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Top Ten Skills for Teaching (and Life!) Heather Sparks, NBCT 2009 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Taft Middle School Oklahoma City Public Schools Slide 2 10. Respect Show the respect you expect. Find ways to connect to students. Create a special greeting. Slide 3 9. Patience Students that are hardest to love, need your love the most. Know when to reschedule students Keep your power in perspective. Slide 4 8. Flexibility Be willing and able to make changes. Create win-win situations. Slide 5 7. Collegiality Know your strengths and those of your colleagues. ALWAYS treat the school secretary, custodian and other power players with respect. Slide 6 6. Creativity Dont be married to one specific teaching strategy or textbook. Explore resources regularly. Slide 7 5. Problem Solving Have a solution before you complain about a problem. Ask advice of other professionals. Involve families. Slide 8 4. Sense of Humor Dont be afraid to laugh at yourself. Create class jokes that include everyone. Learn jokes appropriate for your field or subject. Slide 9 3. High Expectations Set worthy goals for yourself and reflect often on your progress. Establish high expectations for your students. Slide 10 2. Amnesia Learn to let goDont be a garbage truck! Every day is a fresh start for students. Slide 11 And the number one skill needed for successful teaching (and successful living) Slide 12 1. Self-Care Know your needs and make sure they are met. As much as possible, leave school at school. Adopt a hobby and give yourself permission to enjoy it!