SURE Summer Research 2013 : 21st Century Educators

Have you ever thought about what the definition of a 21st century teacher could be? Or maybe what characteristics a 21st century teacher should have?

John Dewey once said, "If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow."

Technology is all around us and we must use it to our advantage. This all must start with todays teachers. If you are a teacher, think about the 5 qualities I am about to list, and see if you can honestly say that you entice them. If not, now you know what to work towards during the summer and the next school year.

1. Anticipates the future.

2. Is a lifelong learner.

3. Fosters peer relationships.

4. Can teach and assess all levels of learners.

5. Is able to discern effective vs. non-effective technology.

If you think you have the 5 characteristics, lets see if you have the 7 habits of a teacher of the future!

1. Reviewing new research and information.

2. Continuous course construction.

3. Collaboration on a massive scale.

4. Assessing competencies.

5. Creating new resources.

6. Meeting anytime, anywhere.

7. Face to face teaching and learning sessions.

If you do not have all of these habits, don't fret there is always room for improvement and there is always room for growth.

Now you know if you have the characteristics and the habits of a 21st century teacher, lets talk about the roles of a 21st century teacher. There are about 23 roles and counting! Below they are listed in no specific order. Teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions. That is something for all teachers to remember before they step into that classroom :)

1. Learner

2. Tech support

3. Demonstrator

4. Coordinator

5. Sharer

6. Programmer

7. Collector

8. Curator

9. Evaluator

10. Facilitator

11. Convener

12. Mentor