Seven Habits of SMART Exemplary Educators
SMART defines a SMART Exemplary Educator (SEE) as a “dedicated teacher, technology coordinator or administrator who leads the way in using SMART products to engage students and improve learning outcomes.” While this description certainly fits, the educators who apply for this program are so much more than that. Every interaction with SEEs is like motivational rocket fuel for us here at SMART – we love them, respect them and value this exceptional group of educators immensely. In other words, they rock!
Our experience with SEEs over the last decade tells us that they are change agents who transform learning with actions big and small. SEEs are not just tech enthusiasts – they are motivated to discover how these tools positively impact learners. They embrace technology as a daily, embedded part of learning. It is also a key component of their professional development.
We recently polled members of our SMART Exemplary Educator community and below you’ll find seven common habits that they all share.
- Exude passion. If you connect with a SEE online, at a conference or in a training event, you have experienced his or her infectious enthusiasm for teaching and learning.
- Connect often. They have an open door and a collaborative spirit. SEEs are interested in connecting and sharing – whether that person is across the hall or in another country. Many embrace social media, nings and blogs. Some have created online communities including SMART Board Revolution and Smart Inclusion.
- Be fearless. SEEs tinker, experiment and take risks. They are beta testers, early adopters and, most importantly, not afraid to let their students use technology. They can be as experimental with tech tools as the digital natives that they aim to inspire.
- Champion adaptation. They are expert treasure-hunters who can adapt resources from various sources, including SMART Exchange, to meet the needs of their learners. SEEs leverage a variety of resources to ensure students receive engaging and interactive instruction.
- Lead (with kindness). SEEs are peer teachers, cheerleaders and coaches. They model best practices well and often, inspiring others to embed technology into daily curriculum. SEEs often share their resources and expertise with great generosity.
- Embrace lifelong learning. SEEs are curious explorers rather than all-knowing, “Yoda-like” sages. They are as enthusiastic to learn from others as they are to share their own expertise.
- Advocate for change. This group includes individuals whose ideas and practices have influenced decisions within their own schools, districts and beyond. Some education organizations and government agencies even follow SEEs on Twitter.
Do you embrace these seven habits in your teaching? Do you want to make the case for another habit that we missed? Share with the community!
I agree with this totally. Great Program
These seven habits certainly do encompass the personalities, creativity, and enthusiasm of SEEs. I wonder if there is a creative and tasteful way to share and/or expose this list other than in articles such as in a banner at a SMART booth at a convention or conference, as a border on the cover of the SMART spiral notebooks, as a part of the “design” on a SMART i-pad cover that some people wanted as a Gold Star reward, etc.
Summarizes all of the SEEs that I have met during the past 2 years as a SMART Exemplary Educator. I love learning and sharing with this group of educators!
Stacey Platt–what a great idea! I will forward it on to the marketing folks here at SMART headquarters.
As Kevin said, this sounds like every SEE I”ve met since 2007 as part of the program.
It is a great feeling for many of us to know that our input is valued. As hard as we try, sometimes our input is not taken in our own districts. We are prophets that receive no honor in our own countries, at times. The SMART Board Revolution is an example. I started it to be a place to support the teachers in my district with their questions using SMART products. Maybe 20 ever joined, but they don”t use it as a resource. However, it seems like the other 11,500+ members find it useful.
Thanks for mentioning it in the post.
Yep! So true! This is true for just about every SEE I have met!
Such passion is needed in and out of the classroom!
I agree with each of these habits! SEEs should be leaders in the district/school and these habits would do well in developing good leaders in general as well.
Very true. Thanks for sharing.
Connecting often is so difficult, but so important!! Sometimes it is easier to connect virtually with people from all over the world, than it is with someone right down the hall. My New Year”s Resolution!!
I so agree with each of the descriptors of the seven habits of a SEE. It follows the Cognitive Coaching and Apdatative Schools.
SEEs are the best!
I love the treasure hunter comment as we strive to make our classroom dynamic and student lead each day. Our learning never stops and sharing our passion with each other and others fuels our SMARTBoard souls.
Great list! That sums up the habits I want to have in my daily life! Thank you for sharing this list! What an encouragement these words are!
It is so refreshing to be with people who ”get it”. Those who are excited, energized, and ready to go the extra mile to make their classroom completely engaging. This is what I love about SEEs!
I aspire to be as awesome as my fellow SEE”s. We rock.
I think that summarizes it! Love being a tinker-er! Love the SEE program!
Great article. Modeling these traits to our students will help to guide them to be the future tech. leaders of our world. We must inspire and engage them along the way.
Nicely done article and very true!
My favorite part is the Communication and the Be Fearless. I always say “you don”t know what you don”t know” so why not share and try! It is amazing what someone can learn just by playing, we want our students to expand then we have to continually do so as well.
Yes I think all of these habits are a wonderful for educators to open themselves up to the possibilities in every lesson however basic it may be. In order to be ready for new technology as it rolls out we need to be exploring the limits of current tech ALL the time!!
It”s a great program and a great way to share ideas and learn from others using the SMART products effectively in classrooms.
Fearless is the word. We try new technology without a moment”s hesitation.
I agree with all of you. The SEE”s I have met have the seven common habits above. Their dedication to infuse technology into the curriculum really ignites students passion for learning and discovery.
I loved reading the seven habits listed and the comments also. This article motivates me to do even more. I feel so priviledged to be a part of this wonderful group. I love what Danielle said about being with people who “get it”. That is so true.
If you have had anything to do with SEE, you are all of those things. By nature, Teachers tend to be leaders but using the Smart products sure does help gain student interest.
Advocate for change is my favorite part!! I think a lot of teachers have things to say but dont always feel comfortable about it… I think you need to voice your opions and support them in positive ways.
I have to agree that it”s more than being a tech person- it”s about passion.
I agree with all of the characteristics, but I think #6 (Embrace Lifelong Learning) is the basis for the rest: we”re passionate about learning, we connect to learn more, we take risks and are willing to adapt because we want to learn, and we lead and advocate for change because we want to share the passion for lifelong learning with others. We hope to instill the desire to be lifelong learners to students and adults. If I were to add another characteristic, I think it would be that we don”t give up. We are determinted. If we want to do something, we”ll find a way to make it happen!
These are traits that all the SEE”s that I have met encompass. Always willing to learn, share, try new things, and more.
Nice article. I just tried something new today; I had a recent injury and I”m off work BUT it is the week before exams and I REALLY wanted to do a review with my classes so I SKYPED with my classes on my SMART Board
Worked great!
Amazing article. A lot of teachers always ask what makes you a SEE and I think number 6 is a special part of it. Without wanting to continue the learning and trying new things you cannot succeed. You have to be a go getter to make creative lessons and learn the amazing things SMART is making. Go SEES!
Great article! I especially agree with #3 and #6. Being fearless and being a lifelong learner go hand-in-hand when teaching with technology.