ABSTRACT
All effective teachers have a core set of beliefs to which they adhere as educators. The real challenge—and the real accomplishment—is to get all students to care about what happens in the classroom and to create an atmosphere in which it is “cool to care.” In great schools, the teachers tell stories about what other teachers have accomplished with students. Great educators understand that behaviors and beliefs are tied to emotion, and they understand the power of emotion to jump-start change. Students care about great teachers because they know great teachers care about them. Without a core of firmly held beliefs, it is difficult for teachers to steer a steady course. After reviewing the author’s core beliefs, ask individuals to think about additional core beliefs not mentioned in the text that are essential components of their personal mission as teachers.
