25 Biggest Mistakes Teachers Make and How to Avoid Them

250 25 Biggest Mistakes Teachers Make and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 10: Racial and Cultural Discrimination. Embrace cultural differences
and encourage your class to do the same. Help students to focus on each
other’s commonalities rather than differences. Love and respect mean the
same, regardless of the language.
Mistake 11: Humiliation. Never make disparaging remarks that diminish the
self. Treat students’ fragile egos and precious psyches as you would fine
china. Elevate, don’t humiliate your students.
Mistake 12: Inappropriate Classroom Policies. Establish policies that promote the
well-being and academic achievement of all students.
Mistake 13: Inappropriate Toileting Practices. Never deny students permission
to use the restroom or employ ridiculous contingencies such as carrying a toilet
seat pass or holding up one or two fingers to indicate what they have to
do in the restroom. Don’t assume that you can tell if someone really has to go
or if they just want to play. Take the risk that they might play if they pretend
that they have to go; it’s much better than causing someone to have an unforgettable
accident.
Mistake 14: Inappropriate Educational Strategies. Strive to create meaningful instruction
that is engaging, that fosters retention and facilitates transfer of knowledge.
Collect effective strategies to increase your repertoire of teaching skills.
Mistake 15: Inappropriate Assessment. Use grades for feedback only. Don’t use
grades as punishment. Be a fair grader; grades should mirror the success of
your teaching.
Mistake 16: Teacher Insensitivity. Be aware of words and deeds that assault a
student’s ego and self-esteem. Harsh words, once spoken, are difficult to
recall. Be sensitive to the needs and tender feelings of children. Treat them
the way you would want someone to treat your child.
Mistake 17: Academic Shortcomings. Assess your strengths and weaknesses as
a teacher. Take additional courses or participate in professional development
opportunities to minimize your weaknesses. Always give your students the
benefits of your strengths.
Mistake 18: Poor Administration. Strengthen your organization skills. Keep
track of student records and papers. Return papers in a timely manner and
keep your classroom functioning like a well-oiled machine.
Mistake 19: Reputation. A reputation should read like an epitaph, do and say
what you would want others to say about you after you are gone. Do the
right things; people are watching. Earn the reputation of being a caring effective
teacher.