Episode 14 - What Makes A Great Mainstream/Alternative Education Teacher?

Episode 14 - What Makes a Good Mainstream/Alternative Ed Teacher? 

 

While both mainstream and alternative education teachers share many of the same qualities, it’s always good to revisit what may be a reassessment of how we’re doing.  We’re not perfect, by any means, and we should always be looking to improve upon our methods, demeanor, and skills.  AS we continue to progress in years, experience, and with different curricula, we should be alert and open to receiving critical and honest feedback.  

 

The goal for this episode was not to crow, or humble, but to investigate and share what students and the general populace consider to be the basis of good (if not GREAT) teaching.  Currently, I work with some of the most amazing colleagues and I learn so much from watching them in their mainstream classrooms.  Teachers, though, aren’t always alert to watching those in other departments and how they engage their students.  It shouldn’t really matter the subject - the skills and deployment techniques of caring, building a community, and fostering the relationships are universal.  

 

I couldn’t honestly remember how many sites I visited in researching this, but here are a few: 

 

• https://blog.teachmint.com/qualities-of-a-good-teacher/
• https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/the-12-qualities-great-teachers-share/2011/06/13/AGL64fTH_blog.html
• https://www.slideshare.net/GlaizaGubaton/personal-and-professional-attributes
• https://www.careeraddict.com/teacher-skills

 

Most are quite similar, but none are really the same as those of the students I interviewed: 

 

Mainstream:

Sense of humor

Relaxed

Accessible

Understanding - empathy

Listens

Equity & Equality

Make connections over and above academics

1:1 Connections

Feel comfort in knowing they will come to you.

Even-tempered

Non-Authoritarian but have control

Put boundaries on friendship

Listener with empathy

Knows what they are teaching with more than just one way of doing it. 

Able to jump student-to-student and accommodate each one

Personable - can talk to and relate

Can be trusted

Push for Success

Willing to go out of their way to help

Teaches 

Gives options to do the work

Supportive and help you to succeed

Always happy to have you around

Pays attention

Cares about your well-being

More than school - actually follows through with what they say/promise

Alternative Ed

Mentorship rather than a teacher

Feel Welcomed

Recognition

Relaxed but know you have rules

Respectful

Educate - not Punish

Push us

Hold you accountable

Stricter with actual consequences

Treat as a person, not like a number or little kid

Treat as an adult

Be blunt and not sugar coat - but you know they’re on your side. 

Friend/Advocate/Mentor

You can count on them, no matter what

Take time to know you and understand what you need and will help you get it

Willing to kick you in the donkey with love

Help you find your own way to your success

Care and pay attention to

Follow through with what they say/promise  

 

 

Also, don't forget to join the new podcast, Alternative Jigsaw, A podcast that helps newer teachers begin to access the use of their instrument and talents in working in Alternative Education.

Please do visit the National Association for Alternative Education for more resources! 

And, visit AERO for more resources.