5 Lessons from USA's "Best" Online Teacher

I just came across this article on Teresa Dove, who was recently awarded America’s first-ever K-12 Online Teacher of the Year. I won’t go into what I actually think of such an award… Dove listed what she felt were the 5 most important things for online education and Ithought I would list them here given as a compare/contrast with Chikering and Gamson’s Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education.

1. Keep the student at the center of every decision that needs to be made

2. Foster relationships with students and parents, because parents can be a teacher’s biggest help.

3. Talk with your students every day by phone. Dove said that the majority of her day is spent talking directly with students to build a one-on-one relationship with each of them

4. Celebrate every effort and success, no matter how big or small. “Always be positive in your feedback, even if the assignment may not be stellar. The written word is so powerful online, and you always want your students to feel that you are cheering them on and appreciate their hard work,” she explained.

5. Build relationships with fellow teachers. Share resources, best practices, and stories to feel less isolated or alone in the home office.

“This is one of the greatest things about my Algebra II department,” said Dove. “There is always someone there to give advice, lend a helping hand, or share something they have created.”