Being an innovative educator takes extra to plan truly innovative and engaging lessons. I have taught at Roosevelt Middle School for five years and have not had to write a referral in the last four years. In know it is because I have followed the steps of this presentation on a daily basis.

You have to display passion for your content.

On the day you do not have content passion for that particular lesson, you need to bring professional passion that comes from being an educator.

Introduce your personal passion to your students and let them do the same.

I get the opportunity to visit a lot of schools. I always peak in rooms and see lifeguards and swimmers.

A lifeguard is someone who is stationary (usually at a desk) and a swimmer is someone constantly moving around the classroom.

Do more than just know your students' names. Know birthdays, pets, likes and dislikes. Let them know things about you.

Developing a good rapport reduces behavior issues in the classroom.

I have had the opportunity to meet and talk to teachers from about 90 countries. These are the most innovative teachers from around the world.

There are many differences in the education systems of countries around the world. A similarity that all of these teachers have is the desire to learn and get better.