7 Habits of Highly Effective Teachers

Adapted from Stephen R. Covey’s work

Habit 1: Be Proactive

• Act in the classroom, not re-act

• Every teacher needs a pause button

• Teachers are free to choose: Self-awareness, conscience, imagination, independent will

• Be a positive influence on your student’s emotional bank accounts

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind

• Teachers need a destination and a compass

• A Teacher’s Mission Statement

• Are teacher’s principle centered?

• The end should always be “what is best for the children under your care.”

• Planning ahead always makes things better.

Habit 3: Put First Things First

• Establish priorities in the classroom and at home

• Home culture 50 yrs. Age vs. Today -Where does that leave teachers??

• Balance academics with social skills, character education, health and self esteem

• Be an ADVOCATE for children

Habit 4: Think Win-Win!!!!

• Adopt the attitude: “Let me listen to you first” or “Help me to understand” with students and parents.

• Positive discipline - How can you and the student win??? No power struggles.

• Moving children from “me” to “we”

• Class Meetings where agreements rule.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand..Then to be Understood

• Recognize your prejudices in the classroom and work to overcome them.

• All children want to belong - avoid miscommunications.

• Practice Empathic Listening - the highest form of listening.

• Give honest feedback to children and parents.

Habit 6: Synergize

• Work together with teachers, parents, children, administrators.

• Value and celebrate differences.

• Involve people in the problem and work out the solution together (great playground strategy)

• Never give up - small victories lead to larger ones.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

• Renew yourself: physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually.

• Nurture your relationship with children.

• Begin your day with children with some quiet time to reflect.

• Always grow - be a better teacher tomorrow than you were today.