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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Madison HS in Vienna is small and has a great reputation.

As for the hijacked topic of teachers in FCPS. I am a teacher. I spend hours, HOURS, identifying the objectives of the class and then creating lessons that meet these objectives. I hand out a copy of the objectives long with the tentative schedule. Most teachers do NOT do this. I find that, although, it is a lot of work, once done, it makes the class run much more smoothly and keeps all on target. If someone misses a class, she/he knows exactly what was covered/missed. Also, I upload all handouts onto Blackoard (or a Blackboard-like system). I find that most teachers DO NOT do this, either.

FWIW: I do not teach in FCPS - did have 3 interviews at 3 different HS's though. Personally, I think that like most places I have worked, I tend to raise the bar of 'status quo' and the systems doesn't appreciate that, nor do the fellow teachers.

I am passionate about what I teach. Where I currently teach, my method is much appreciated especially since I share what I do for others to use. Another negative...most teachers safeguard their lesson plans and never share.

[/quote]

I'm curious, although you clearly work hard and you are well organized, what makes you an effective teacher?  Are your classes fun, interesting, dynamic, and challenging?  Do you tap into preexisting knowledge?  Do you link your content with recent discoveries and events. Do you use your LCD projectors to graphically display and support your lessons for students who are visual learners?  It's great that you are posting your assignments online, but do you genuinely work hard to communicate with your students during every class period?

Do you personally possess a full mastery of the subjects you are teaching? Can you lecture and can you answer difficult questions posed to you from thoughtful analytical students?  Do you demonstrate your dedication to your profession and your students by presenting everything you have to offer and by leaving your blood, sweat, and tears in the classroom. Are you a true professional?

Teachers need to use everything at their disposal to engage with their students. It's strange that so many FCPS teachers actually have very poor communication skills. One would think that an individual who is unable to effectively speak in from of a group of students would not enter the field of education.

It is apparent that you work hard and you are well organized, but what skill in particular do you possess and demonstrate daily that makes you an excellent teacher?[/quote]

I teach English. Folks generally learn tactically (touch - so a book), visually (power point or videos) or via audio (listening to CDs). My classes are very fun and dynamic. I have a very open policy with my students - if they prefer that I change the lessons or add a little more, they know that they can let me know. I take their feedback seriously, and often add their suggestions into my plans. I am an expert in my field and share my love for such through my teaching. I believe in raising the bar for my students. I often teach them up a level - why not? If they can master the basics, and the do, then I give more.

If I don't know an answer, I tell them I will research and get back to them - which I always do! What makes me an excellent teacher? Well...not the student reviews - not all students are successful, and those are the ones most likely to complete my review. Typical reaction - think of the unhappy consumer - they are the ones that always post. The happy consumer moves on, happy. So, what makes me excellent? Results. My students, bar none, are always the most prepared for advancement, the ones most ready to take on a challenge (beyond English), the ones who years later (most often my negative, struggling students) that find me online or see me out and about and thank me for all that I did. I do more than teach - I believe in my students and know that the lessons I teach are more than English, so much of what I teach is about life - responsibility, believing in others and yourself, and how hard work is the catalyst to success in life (not measured by money, but my inner peace).

I hope that you find a great teacher in your lifetime. One that will inspire you and believe in you.

Peace[/quote]

Well, I asked and you certainly told me good :)  I'm beyond learning, but I wish my children had teachers like you![/quote]

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