tests to show if what you’re doing is actually making a difference. But there are other data points you should consider as well.
20 Signs You’re Actually Making A Difference As A Teacher
1. Your students are asking questions, not just giving answers.
Critical thinking does not mean thinking harder before giving an answer. It means being critical of all possible answers. If your students are asking more questions, and feel comfortable doing so, you can rest assured they will continue the habit outside your class.
2. You have used your authoritative role for inspiration, not intimidation. 
Monkey see, monkey do. I once had a writing professor who, as a best-selling novelist, was not too proud to bring his own raw material to class for the students to workshop. This was a great lesson in humility that I’ll never forget.
3. You have listened as often as you have lectured. Another lesson in authority.
Your students have respected your thoughts and ideas by attending your class; the least you can do is respect theirs. Lending an ear is the ultimate form of empowerment.
4. Your shy students start participating more often without being prompted.
Cold-calling may keep students on their toes, but it never creates an atmosphere of collaboration and respect. When the quiet ones feel comfortable enough to participate on their own, you know you’ve made an impact.
5. A student you’ve encouraged creates something new with her talents.
The simple act of creating is so personal, memorable, and gratifying that you can rest assured your student will want to make it a habit.
6. You’ve been told by a student that, because of something you showed them, they enjoy learning outside of class.
Even if it becomes a short-lived interest, your student will realize that learning outside of class doesn’t have to mean doing homework.

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http://www.teachthought.com/teaching/other-data-20-signs-youre-actually-making-a-difference-as-a-teacher/