The Teacher Makes the Difference

Research has continually shown that an effective teacher in the classroom

makes a significant difference, According to a study documented by Robert J.

Marzano (2003), “the most important factor affecting student learning is the

teacher. The clear implication of this finding is that more can be done to improve

education by improving the effectiveness of teachers” (p. 72). Schools operate

effectively based on the leadership placement in both administration and in within

the classroom. Research shows that even if a school is ineffective, then a strong

teacher in the classroom increases the chances of students’ academic success.

I really love the quote from a book in one of my courses that said: “There is

nothing in this world that can replace the power of an effective classroom teacher.”

I think about the influence that teachers can have by not only molding

impressionable minds to critically think, but I also think about the ideals teachers

can potentially instill in their students: respect, thoughtfulness, manners,

enthusiasm, and creativity. Students will follow the lead of their teacher. If a

teacher has high expectations and hold students to that standard with love and

encouragement, then the students will accept it and follow accordingly.

D. Ray Reutzel and Robert B. Cooter Jr (2011), authors of Teaching Children to

Read: The Teacher Makes the Difference, say that “reading is the gateway to social

justice, your role as a reading teacher has the potential of changing lives and,

therefore, our society” (p. 5). As teachers we have an incredible opportunity to

shape lives in positive ways. As corny as it may sound, it is also very true that with

such an incredibly opportunity, we also have an immense responsibility. We are

responsible to also hold ourselves to a high standard as we also hold our students.

This standard includes continually developing ourselves as professionals, daily being

prepared, intentionally seeing each student as an individual and their part in the

class as a whole, and purposefully engaging students in learning. If we can do these

things, then I really believe, at the core, that students will not only be successful in

their academic endeavors, but they will continue on in their lives with confidence

and determination to succeed in the future.

References

Marzano, Robert J. (2003). What Works in Schools. Alexandria: Association for

Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).

Ruetzel, D. Ray and Cooter Robert B. Jr. (2011). Teaching children to read: Seventh

edition. New Jersey: Pearson Education Publishing Company.