C.+Your+Qualities

What are the essential qualities you possess as an effective 21st Century teacher? Tiffany //There are several key issues that allow me to move into the 21st century as an educator. I have the equipment at my convenience-which affords me the opportunity to try new things. The fact that I have had a SMART board in my classroom for 8 years has really opened so many different doors. Also, being a part of the HP Grant team last year was critical, too.//

One essential quality that I believe I possess is **intrinsic motivation**. I am curious about technology and how it can enhance pedagogy and instructional delivery. There is always some type of new software or gadget that is available. With that, I am curious as to how things can impact learning-regardless of the technology behind it. I want to authenticate the learning experience for all learners. And, I believe that the easiest way to do so is via technology.

Piggybacking off of the previous paragraph, **curiosity** truly is essential to the 21st century teacher. A curious person seeks information and wants to know the intricacies of processes. It is so important for the 21st century teacher to know how to get a student through the process of learning and to make the content relevant and apply and evaluate not only the process but also the end result.

Lastly, I am **content driven**. I don't necessarily mean that I only worry about content. What I am focusing on is that in order to facilitate learning it is imperative. Technology is ever changing, almost too fast for us to be able to keep up. But the idea that content can drive the academic vehicle is essential to the 21st century learner.

I think that all of the teachers in this group bring a variety of qualifications to the table. Some have had experience in industry, some have a diverse educational background and we are all very motivated to continue developing and not becoming stagnant in our teaching. I agree that we are motivated, curious and want to deliver our subject content in the best possible way. I think what makes us all qualified (above and beyond the points mentioned above) is that we want to make the educational experience relevant, exciting and genuinely authentic. We want our kids to learn how to use technology to keep learning and developing into the individual they are capable of becoming.