What makes a good teacher?

As I read each of the statements, go to the corner of the room that best expresses your OWN opinion.

Strongly Agree

Somewhat Agree Somewhat Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Teachers should never yell at students.

Teachers should post grades publicly

Teachers should return quizzes, tests, and homework within two days

Teachers should return quizzes, tests, and homework whenever they feel like it

Teachers should never have a cell phone out

Teachers should be able to tell a child publically if they are failing a class

Teachers should talk about kids’ grades with other students

After completing the activity,

I think a teacher’s most important responsibility is…

Possible Consequences

WarningStudent ConferenceParent Phone Call

Office ReferralClassroom Beautification

Learning Service to YoungstersParent Conference

Detention

Watch Obama’s Speech to NAACP

Guiding Questions

• What challenges does President Obama bring up that African American students face?

• Obama states, “No one has written your destiny for you.” Do you believe that you and you alone have the power to change your own destiny? Why or why not?

• Obama states, “All those hardships make you better able to compete.” Do you think that Obama is right?

• Have you (or anyone else) ever made an excuse for not doing something? What was it?

Your letter must be 4 paragraphs:

1. What your goal is, and why you want to achieve it.2. The steps that you will need to take to achieve your

goal.3. How limitations and excuses can interfere with

achieving one’s goals, and how you will prevent yourself from making excuses or limiting yourself in any way.

4. A story that inspires you – it can be something someone said to you once, or something you watched on TV, or something that you heard about.