Nine Principles of Effective Teachers...

In Gail E. Tompkins Literacy of the 21st Century: A Balanced Approach, chapter one introduces its readers to the Nine Principles of Balanced Literacy Instruction. Hopkins explains the importance of having effective teachers because “they are the key to ensuring that students learn to read and write successfully” (Tompkins, 2017). This is an imperative statement because if teachers are not well prepared and informed about the curriculum they are teaching, students under their instruction will not be exposed nor informed with the necessary literacy tools to succeed. Effectively shaping the learning experiences of students is an important role that educators must adhere to if they want students to flourish.

In previous generations, teachers may have taught meticulously without carefully reviewing the curriculum, but “today, teachers are held responsible and accountable for their effectiveness” (Tompkins, 2017). Since students can achieve full literacy potential, the education system wants to make sure teachers are thoroughly prepared to teach their students. The “National Board of Professional Teaching Standards developed a system of teaching standards in 2002” (Tompkins, 2017), that introduced the Nine Principles of Balanced Literacy Instructionteachers could follow to impact student achievement and learning.

The principles are divided into nine topic points that teachers can quickly implement into their classroom curriculum or management. These principles are guidelines to follow. Principles one, six, and eight allow teachers to know their students’ way of learning and help build a curriculum that fits their learning style, academic achievement, and ability. Principles seven and nine, help teachers check for understanding and learn to assess their students appropriately. Principle two and five address standards and the reading, writing, and speaking of students’ phonics. Principle three helps build communities with students, and lastly, principle four is about “adopting a balanced approach to instruction via technology” (Tompkins, 2017).

Although these principles may be ideal for bringing into the classroom, it brings out the question of whether educators may or may not view these ideologies as helpful due to possibly causing some stress. Stress levels are tested when people know and want something to be perfect; especially when others are depending on them for it. That is why it is crucial to prepare educators, especially soon to be teachers. By teaching and refreshing tenured teachers to connect and think with the productive teacher mindset, these nine principles will intertwine in their everyday teaching mentality. Tompkins mentions how “teachers are blending digital technology with traditional literacy practices. K-8 students are using digital technology in a myriad of ways” (Tompkins, 2017). Consequently, if teachers are already leaning into the technology of the twenty-first century, they can also learn to adapt and learn the principles. By learning about both, they bring both into the classrooms.

It is also essential to start from the beginning and give educators much practice and teaching on how they can bring these principles into their classroom. Stress will happen if teachers are getting penalized or targeted for not being fully effective teachers; especially when working in districts that depend on state testing for additional funding. By continuously checking in on teachers, checking their progress, getting them involved, and teaching them the right tools, they can learn to be the best effective teachers’ students need today.

As teachers become more responsible for the academic success of their students, these Nine Principles of Balanced Literacy Instructionbecome tools for educators to keep themselves in check and make sure they “demonstrate their responsibility and commitment to ensuring that their students are successful when they adopt these nine principles” (Tompkins, 2017). Any teacher who loves their profession would be open to learning and adapting these principles, but they shall need to learn how to be what students need and deserve when they attend school.

Tompkins, G.E. (2017). Literacy for the 21st Century: A Balanced Approach 7th Ed. 

New York: Pearson.

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