The Four Different Types of Teachers

Teachers understand better than any other professional group that learning never stops. It continues long after completing teacher training and entering the workplace. Have you ever thought about how much you can learn from the passage of time at your workplace, compared to what you learn in graduate school? The educational institutions where we work are like living organisms—they change, grow, and expand over time. Teachers have limited options for how they can keep up.

1. Grow faster than the school.

2. Grow at the same pace as the school.

3. Allow the school outgrow them.

The personal and professional development choices a teacher makes will determine the grade category they find themselves in.

Type A Teachers:

type A teachers understands their school's strategic development plans and evaluates their skills to align with these goals. They take personal initiative or leverage available resources to acquire any missing skills. This proactive approach ensures they meet and exceed expectations, standing out among their peers. As a result, they significantly contribute to the school's growth while also advancing their professional development, often surpassing the average performance level of their colleagues. These teachers are frequently sought after outside their current schools, where they can be rewarded with new challenges.

Type B Teachers:

Like Type A, B teachers continuously refine their skills beyond what is required. They perform exceptionally well and are often challenged with leadership roles to prevent them from seeking opportunities elsewhere. These teachers consistently rise to the occasion, demonstrating their value and commitment to the school's success.

Type C Teachers:

Type C teachers maintain their professional growth in line with the school's progress. They acquire just enough skills to meet their current responsibilities and contribute effectively to the school's objectives. These teachers are reliable and play a crucial role in achieving the school's strategic goals.

Type D Teachers:

For type D teachers, the school's growth outpaces their skill development. Their performance falls below the standard required as their skills no longer match the evolving demands of the school. These teachers face a critical choice: either upskill to meet the new expectations or risk being left behind, potentially leading to resignation or dismissal.

Fellow teachers, maintaining personal and professional growth should always be our constant posture. We must be vigilant in our pursuit of excellence, seizing opportunities to enhance our skills and contribute meaningfully to our schools. By doing so, we not only foster our growth but also elevate the entire educational community.

If you have read this newsletter up to the end, you are most likely a type A or B teacher. Kindly share this newsletter with another educator. You can also sign up to receive this letter in your mail or sign up to be a member of our professional Educators community.