Furthermore, when teachers feel comfortable seeking assistance from their colleagues, it fosters an environment of trust and openness. This supportive atmosphere encourages the sharing of resources, strategies, and constructive feedback, which can lead to more effective teaching practices. Collaboration among teachers also facilitates the identification and implementation of best practices, helping to create a more consistent and high-quality educational experience for all students. As Wenger (1998) notes in his work on communities of practice, such collaborative environments enable educators to build a shared repertoire of resources and approaches that can be continually refined and improved upon. By valuing and seeking out peer support, modern teachers exemplify the principles of continuous learning and professional solidarity.
14. Model resiliency and perseverance
Hebrews 12:1 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Modern teachers demonstrate resiliency and perseverance, embodying persistence and determination in their professional practices and interactions with students. By modeling these traits, they serve as powerful role models, showing students the importance of overcoming obstacles and persisting through challenges. This is particularly crucial in today's fast-paced and often unpredictable world, where adaptability and resilience are essential skills. Teachers who consistently exhibit resilience can inspire their students to adopt a similar mindset, encouraging them to approach difficulties with a problem-solving attitude and a sense of optimism. As Duckworth (2016) points out in her research on grit, perseverance combined with passion is a key predictor of success in various life domains, including education.
Furthermore, modeling resiliency and perseverance involves more than just displaying a positive attitude. It includes sharing personal experiences of failure and success, demonstrating coping strategies, and providing a supportive environment where students feel safe to take risks and make mistakes. Teachers who openly discuss their own struggles and how they overcame them help to demystify the process of learning and growth, making it clear that failure is a natural part of achieving success. This approach aligns with Dweck's (2006) concept of a growth mindset, which emphasizes the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. By embodying resilience and perseverance, teachers not only enhance their own teaching efficacy but also foster a classroom culture that values effort, persistence, and continuous improvement.
15. Question everything
1 Thessalonians 5:21 - "But test them all; hold on to what is good."
Modern teachers embody the principle of questioning everything, fostering an environment where critical thinking and curiosity are paramount. They encourage their students to constantly question assumptions, norms, and the status quo, promoting a culture of intellectual inquiry and skepticism. This approach helps students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them, as they learn to analyze information critically, identify biases, and make informed decisions. According to Paul and Elder (2008), critical thinking is essential for effective problem-solving and decision-making, and it involves the ability to think clearly and rationally about what to believe or what to do. By instilling these skills, teachers prepare students to navigate complex issues and challenges both within and beyond the classroom.
Moreover, questioning everything aligns with the Socratic method of teaching, which emphasizes dialogue and critical questioning as a means of exploring ideas and uncovering underlying assumptions. Modern educators who adopt this method create a dynamic and interactive learning environment where students are active participants in their own education. They pose thought-provoking questions that challenge students to think deeply and articulate their reasoning. This not only enhances students' cognitive abilities but also fosters a sense of intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. As Brookfield (2012) notes, questioning assumptions is a fundamental aspect of transformative learning, which leads to profound changes in how individuals perceive and interact with the world. By modeling and encouraging this approach, modern teachers help students become more reflective, analytical, and open-minded.
16. Believe they can learn anything, given the right attitude and effort
Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
