ABSTRACT

In this chapter, the author stresses the importance of practicing empathy, the ability to understand or imagine things from another person's perspective-in this case, the perspectives of individual students. Great teachers are lifelong learners who regularly attempt to learn something new. Becoming "students" again allows great teachers to put themselves in their student's shoes. Schools today serve students of all backgrounds with all manner of special needs and circumstances. Effective teachers do not shy away from these challenges; instead, they embrace them. Great teachers have the ability to see the world the way their individual students do. Great teachers are lifelong learners who regularly attempt to learn something new. Whitaker notes that "in one way or another, every classroom is heterogeneous". All teachers know about the part of their job that involves teaching their content area. Great teachers give equal weight to the part of teaching that involves teaching "people skills".