A quality faculty is one of the most important things a school can have. Educators have a massive impact on the quality of a student’s education, so it’s crucial that they be properly vetted, that they understand how to help all kinds of students learn and most importantly, are willing to put in the extra hours to make sure that each student is excelling and growing. As you’re evaluating boarding high schools for your students, here are some things to look for in an awesome faculty.
Experience and Knowledge
Some of the best educators are those who have experience teaching many types of students over many years. These teachers not only understand how to promote learning catered to individual students, they also understand their subject matter thoroughly and can offer deep insight into whatever subject they’re teaching. Evaluating boarding high schools’ teachers beforehand is a sure way to ensure that the people your students spend the most time with are making the best possible impact.
Advanced Degrees
Advanced degrees such as a Masters or PhD can make a teacher a compelling choice for a boarding high school. A teacher with greater depth of knowledge on a subject can have a bigger impact the level of detail they can offer students. As you research boarding schools, it’s worthwhile to get a good feel for how many instructors have advanced degrees and in which subjects. If there is a particular subject your student excels in and has a greater interest in, it’s beneficial to see whether the staff members in that department are well-educated and have plenty of knowledge to offer your student.
Caring and Nurturing Attitudes
Teachers at a boarding high school, or indeed, any school, should be more than just instructors. They should be mentors, guides and friends to students. The best teachers are those who are willing to spend extra time to make sure students are learning. Teachers should ensure that students feel good about their experience at their school, are learning and having a good time while doing so. As you evaluate or visit schools, be sure to spend time discussing student-faculty relations to be certain instructors can foster the type growth your child needs.
Good Character
As noted, teachers will spend a lot of time with students. Part of your research should include gathering information on how boarding high schools vet the instructors they hire. Instructors should not only be intelligent, thoughtful and kind, but honest and have solid moral character. Any boarding school you consider should have a rigorous process for evaluating new instructors including thorough background checks and in-person evaluations by staff. Your students need instructors they can trust, and you do too.