Are you the best teacher you can be? Whether you teach toddlers, young children, or teens, you need a high level of skills to teach the modern classroom. Your professional development should include everything from early childhood courses to leadership skills to technology. Let’s cover how YOU can be a better teacher in a few simple steps.

Step 1. Be Prepared

Find out what certifications and degrees you need to teach in the classroom. Even if you plan on teaching early childhood or work in childcare, you will need training and knowledge to help you both teach and manage a classroom. Expect to add classes in emergency care, technology, special needs, or foreign language to your teaching tools.

Step 2. Be Confident

Before you step into the classroom, be confident in your skills. You have taken the time to prepare yourself both with the knowledge and practical tools to teach. Don’t doubt yourself. Your students will be able to tell if you believe in your abilities. Take a deep breath, then do what you have been trained to do.

Step 3. Communicate

As a teacher you communicate daily with students, parents, supervisors, and peers. Learn how to communicate effectively. Discover what form of communication works best for each situation. For example, some parents may prefer a written progress report about their child while some parents may want to meet with you in-person. Children also have different communication styles. Learn what communication styles work best.

Step 4. Be a TEAM Player

Work together with the students, parents, and staff to help students learn. Network with other teachers to solve problems together. Join online forums. If you have a problem, always speak with a more experienced teacher or supervisor. Ask for advice. Don’t be surprised if they offer some constructive criticism. This is all part of the process.

Step 5. Be Creative!

Use your imagination when you work with your students. If you teach at a child care center, early childhood, or with younger children, be sure to splash the classroom with children’s artwork, fun creative games, manipulatives, and sensory activities. Even the simplest activity, like playing with bubbles or finger-painting, can become an incredible opportunity to learn. If you have special talents, like music or martial arts, share your talent with your students. You will inspire with each creative moment.

Step 6. Understand Technology

When you educate young students, be ready to integrate technology. You can use interactive games, music, and fun dance videos in your classroom. Find apps and websites that encourage engagement, and not just passive watching. And know when it is time to unplug devices.

Step 7. Inspire

Finally, inspire your students. Empower them to think critically, explore their world, learn, and engage with their surroundings. Model adaptability, kindness, and confidence. Empower students to self-direct, lead, and reflect. Teach them how to succeed both in the classroom and in life.