Back-to-school is here again. Excited little dumplings are donning new clothes and fancy shoes, brushing hair into fancy, eye-catching dos, loading backpacks with each essential supply, and then marching gleefully out the door, down the block (maybe two), and into the classroom. There each dumpling will be greeted by row upon row of gleaming faces, students to teach, students who will learn.

Teachers are dumplings, even though I perhaps misled you at the outset. I hope that every teacher matches the description above plus is brimming with enthusiasm with knowledge pouring out left and right. Research reveals over and over that the number one promoter of success in student learning is the teacher who is in charge. May every child receive only the best; those teachers who truly care and are driven to support the growth and development of each child in his/her care.

After 31 years in the classroom as both a teacher and professional development coordinator, I have worked with and observed hundreds (maybe thousands) of teachers at work. I can fairly well divide them into three categories: the incredible; the excellent; the not-quite there.

Incredible teachers take your breath away the second you enter the room. The walls gleam with concepts and vocabulary, the book shelves are organized and welcoming, the room buzzes with vibrancy, and while the teacher may be a bit harried, this results from her dedicated effort and hard work. Children in these classrooms thrive. Lessons are designed to meet their needs, their days are filled with new learning and encouragement, and their teacher is honest. False praise and empty compliments do not exist. The learning from yesterday is supported by learning today which all leads to success tomorrow and beyond.

Incredible teachers meet the needs of their students but sometimes parents are somewhat dissatisfied. Some parents prefer A grades to learning, pats and sweet notes rather than open dialog. Incredible teachers are sometimes classified as "tough and demanding". And they are. They realize that it is critical to equip every child with the tools necessary for reaching goals in school and in life. To lower expectations feels criminal.

Excellent teachers are on the way. Often lack of experience hinders them a bit but they are eager to learn and improve. The support of their peers and guiding administration will soon lead them to the incredible level because they care. Excellent teachers ask questions and try out new ideas. The look to colleagues for innovative ideas and they implement them with their students. Excellent and incredible teachers are a gift to each child. Their love of learning transmits to their students; it ignites knowledge and empowers each one. Students know that even if they feel nervous or intimidated at times, their teacher always wants the best for them and of them. He is there to help clarify confusing and incite curiosity.

The Not Quite There have the potential but there needs to be some self-assessment and re-evaluation of teaching practices to move them forward on the scale. Some of these chose teaching because they heard rumors that it was easy (ha!) and required a minimal amount of work (double ha!). For these individuals, please quit now. Others began teaching long years ago and are afraid to try any other job. Again, please quit now.

For the remainder, there is hope. A poor college background may be an issue. Sometimes academics forget what it is like to be in a regular classroom with a diversity of learners plus no books, supplies, guides, or support. A non-productive, worthless student teaching experience can add to the problem. There are lead teachers who greet student teachers at the door as they exit for the remainder of the term. Imagine your surgeon having that sort of guidance during his internship. Sometimes a school is full of anger and resentment and it is difficult or impossible to cut loose and soar into expertise. Complicated teaching assignments do not morph into brilliance without the help and support of others. Teaching cannot be an island but a group project.

For the hope group, carry on. Take classes, seek out quality teaching, study and research best educational techniques, and transport your talents to your students in a positive and uplifting way. Life will get better with time and experience if you are will to persevere. For those teachers who refuse to improve consider the harm this brings to children as you examine your own goals and desires in life. There must be a job elsewhere.

Educational consultant; free lance writer; life coach; professional development presenter http://www.energizedlearning.net