1. 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teachers
Adapted from Stephen R. Covey’s work

2. Habit 1: Be Proactive Act in the classroom, not re-act
Every teacher needs a pause button
Teachers are free to choose: Self-awareness, conscience, imagination, independent will
Be a positive influence on your student’s emotional bank accounts

3. Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Teachers need a destination and a compass
A Teacher’s Mission Statement
Are teacher’s principle centered?
The end should always be “what is best for the children under your care.”
Planning ahead always makes things better.

4. Habit 3: Put First Things First
Establish priorities in the classroom and at home
Home culture 50 yrs. Age vs. Today -Where does that leave teachers??
Balance academics with social skills, character education, health and self esteem
Be an ADVOCATE for children

5. Habit 4: Think Win-Win!!!!
Adopt the attitude: “Let me listen to you first” or “Help me to understand” with students and parents.
Positive discipline - How can you and the student win??? No power struggles.
Moving children from “me” to “we”
Class Meetings where agreements rule.

6. Habit 5: Seek First to Understand..Then to be Understood
Recognize your prejudices in the classroom and work to overcome them.
All children want to belong - avoid miscommunications.
Practice Empathic Listening - the highest form of listening.
Give honest feedback to children and parents.

7. Habit 6: Synergize
Work together with teachers, parents, children, administrators.
Value and celebrate differences.
Involve people in the problem and work out the solution together (great playground strategy)
Never give up - small victories lead to larger ones.

8. Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Renew yourself: physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually.
Nurture your relationship with children.
Begin your day with children with some quiet time to reflect.
Always grow - be a better teacher tomorrow than you were today.