, and that teachers have great influence on the lives of their students. Students see how their teachers speak, dress, and act. They notice their teachers' commitment to learning, to their community, and to their profession. They watch their teachers for fairness and honesty. And while students may appear to be harsh judges, they are also impressionable, and are busy modelling themselves as future adults. Besides subject matter, the students are learning about living life. II. Colonel Craig's Eleven Guidelines for TeachersMy Eleven Guidelines for Teachers, which follow, have been developed through careful and systematic observation of successful, respected, dedicated and memorable role models. I would like to claim original authorship, but cannot. The formative ideas, and in fact structures, came from a number of sources, to which I owe much. 1. Know yourself and seek self-improvement. Learn about yourself, your preferences, strengths and weaknesses. Take advantage of your strengths, work to overcome your weaknesses, and share your preferences, which are based on experience and thoughtful observation. 2. Be proficient in your discipline and in pedagogy. Be as conversant as possible with your discipline through continual self-study. Look to the several methods, approaches and strategies for teaching your subject matter. Experiment creatively but thoughtfully; learn from other teachers; use what works 3. Seek challenges and take responsibility for your actions. Teaching always involves challenges. Welcome them; look to the new for fresh perspectives. Develop a "can do"attitude, and meet each new challenge with cheerful optimism. When you succeed, be modest and share the glory. When you fail, be ready to admi t your error and look forways to correct what went awry. Never shift blame onto others or "circumstances beyond your control." 4. Make sound and timely decisions. Rapidly assess learning situations and make adjustments; delay is fre...
