THE 21ST CENTURY

TEACHERS
Prepared by: Richie Kathleen A. Tarrega
 The 21st (twenty-first) century 

the current century of the Anno Domini era or Common Era, in accordance with the 

means teaching as you have always taught but with today's tools and technology. It means
utilizing everything that is important in today's world so that students will be able to live and
prosper in today's economy, as well as having the ability to guide students and to prepare them
for the future.
 Top Five Characteristics of a 21st Century
Teachers
Love for learning 

Successful 21st Century educators don’t just expect their students to be lifelong learners, but they too stay
current and on top of what’s new in education as well as other fields that interest them. They enjoy
acquiring new knowledge and are enthusiastic about new experiences. They endeavour to stay current and
know how to change old lesson plans to be more suitable for today.

When teachers love to learn, their enthusiasm will naturally inspire students too, contributing to a more
stimulating classroom environment. Students will also feel free to share their knowledge and ideas with the
teacher, which helps them build confidence and grow into independent thinkers.
 Empathic 

The 21st century teacher models empathy every day and gives students plenty of opportunities to
demonstrate it. Why is empathy so important? Because it is a natural companion to tolerance and the
ability to understand the diversity in our world makes it easier to see things from multiple perspectives.
This in turn nurtures individuals who are conscious about using their knowledge and skills to help improve
the human condition and make a positive contribution to the world. A good way to embrace empathy in the
classroom is through integrating the use of games and websites into the lesson such as those mentioned 
here.  
 Tech-savvy 

Technology is changing at a rapid pace and that means that a 21st century teacher must enjoy riding the
change. The latest gadgets, applications, software and websites enable incredible transformation in the way
we learn, whether it’s personalisation of lessons or gamification of the learning process. The 21st century
educator understands and capitalises upon this through not only keeping abreast of the latest trends, but
also experimenting with new tools and techniques that can enhance both their own and their students’
learning.  However, this does not mean that technology is used just for the sake of it, even in instances
where other teaching methods would be more appropriate. Effective 21st century teachers are able to
integrate technology in the classroom to truly inspire and advance student learning.
 Collaborative 

Well-known educational author, Harry K. Wong, states that the trademark of effective schools is a culture
where all teachers take responsibility for the learning of all students. The 21st century educator understands
this and recognises that a student shouldn’t be the responsibility of only one teacher, but of all teachers.

Sharing expertise and experience, and communicating and learning from others is an important part of the
learning and teaching process. Therefore, teachers today must value working with others and be
comfortable contributing their unique ideas and perspective within a team. 
Increased effective collaboration exposes teachers to improved practices, which leads to stronger
pedagogy. And of course, the more effective a teacher is, the more the students will benefit and thrive.
 Creative 

in a world where technology can answer any question we Google, students need more opportunities to
learn how to brainstorm and think creatively in order to succeed. Creativity is definitely different for
different people. For some, it may be about inventing new ways to do the same things, while for others, it
may involve the process of discovering new things. No matter what the concept, the 21st century
educator makes it a priority to motivate children to be inventive, resourceful and expressive. 
They do this through creating a classroom where the flow of invention is not disrupted by the regular class
routines, textbooks and assignments. A creativity-driven classroom is characterised by enthusiastic
question-answer sessions, assessment of performance and feedback, cooperation with others when it comes
to sharing ideas, as well as the independence to freely express oneself.
Other Characteristics of a 21st-Century Educator
 They're Adaptive

They are able to adapt to whatever comes there way. Being a teacher in today's world means that
you have to adapt to the ever-changing tools and changes that are being implemented in the
schools.  Smartboards are replacing chalkboards and tablets are replacing textbooks and a 21st-
century teacher needs to be okay with that.
 Lifelong Learners

These educators don't just expect their students to be a lifelong learner, but they are as well. They
stay up-to-date with current educational trends and technology and know how to tweak their old
lesson plans from years before to make them more current.
 Are Forward Thinking

An effective 21st-century educator thinks about their students' future and is aware of the career
opportunities that may arise from them. They are always planning to ensure that no child gets left
behind so they focus on preparing today's children for what's to come in the future.
 Are Advocates for the Profession

They are an advocate not only for their students but their profession. Today's teachers are being
watched with a close eye because of all of the changes in curriculum and the Common Core. Instead
of sitting back, a 21st-century teacher takes a stand for their themselves and their profession. They
pay close attention to what is going on in education and they address these issues head-on.
They also advocate for their students. Today's classrooms are filled with children who need
someone to look out for them, give them advice, encouragement, and a listening ear. 
Effective teachers share their knowledge and expertise and act as a role model for their students.
21st-century teaching means teaching as you have always taught but with today's tools and
technology. It means utilizing everything that is important in today's world so that students will be
able to live and prosper in today's economy, as well as having the ability to guide students and to
prepare them for the future.
  
A 21st CENTURY EDUCATION

A 21st century education is about giving students the skills they need to succeed in this new
world, and helping them grow the confidence to practice those skills. With so much information
readily available to them, focus more on making sense of that information, sharing and using it in
smart ways.
 21st Century Learning 

is the constellation of learner characteristics which equips students to enjoy a high quality of life, work and relationships
by being resilient, intentional, creative and confident learners who understand the value of collaboration, the relationship of
effort to results and the need to be ...
Thank You and God bless