How excellent teachers contribute to student success
The Calgary Board of Education believes that students succeed when their unique talents and abilities of are recognized and supported. Our teachers play an important role by knowing each student, understanding how they learn, attending to their individual needs, and encouraging them to do their personal best.
In each school, our teachers personalize learning to ensure students continually build on their skills, strengths and knowledge. But what does this really mean? How do we achieve success for every student?
Teachers build strong relationships with their students
Teachers care about their students. They assist them to develop strong relationships by creating cooperative learning experiences. Teachers encourage students to consider what makes them and others unique. From kindergarten to grade 12, teachers create safe environments for their students and design hands-on and real-world experiences that cause students to consider multiple perspectives.
Teachers pay attention
Teachers are interested in their students. They listen to them and watch what they do and how they do it. Teachers know their students and are able to create opportunities to let each one of them shine. In turn, teachers help students understand themselves. Teachers help their students to understand what they know, how they know it, how they show it, and what they need next.
Teachers make the curriculum come alive
Teachers are confident and comfortable in their knowledge of the Alberta Programs of Study. They can see what interests their students and shape their lesson plans accordingly. They offer instruction in multiple ways because students learn in different ways. Teachers design learning that enables students to make connections with what they’re learning at school and what is going on in the world they live in. Whether learning occurs in the classroom, on the playground or on a field trip, teachers want students to be excited about what they’ve learned in school that day.
Teachers are always learning
Teachers are always learning. Much like their students, they develop learning goals to help them become better teachers each and every year. When they discover new and better teaching practices, they share their learning with others so that all students benefit.
Teachers work with parents
Teachers understand that you are your child’s first and most important teacher. They look for opportunities to engage with you to learn more about your child’s strengths, interests and learning needs. Teachers work with you and your child to set goals to help your child succeed.
The Calgary Board of Education has excellent teachers. Please consider nominating one that you know for a provincial Excellence in Teaching Award. Information is available at cbe.ab.ca. Nomination deadline is March 4.
David Stevenson
Chief Superintendent of Schools
