How Can You Boost Your Educator Credibility?

As we begin this new school year, I am reminded of the importance of what our students think of us as educators. It is not a new realization that teacher credibility has a significant impact on student learning and success.  In John Hattie's research, teacher credibility has a strong effect size of .90 which is far above the average effect size of .40.  Teacher credibility is students' belief that they can learn from a particular teacher because this adult is believable, convincing, and capable of persuading students that they can be successful.

In a recent article in Educational Leadership, Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey discuss that teacher credibility has four components: trust, competence, dynamism, and immediacy.

TRUST
Students need to know that their teachers care about them as individuals and that they have their best interest at heart.
How to build TRUST:

• Keep your promises.
• Tell them the truth about their performance.
• Don't spend too much time finding what is wrong.
• Focus on strengths.
• Take a close look at negative feelings you have about students.

COMPETENCE

Students need to know that their teachers know their content and how to best teach it. They expect expertise in terms of delivery and accuracy of content. 

How to build COMPETENCE:

• Know the content and don't be afraid to ask for help. 
• Deliver content cohesively and coherently.
• Be mindful of your non-verbal communication- does it show competence? 

DYNAMISM

Students need to know that teachers have enthusiasm for the content and for their students'. Lessons need to capture student interest and the delivery must show it. 

How to build DYNAMISM:

• Find the passion you once had for the content.
• Consider the relevance of your lesson for students. 
• Seek feedback from other educators on your delivery of content. 

IMMEDIACY

Students need to know that their teacher is accessible and relatable. The classroom should be a place where all can learn from one another. There should not be a "line" or a "wall" between teacher and learners.

How to build IMMEDIACY:

• Get to know your students- names and interests.
• Attend student events outside the classroom.
• Teach with a sense of urgency so that students know their time is not being wasted. 

What can you do today to boost your educator credibility?