10 Modern Teaching Skills for Teachers

Whether teaching second-graders or high school sophomores, educators today require specific skills and temperament to face the unique set of circumstances in the modern classroom. Some teachers are seeing class sizes increase by five or more students each year. Class size increases have been as high as 40 students per classroom and are often linked to a more difficult learning environment for students.

Obviously a burden on students to take and prepare for standardized tests for such a high percentage of their classroom time, the examinations can also weigh on and restrict teachers’ roles in education.

A Teacher’s Toolbox

Each of these skills can help educators of any grade level teach better.

1.   Online Collabration: Whether it’s creating and sharing a YouTube video of a classroom experiment or using another educator’s blog to teach the fundamentals of geometry, teachers can work together to teach more effectively and gain peer support.

2.   Adapt: From changing an exercise for a larger classroom to changing lesson plans based on the new testing requirements, modern teachers need to be nimble to adapt to the ever-shifting education environment. This skill is critical for keeping up with new learning styles as well.

3.   Time Management: With teachers having to cover more materials and take on more responsibility, it’s critical to use every minute efficiently. Planning for breaks as well as lessons can help classrooms stay on schedule consistently.

4.   Tech Fundamentals: Word processors, spreadsheets, and email may seem like the absolute basics of the digital age, but learning the ins and outs of these software can help save teachers time and allow easier organization. Learning how to search the web effectively is also great way for educators to find the best results.

5.   Patience: Patience has been critical for educators from the beginning of time, but it’s never been more important than in the hectic age today.

6.   Team Work: When class sizes are large and resources scarce, it’s important for teachers to work with each other. Educators throughout the school or across the web can work together to get better results in their own classrooms.

7.   Organization: Organizing everything from digital lesson plan files to physical classroom materials will always pay off in the long run.

8.   Creativity: Just because many schools have greater curriculum restrictions doesn’t mean that teachers can’t still have fun with it. Students will appreciate creative ways to prepare for their exams that meet multiple learning styles at once.

9.   Constant Updating: Teachers can use the numerous online resources for educators to stay up on the newest trends in their field.

10.Healthy Parent Communication: With school websites, homework portals, and email, parents and teachers have a more open line of communication than ever before. Educators should be sure to have a plan with the school for healthy communication policies.