Focus on Students First
What is the main idea of Chapter 10, “Focus on Students First”?
Great teachers base every decision on what is best for students.
What is the difference between “broad” and “narrow” vision in teaching?
Great teachers keep a broad vision that focuses on overall student success, not minor setbacks or complaints.
Why should teachers “focus on colleagues second”?
Positive collaboration follows naturally when the focus is on students first.
What does the phrase “Ten Days Out of Ten” mean?
Great teachers consistently act professionally and fairly every single day.
What is the main principle of effective praise according to Whitaker?
Praise must be sincere, specific, and focused on behavior that can be repeated.
What should teachers consider second, after students?
Their colleagues and professional relationships.
What question should teachers ask before making a classroom decision?
“Is this what’s best for the students?”
What’s one way teachers can build stronger relationships with coworkers?
By keeping student success at the center of all discussions.
Why does the chapter say “you don’t have to like the students”?
You don’t have to like every student, but you must treat every student as if you do.
Why can “too much nice” be harmful?
It can blur boundaries and cause students to take advantage of the teacher.
What are the three ways teachers can react to change?
They can complain, ignore it, or respond positively for the sake of students.
Why should teachers use caution against focusing on adult comfort when implementing changes?
Because focusing on teacher convenience can come at the expense of student learning.
How does focusing on students help avoid workplace drama?
It shifts attention away from personal conflicts and back to shared goals.
What is one key danger of inconsistency in the classroom?
Students become confused and lose respect for the teacher’s authority.
What is one of the five strategies the chapter gives for making praise work?
Praise individual effort, not just outcomes (other examples: be timely, be specific, focus on effort, use sparingly).
What is the message behind “Change for students’ sake”?
Teachers should only change practices if it benefits student learning or well-being.
What mindset helps teachers maintain perspective during challenging times?
Remembering why they teach; to make a difference for students.
What should teachers remember when dealing with difficult colleagues?
Stay professional, model respect, and don’t let negativity distract from teaching.
What does “we never forget that one time” mean?
Students remember moments when teachers lose patience or act unfairly; consistency matters.
How does praise influence classroom climate?
It builds motivation, confidence, and positive relationships when used intentionally.
What lesson does the “Hotel California” analogy teach?
Some educators resist change and negativity “checks in but never leaves,” harming school culture.
How do great teachers view change compared to less effective teachers?
Great teachers adapt and use change to improve learning; less effective ones complain or resist.
What does “remember what matters” mean?
Teachers must stay grounded in their purpose (helping students learn) rather than getting caught up in adult issues.
How does being predictable and consistent build trust with students?
It creates a safe, respectful environment where students know what to expect.
What separates “great teachers’ praise” from “average teachers’ praise”?
Great teachers use praise to reinforce effort and growth, not just compliance or performance.