Doug Lemov Says Good Teachers Can Be Taught

When it comes to understanding what makes a great teacher, among the big questions is, can you teach teaching? All of us who remember the few great teachers from our past might be forgiven for thinking that those exceptional instructors were blessed with an innate ability.

But Doug Lemov says teaching is a skill that can be taught.

“Let’s not deny that some people have natural talent and intuition and can get by on it,” Lemov said. “But there’s no doubt in my mind that it’s a learnable profession that can be acquired through practice. And to me, that’s really exciting because it means that anyone can be a great teacher if they’re willing to put in the work.”

Lemov founded Uncommon Schools, a network of charter schools, which includes Roxbury Preparatory School in Boston. He is also a former teacher and an author. He spent years studying some of the most successful teachers across the country, and put his findings into a book called  "Teach Like A Champion: 49 Techniques That Put Students On The Path To College."

Guest:

Check out some of Doug Lemov's examples of great teachers working in the classroom here.