Are eternal optimists.
They are relentlessly optimistic, even in the face of all reason... they remain optimistic and remain future-focused because they realise that they invent the future.
Have high expectations.
They transform learners perceptions of themselves and their own capabilities by seeing beyond what the learner is to what they can become. Outstanding teachers challenge learners because challenge is born of high expectations.
Are rigorous.
They have rigorous and thorough systems. Always. Because outstanding teachers know that by being rigorous, by having robust and well understood systems, some of the work is done for them.
Are passionate.
No-one can be an outstanding teacher without the passion for the job and the passion for the students that they teach and the community they serve.
Are intellectually curious.
Outstanding teachers talk to other teachers about teaching. They read about teaching. They are interested in things. They want to know more.
Are creative.
They make learning interesting, exciting, dynamic, engaging and fun. They look for new ways of doing things. They look for improvement and enhancement. They embrace new ways of doing things... if they are improved ways. Outstanding teachers are open-minded.
Are Brave.
They will give things a go. They will go against the prevailing wisdom or orthodoxy if they think that's the correct thing to do for their learners. Outstanding teachers are not afraid of failure. they will try new things and will quickly drop them if they don't lead to improvement. Crucially, they will continue to try and they will continue to experience failures - because they now that successes lead to breakthroughs and breakthroughs smash barriers to learning and barriers to learning are what they are working every day to overcome.
Are activists.
They make it happen.
Are energetic.
Because they realise that what they input is critically important. Without that energy, that advocacy and that agency some children might fail.
Are never satisfied.
An outstanding teacher is always looking for improvement... new ways of squeezing an extra 5% into or out of what they do... improved ways of supporting a particular pupil... an enhanced curriculum... a better way of doing things... an enhanced approach to meeting individual needs... a bigger, more sustained and more lasting impact. Outstanding teachers are always learning.
