What does it take to be more than just a good teacher—to be genuinely competent and effective? Whether you’re just starting out or are early in your career, this is a fundamental question.
While dictionaries define competence as having the “necessary ability, knowledge, or skill,” our experience shows one crucial ingredient is missing: **habits**.
This leads us to a powerful and memorable definition of a competent teacher: A person who has the **K**nowledge, **A**bility, **S**kills, and **H**abits to teach successfully. Remember it with the handy mnemonic **KASH**.
So, how do you build this KASH? It boils down to two key pillars:
**Pillar 1: Adhere to a Strong Code of Practice**
Even if your school doesn’t have a formal code, you can follow your own. An excellent example is the ACCREDITAT Code of Practice, which is built on core values like honesty, integrity, and respect. This code encourages teachers to:
* Act with **honesty and integrity**.
* Value **dignity and diversity** in every student.
* Build relationships based on **respect and trust**.
* Embrace **responsibility and accountability** for student growth.
* Ensure the **care and protection** of all learners.
* Act with **fairness and justice** at all times.
Adhering to these principles creates a solid ethical foundation for your teaching practice.
**Pillar 2: Demonstrate Key Traits in the Classroom**
Knowledge and ethics must be put into action. Here are some of the most critical habits and skills of an effective teacher:
* **Be Warm & Approachable:** Create an environment where students feel safe and heard.
* **Build Rapport & Community:** Foster a sense of belonging and collaboration, not just fun.
* **Set High Expectations:** Students often rise to the level of expectation you set for them.
* **Plan Flexibly:** Be ready to adapt your lesson seamlessly when things don’t go to plan.
* **Communicate Clearly:** Use language suited to your students and give precise instructions.
* **Maximize Student Talk:** Reduce Teacher Talking Time (TTT) to increase Student Talking Time (STT).
* **Reflect Continuously:** Make self-appraisal a daily habit to learn and improve from every lesson.
* **Connect Learning to the Real World:** Use the world outside your classroom as a teaching tool.
**The Goal: Your “Effective Teacher Cocktail”**
Ultimately, effectiveness isn’t about one single trait. It’s about mixing the right ingredients: a strong ethical foundation (your Code of Practice) with actionable skills and habits (your KASH). Strive to blend these elements, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming the competent and effective teacher you aspire to be.