The Tupelo Teacher

The Tupelo Teacher communicates a vision of success in the classroom, focusing on both the child and the future. The teacher knows the curriculum and utilizes imaginative and challenging methods for instruction. Continually working to better instruction, the Tupelo Teacher participates as a member of the larger learning community and practices professional habits. He/She clearly communicates classroom expectations and fosters a relationship with students and families. Most of all, the Tupelo Teacher models and promotes ethics and integrity in professional and personal activities.

Attributes of The Tupelo Teacher

Demonstrates a vision for success in classroom
            � Makes a difference for the future
            � Inspires lifelong learning
            � Values quality and works for every child and colleague to achieve success
            � Maintains excellent physical and mental wellness effectively modeling
        appropriate behavior for students and colleagues
            � Imparts a desire to make a difference in the lives of young people
            � Encourages students to be independent and confident learners, to think outside the
        box, and to develop habits of learning for a lifetime

Knows the curriculum and utilizes imaginative and challenging methods for instruction
            � Teaches with enthusiasm and patience
            � Develops intelligence and creativity
            � Knows and practices superior instruction
            � Conveys a broad knowledge of curriculum and is able to create and refine a
        rigorous curriculum
            � Uses a variety of informative data and assessment tools to design and plan for
        student growth
            � Emphasizes the history, structure and real-world applications of the subject

Practices professional habits as members of the larger learning community
            � Thinks systematically while planning teaching and learning
            � Continues to learn, to grow, and to contribute to the profession and serves as a
        mentor to new teachers
            � Utilizes various instructional strategies and stays abreast of current issues
            � Reflects on practice to deepen knowledge, to expand repertoire of skills, and
        to incorporate new findings into instruction
            � Works with other professionals on instructional policy, curriculum
        development, and staff development

Communicates classroom expectations
            � Maintains intellectual goals
            � Builds and cultivates positive relationships with children, colleagues, families
        and community without discriminations
            � Articulates expectations and is accessible to students, parents, and
        community members
            � Utilizes discipline and classroom management techniques consistently and effectively
            � Sets high expectations and standards for academic excellence
            � Builds partnerships with community groups and businesses
            � Works collaboratively with parents to engage them productively in the work of the school

Models and promotes ethics and integrity in professional and personal activities
            � Exhibits true love of educating all children
            � Exhibits an excellent work ethic (works until the work is done), reliable
            � Respects and cares about children and their families
            � Displays high standards of professional conduct and is a positive influence in
        the community
            � Maintains confidentiality and respects the rights of others
            � Reveals the courage to do the right things under all circumstances
            � Affirms a desire to make a difference in the lives of young people
            � Shows sensitivity to an individual�s circumstances and needs, demonstrating
        empathy and understanding