Teachers: Be more than effective; be great

“Teacher quality matters. You matter. Don’t ever forget that.”

2017 Ohio Teacher of the Year Dustin Weaver, who teaches high school English in Chillicothe, kicked off the Education Summit Thursday with those inspiring words, encouraging 'Berg education majors to strive to be more than an effective teacher by being great.

Weaver and two other Summit speakers, 2016 Ohio Teacher of the Year Teresa Cianchetti and 2015 Principal of the Year Jeff Fisher, used the theme “What Makes an Effective Teacher?” to rally Heidelberg’s future teachers to think seriously about their future careers and how they can make a difference in the lives of their students.

Weaver said the No. 1 variable that impacts student learning outcomes is teacher quality. He shared some instructional practices and strategies that make him consistent, intentional and strategic in his classroom.

He also discussed 10 goals that make great teachers, including: establishing clear classroom procedures, setting high expectations for students, communicating frequently with parents and guardians, being passionate, building meaningful relationships with students, meeting student needs, maintaining a hunger for professional growth, keeping doors open, valuing learning over teaching and valuing what you do as a teacher.

“Teaching is not a profession. It’s a calling,” he said. “Teaching is a noble profession. I value what I do. I teach students and impact their lives.”

Weaver, Cianchetti and Fisher met with students in break-out sessions Friday, followed by a panel discussion Q&A to conclude the summit.

This was the School of Education's fifth annual summit, which is designed to empower pre-service and in-service teachers with an opportunity to engage with leading educators to improve their own practices, consider their own autonomy within their profession and teaching practices and recognize that they can shape their own teaching practices. Dr. Brian Haley was the organizer.