Becoming a great teacher doesn’t happen overnight. And to answer the question, no, great teachers are not born. Teachers become great by trying new small things every day and keeping the things that work and ditching those that don’t. The small things are atomic habits. Great teachers don’t try something once, see that it works, and move away from it. Great teachers constantly try out little things and find what works for them. They then hold on to these little things and never let go of them, making them a habit of their practice. And, over time, as the atomic teaching habits add up, greatness approaches.
The goal of my Atomic Teaching Habits series is to provide all teachers with small tips that can become a habit of practice instantly. And, if they’re adopted, these atomic habits will eventually allow any teacher to be great.
I don’t think we talk about being great in education enough. Every teacher has the ability to be great. I want to be great and help others be great, too, because great teachers mean that kids have a chance. It means that students have people in their lives who can transform their trajectory and help them become great themselves. That’s what it’s all about for me. I don’t want to be average, and I don’t want anyone else to be average either. This isn’t a job you coast through. I’m not here to punch the clock, I’m here to be great. And I believe you are too. -Miles
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Thanks for being here. Let’s be great, starting today.
Miles O'Shea 