ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a basic roadmap to the fundamental characteristics of star teachers as they relate to students. The open-minded teacher welcomes the opportunity for feedback and critique in a continual search to uncover his or her own hidden biases, examine assumptions about the students and their families, and think about a situation in the classroom from multiple perspectives. The wholehearted teacher jumps into the task of teaching with enthusiasm that the teacher's love of teaching and learning is transferred to the students. In addition to being open-minded and wholehearted, star teachers are responsible. This means that star teachers place the onus for student learning squarely on their own shoulders. Building strong, trusting relationships with every student provides star teachers with the information necessary to solve classroom problems so that students can achieve. Building an understanding of the school community is essential if teachers are to use community resources and respect the context of students' lives.
