No two classrooms operate exactly the same way. Teachers choose different teaching strategies. They may choose different materials to support their instruction. They have students engaged in different learning activities. They may even have entirely different classroom management systems.
Yet, these are not the elements that usually separate the most successful teachers. In fact, it is not the programs and techniques they adopt. What sets them apart is much deeper. Their secrets of success lie in the ways they think about and approach their practice. Their success is shaped by hundreds of small decisions made every day. These decisions—and the habits associated with them—over time quietly compound and generate momentum for learning that can be profound.
Remarkably, the practices and habits in which highly successful teachers engage do not require special talent or unusual intellect. Their power is found in authenticity and consistency. Let’s examine seven of these habits and the power they possess to positively impact students and learning.
Habit #1: They prioritize relationships that support learning. Highly successful teachers understand that relationships are the grease that makes many important aspects of learning possible. Building trust, showing respect, and making connections leads students to feel valued and as though they belong. The presence of strong, positive relationships creates a foundation for high expectations, confidence in feedback, and commitment to persist and succeed. Of course, these relationships are not confined to students. They extend to families, colleagues, and others whose support is important in fostering learning.
Habit #2: They reflect regularly and improve deliberately. Highly successful teachers recognize that experience is not the same as expertise. Taking time to reflect on what worked, what did not work, what was anticipated, and what surprised are starting points for gaining insight and strengthening professional practice. Growth comes from examination, analysis, and adjustments, not repetition.
Habit #3: They remain fully present, despite distractions. Successful teaching requires constant awareness. Students signal their confusion, engagement, emotions, curiosity, and other learning-related information constantly. Being fully present makes it more likely that subtle cues are noticed so that adjustments can be made in real time.
Habit #4: They avoid unnecessary multitasking. Like being fully present, focusing attention on what is most important increases the impact and boosts the productivity of highly successful teachers. Obviously, teachers face multiple competing demands, but trying to do too many things at once diminishes effectiveness. Focusing on what matters most for learning also minimizes the energy lost to less important and impactful activities.
Habit #5: They treat mistakes as feedback, not failure. Highly successful teachers understand that mistakes are nothing more than data that provides clues about what to avoid, adjust, and improve. When errors are seen as evidence, experimentation is easier, risks are less scary, and refinement is more likely. Additionally, when teachers see and use mistakes as information for improvement, mistakes become less risky for students.
Habit #6: They constantly check for understanding. Highly successful teachers know that instruction is important, but learning is what counts. Regularly gathering evidence of learning during instruction ensures that students remain engaged, are in sync with teaching, and are processing the information shared with them. As a result, instruction can be adjusted before confusion and misconceptions become entrenched. Checking for understanding following instruction allows teachers to discern where students need reinforcement, clarification, and additional practice.
Habit #7: They prioritize impact over affirmation. Not all teaching-related decisions are popular with students and not all decisions that are popular result in learning. Learning can be challenging, and it is not always enjoyable. Prioritizing actions that produce important learning and lasting growth leads to the success students deserve, even when other options may generate short-term enthusiasm.
These habits make one thing clear: Teaching success is less about activities and techniques and more about the ways we think about and approach our work. When we consistently practice these and similar habits, we create conditions to support learning growth and position us to become more effective.
