The Making of Teachers who Boost High School Rankings
Millions of new teacher positions are expected to open up over the next decade. With the role of teachers being closely scrutinized in the context of high school rankings, there is impassioned debate over what makes an ideal teacher. Or rather, as the question should probably be in the context of the NCLB, what qualities should a teacher possess to be able to drive up high school rankings Does a teacher with a degree from an elite university have the necessary aptitude and skills to boost high school rankings Does a post graduate degree indicate potential to boost high school rankings Or will the all important purpose of high school rankings be better served by teachers who might not have a master or other high degree, but are qualified to teach that particular subject Does experience count Are certified teachers better equipped or are teachers qualified from traditional teaching programs a better choice to help increase high school rankings
Role of Teachers in High School Rankings
Out of all the factors that go into contributing to low high school rankings, lack of high quality teaching staff is the most important factor, next only to student demographics. In other words, of all the factors that can tribute to high school rankings and which can be controlled by the schools themselves ( such as the size of classrooms, school environment etc…) teachers are the most important determinant of high school rankings. Socioeconomic status and other factors aren’t considered here because they fall outside the control of the school. In short, the best thing any school district can do to ensure it’s placed well in high school rankings is to hire great teachers.
While it’s an accepted fact that that quality of teaching is essential, there still seems to be no consensus on what makes a great teacher. High qualifications are commendable, but not indispensable. A teacher who has sufficient knowledge of the subject to be taught is just as likely to be a good teacher as one with lofty degrees. Some say experience is a more important determinant of a teacher’s aptitude. It gives them the ability to connect with students better and they also have better communication abilities. This is important when it comes to decreasing dropout rates in high schools; an experienced teacher is more likely to spot the signs of a potential dropout.
Experience also means that teachers are better equipped to handle all the stresses of teaching a class full of unruly teenagers. The third aspect is hard to measure; but it’s one that may have as great an impact as education and experience. It’s enthusiasm. A qualified teacher who has the skills required to pass on knowledge, and can inject and enthusiasm for learning in her students, is what I’d call an ideal teacher.
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