We all want to be students of master teachers or we want our young to be students of master teachers. We reasonably expect that they will to a better job of teaching than the average teacher. But, there is a problem with this desire. If you ask several different people to define a master teacher, you will receive several different definitions. The term is in common usage, but without a common definition. That does not mean there are no formal definitions (Jackson, 2012; Johnson, 2011; What is, 2020; Ohio Master, 2011). However, those definitions focus on what a master teacher does, not what make her or him a master teacher.
Being a master teacher is more about personal philosophy and belief in students. It also includes the ability to tailor approaches to the individual student rather than assuming that one way will work for all students. The philosophy and belief lead to actions performed by the master teacher. Definitions often list seven or eight actions. For example, Johnson (2011) identifies seven characteristics:
Some lists add a final characteristic stating that the master teacher never works harder than the student (Jackson, 2012). But that is really just a recognition that the teacher doesn’t (or shouldn’t) do the work for the student.
Still, after examining these activities, we don’t really have a clear understanding of what makes a master teacher. Indeed, the definitions examined above seem to assume that being a master teacher requires being a content master first. However, considering the definition to be more philosophy and understanding of learners that being a content master is nice, but not required. The goal in being a master teacher is to ensure that students learn, whether that is due to a direct instruction method or coaching and guiding that helps students master material the teacher may not know. Given that, then being a content master is not required in being a master teacher.
Perhaps another way to think about it is to start with the initial motivation. A master teacher is one who is willing and excited to learn with a student; who is an example for the student to emulate. Once the student begins to emulate, learning begins to happen and may even accelerate. So, how does it happen?
It begins with respect. The master teacher treats others, especially students, with respect. And, expects to be treated by students in the same way. Respect must be a two-way street. As part of that respect, the master teacher endeavors to understand individual differences among students and how to capitalize on them. In doing so, the master teaches to student strengths while growing strengths in weaker areas. This is accomplished through the implementation of support for the learner and instruction in strategies/learning skills.
The next aspect is the setting of expectations. The master teacher sets high expectations and standards, and communicates them clearly. More, the support needed to meet those expectations is also be provided. However, the learners must always have a choice. They must be able to chose how to meet those standards. And, they must be able to choose to fail to meet those standards, accepting the consequences. Beyond that, the master teacher must accept those choices with no recrimination and must be willing to work with the students when they choose to try to succeed without any negative attitudes toward the students.
In working with students, this approach requires that the master teacher be open to new or different approaches, depending on each student’s needs and interests. The master teacher becomes a guide and a mentor in both how to learn and in mastery of the content itself. The master teacher motivates students at the individual level and is highly collaborative with others, especially students. As noted above, the master teacher sets the tone by example, living the life of a learner.
References
Johnson, B (2011) What makes for a master teacher? Edutopia. Retrieved 8/16/20 from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/master-teacher-definition-ben-johnson
What is (2020). What is a master teacher? Coloraco Christian University. Retrieved 8/16/20 from https://www.ccu.edu/blogs/cags/2011/01/what-is-a-master-teacher/
Ohio Master Teacher Program (2011) Definition of a master teacher. Ohio Master Teacher Program, Ohio Department of Education. Retrieved 8/16/20 from https://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Teaching/Professional-Development/Master-Teacher/Master-Teacher-description-for-website-002.pdf.aspx
Jackson, R. R. (2012). How th think like a master teacher. Educational Leadership. (69)8 Retrieved 8/16/20 from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/may12/vol69/num08/How-to-Think-Like-a-Master-Teacher.aspx