Five characteristics of an effective 21st-century educator

Just in time for the start of the new school year, eSchoolNews has a list, generated by their readers, of the five most important characteristic for 21st Century educators: http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/09/09/five-characteristics-of-an-effective-21st-century-educator/

1. Anticipates the future.
2. Is a lifelong learner.
3. Fosters relationships.
4. Can teach and assess all levels of learners.
5. Is able to discern effective vs. non-effective technology.

It's good that there are no software-specific goals here: laundry lists of "Knows PowerPoint"- or "Knows Twitter"-type of goals are extremely short sighted.

Perhaps it's related to #2, but I would add something about the ability to find, assess, and use information. As the role of the classroom teacher includes more and more individualized instruction, and as the world's knowledge-base continues to grow at a rapid pace, this will become more important. One of our teachers recently described guiding a student through an independent study, and how the student was finding and referencing the latest research and publications in the subject area. Much of this information did not exist when the teacher was completing his PhD, so this was really a new area for both the student and the teacher.

Dean of Faculty Kevin Mattingly places emphasis on making Lawrenceville a place where teachers can learn. This may be the most important characteristic for a 21st Century educator.