Delaware parents relate what they like about their favorite teachers...
by Ted Yacucci
We asked 450 Delaware parents and guardians what they thought were the traits that made the best teachers for their children in Delaware schools, grade 1 through grade 8. We asked parents in public, private and charter schools to get the most accurate cross sample of respondents possible. 200 parents were surveyed in New Castle county, and 125 parents each in Kent and Sussex counties. We also asked respondents for comments to describe the differences between these favorite teachers, and teachers they regarded as possibly less than competent.
The question: What traits go into making the best teacher(s) in your child’s school? Specifically, what do (or did) you like most about the teachers that you consider to be the most outstanding among all teachers that your children have had? How are the traits of your favorite teacher or teachers different from teachers your children have had that you regarded as “not competent, or not a good teacher for your child?” The sample was restricted to parents with children in schools within the physical boundaries of Delaware.
The answers given most often:
1. The teacher was prepared and obviously passionate about their job. The teacher had the day (or time period) well structured to most effectively instruct their students, and they did so in unique ways… even standing on desks (literally) to regain waning student attention, when necessary. Many parents commented that their children seemed more enthused about spending time in this teacher's classroom than at any time in their scholastic career. These teachers are reported to have made the subject matter “really interesting and fun.” Many parents mentioned real world experiments or demonstrations that enforced the lesson plan being taught. These teachers are regarded as obviously really loving their job. Negative comments centered mostly on perceived teacher disorganization, a lack of knowledge in the subject area, and tardiness in getting grades or other communication back to parents.
2. The teacher really seemed like they cared. The concept of caring seems to a large extent to be based on proactive activities and communication. That is, parents were grateful when teachers sent notes home or took the time to call when a problem existed, rather than waiting for a scheduled “parent-teacher meeting.” More than a few parents mentioned that problems outlined by their child’s teacher in communications home were quite different than impressions given them by their children. Many parents also mentioned that they appreciated teachers giving their children praise when they accomplished goals… not just negative feedback when goals were not achieved. Negative comments in this area tended to do with parent's conceptions that a teacher really didn’t spend individual time with their child, or that the teacher was perceived as simply “not liking” the student.
3. The teacher maintained a relaxed atmosphere, but with good discipline, and challenged the student with achievable goals.Schoolnite.net was surprised to learn that many parents feel that their children are not challenged quite sufficiently, or are not challenged to meet higher standards. We got too many responses that included comments about children studying the same lessons for too long a period of time. Parents in our survey seemed to laud teachers who moved through lesson plans a bit faster than usual, but with definitive and achievable goals. Many parents mentioned that their favorite teachers were the ones who gave projects that their children really were interested in working on. Negative comments in this area dealt with a lack of enthusiasm from both the student and teacher toward the subject matter, discipline issues that took away from valuable class time, and a perceived lack of what to study for on tests.
4. The teacher graded tests and projects fairly quickly, and sent communications home regularly. Many parents commented on the length of time taken to get test scores or project grades home. The highest graded teachers were the one who seemed to get grade data back to the students in a fairly quick turn-around. A common comment received from the survey referenced a complaint by parents of not knowing that their child was doing poorly in a class until parents felt it was too late to do enough about it. A number of parents referenced web-based calendars and other internet-based class material and grade reporting as very positive.
5. Our final category of comments centers on the perception of great teachers to be part of the school community. Many parents commented on these favorite teachers taking part in extra-curricular activities, or communicating positively with their children in school settings outside the classroom.. Parents seem to single out teachers who are perceived as being involved in many school activities and who care about the student as “a person,” not simply a student or a name. Interestingly, parents realize that the best teachers are the ones who spend inordinate amounts of time on their job, both teaching and at school functions. Parents commonly commented on teacher salaries and the fact that many teachers seem to spend "every waking hour" on their job. Parents definitely view these favorite teachers as "special" both as teachers and as people.
We thank all of the parents and guardians who responded to our survey, and we will follow up with other surveys over the coming months. One thing for sure is that teaching in our schools is one of the toughest, and most important, jobs in our great First State. We thank every teacher who toils day after day to ensure that our children are well prepared for their future. And let’s remember… it’s a two-way street…. we need to be the best parents we can be in assisting our teachers in their job. Help your child with homework… really ask your child what they learned in school on a daily basis, and never be afraid to thank your child’s teachers for doing a great job when you see them!
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