How to Get All Teachers to Become Like the Best Teachers

There are dramatic differences in the quality of teachers in every school. Every building has teachers who consistently engage students and deliver high-quality instruction. Every building also has teachers with varying ranges of ability. If all teachers could be more like the best teachers, then we would have significant improvement in every school. In this important book, Todd Whitaker demonstrates how this can really be achieved. With inspiration, humor, and practical advice, Whitaker shares the qualities of the best teachers and how we can teach these qualities to others. He shows how the best teachers emphasize the learning relationship; focus only on what they can influence; and use effective classroom management involving filtering, proximity, redirection, and business mode. He then explains how we can coach other teachers by showing, not telling; by creating subcultures and learning experiences; and by leading the way. Finally, Whitaker describes the importance of hiring highly talented people who form new lines rather than fall in line. He provides strategies for asking the right interview questions, for choosing the right mentors, and for selecting the best hosts for student teachers. No matter how education changes, there are always outstanding teachers making a difference. We can grow our schools by helping even more teachers become exceptional.

Table of Contents:
Part I: Can We Really Help All Teachers Become Like The Best Teachers? 1. First The Big Picture, Then The Real Picture 2. The Teacher Is The Variable That Matters The Most (By Far) 3. How Great Teachers Look At The World: Hint – You Can Do It Too. Part II: Hiring Exceptional Teachers 4. Two Core Ways To Increase Teacher Quality In Your Setting: Let’s Start With Hiring Highly Talented Teachers 5. The Number One Goal In Hiring 6. The Construction of Induction 7. Improve The Pool and Our Pool - Student Teaching Part III: Improving The Teachers We Have 8. Teaching The Teachers 9. The Specificity of Teaching Classroom Management 10. The Power of Proximity 11. The One Best Way 12. Teach Me How to Filter, Please 13. The Emotional Modes Part IV: Timeless Truths and New Learnings 14. The Learning Relationship 15. The Eyes (and Ears) Have It 16. Understanding High Achievers 17. The Bottom Line on How to Get to The Top

About the Author :
Todd Whitaker (@toddwhitaker) is a leading presenter in the field of education and has written 65 books including the bestseller What Great Teachers Do Differently. He is a former teacher, coach, principal, and professor of educational leadership.

Review :
"How to Get All Teachers to Become Like the Best Teachers delves deeply into one of Todd Whitaker's long-standing school improvement mantras: teacher quality is the single most important factor in student success. In this insightful and actionable book, Whitaker seamlessly blends timeless teaching truths with innovative strategies to elevate teacher effectiveness across the board. With practical guidance on hiring, mentorship, and classroom management, it underscores the power of positive learning relationships and taps into the unique strengths of high-achieving educators. Focused on creating a culture of excellence through intentional practices, this resource is essential for school leaders committed to empowering every teacher to reach their full potential." Chad Lang, Ed.D., Author and Assistant Superintendent of School Improvement & H.R., Glenwood, Iowa "It is rare to find a book that school leaders can read so easily but which leaves you with so many 'Ah-ha's' and 'Of course's'. How to Get All Teachers to Become Like the Best Teachers is one such book. Dr. Todd Whitaker is a very reputable educator and keynote speaker who is surrounded in his daily life as well by educators. He pulls from his own knowledge and those he encounters daily to craft a book that is a must-read. The easy-to-follow format makes the page turning a joy, not a chore. His words do something so needed right now - honoring the educator and her craft. While he does this, he also puts a few pebbles in the shoe of the reader who is often tasked with finding, interviewing, on-boarding, and retaining educators. The information that is laid out to the reader is timely. The book covers the make-up of a good teacher but also some of the prats and pitfalls encountered by school leaders who search for the best fit for buildings while also recognizing that the current climate in education means school leaders need to adjust their practices to find talent, on-board and retain them, and ultimately grow them into leaders themselves. This book is a worthwhile and easy read. I am better for the time spent reflecting about my current practices and what areas I can adjust in the future to make our great school even better." Mike Pinto, Principal, James Cole Elementary School, Indiana Principal Leadership Institute Leadership Team "Todd Whitaker is practical, down-to-earth wisdom on our noble profession--teaching--comes through in his most recent work, How to Get All Teachers to Become the Best Teachers. Todd's voice is the voice all school leaders need to tune into as we build a culture of efficacy in our schoolhouse. Be sure to have plenty of highlighters and post-it notes for another engaging and insightful read from the educational voice of our time." Sean Gaillard, Principal, Author, Podcaster "With teacher recruitment and retention being at the forefront of education, this book is a timely reminder of what actually moves the needle. It gives an untraditional, yet realistic perspective on how to improve your school with manageable action steps. If you are a leader looking for what Todd calls 'more great,' then this book is for you." Dr. Amanda Minear, Principal in Columbia Public Schools