The key to success as a teacher is strong leadership. As a result, the Teach for Romania experience is developed around the Teaching as Leadership framework, used by many other Teach For All organizations. Corps members are introduced to this framework during the Leadership Academy and learn to master these principles throughout their two years in the classroom.
Set big goals
Students make the most significant progress when they are given ambitious, measurable goals. Setting big goals and having high expectations for students’ ability to achieve them provides the motivation and focus needed to overcome obstacles on the path to academic success.
Invest students and their parents in achieving the goals
The most successful teachers invest students and their parents in achieving the set goals and break the cycle of low expectations. They show students that if they work hard enough, they can and will achieve. They maintain high expectations for their students, while still meeting them at their academic level, so the students can succeed.
Plan purposefully
Successful teachers consistently plan backwards with a goal in mind and think about how to efficiently reach goals in all aspects of their teaching. The teachers must always ask themselves: “Where are my students now versus where I want them to be?” and “How can I be most efficient in helping them move forward?”
Execute effectively
Strong classroom leaders make sure that all of their actions contribute to the goal of student learning. They consistently monitor student progress and adjust course to ensure that every action contributes to student learning. They offer students consistent and caring leadership.
Continuously improve
Strong leaders are their own toughest critics and search constantly for ways to improve their skills. The most effective teachers reflect critically on their progress, identify root causes of problems, and implement solutions so that students make the most progress.
Work continuously
The successful teacher sees himself as a leader of change and is fully responsible for the results of his students. The teacher goes above and beyond the traditional role of “teacher” and does whatever it takes to his/her students reach their big goals. S/He is persistent and uses creative approaches to solve problems.