ABSTRACT
The first step to great teaching is to acknowledge the fact that both teachers and students can achieve higher levels than we previously deemed possible. For too long, all of us—administrators, teachers, parents, policymakers—have settled for adequate performances rather than aiming for excellence. Watching great teachers inspires others to raise their sights on what they believe they can achieve. A tool, such as the “Lenses for Observation” presented in this chapter, may help educators as well as other observers focus on components of gifted teaching and notice the complexities within each aspect. Four examples of rigorous instruction illuminate how much more can be accomplished by superior teachers.
