Samantha McGrath

Teachers’ impact

                It is not surprising to read about how much of an impact teachers have on their students. You are with them for almost seven hours a day, five times a week. This doesn’t even include after school activities and tutoring sessions. The smallest of actions can greatly affect a student’s outlook on school and their learning process. This chapter discusses some of the things teachers do to help a student feel welcome and inspired. Some of the things mentioned being making eye contact and facial expressions. It is critical that the teacher knows what each student needs to succeed. Whether it be extra help after class, a graphic organizer, being paired with a partner and so much more. It is also essential that teachers make their expectations extremely clear. If a student feels lost or overwhelmed, it is likely they will shut down and fail to meet the assignments requirements. Teachers can also provide assignments that will help students connect with the text. This chapter talks a lot about this and questions to have your students answer. If your students feel well prepared and are motivated, they are more likely to not only succeed but to enjoy their work. It will also lead to them being more willing to share their discoveries with the class, leading to a better community atmosphere in the classroom.

                Being educated on the subject you are teaching and being prepared is absolutely necessary when it comes to being a teacher. If you enter a classroom and are missing materials such as your teacher text books, work sheets and whatever else you need for the day, you and your students will suffer. The students will also feed off of their teacher’s actions and behaviors. If you are unprepared as a teacher and seem to care less, your students will follow suit.