Coach Wooden defined the important aspects of the coach as a teacher as follows:
"He must continually look for ways to improve himself in order to improve others and to welcome each person and anything that might be useful to him. As has been said, he must remember that "others have brains too." »
Related: How to set a good example
The coach then listed the criteria that he thought could be useful in defining an effective teacher:
1. Knowledge of your subject
It's what you learn once you know everything that matters.
The coach acquired his knowledge of basketball through his experience as a player and the wisdom of his coaches (Earl Warner, Glenn Curtiss and Piggy Lambert). As a college player, he interviewed opposing coaches to better understand their strategies. As a high school coach, he attended Frank Leahy's football practices at Notre Dame and learned time management. After each season, he sent out his research survey on a particular basketball topic to coaches who were exceptional in that area. At the end of his career, he attended all the coaching clinics he could, always with an open mind, eager to learn more. He constantly sought more knowledge.
2. General knowledge
Learn as if you will live forever, live as if you will die tomorrow.
Coach took several psychology courses because he thought it would help him become a better teacher. He was an avid reader on a variety of subjects. The many books he read about Mother Teresa and Abraham Lincoln helped him formulate his philosophy of life, which he shared with his students. The coach really had an intellectual balance.
3. Teaching skill
You get better ideas from listening and a patting method on the back than from a kick in the pants.
The coach firmly believed that a great teacher always learns from his students.
4. Professional attitude
Learn to disagree without being disagreeable.
There are likely to be conflicts in any work environment. Working through these situations with an open mind, calm and reason is the mark of a true professional.
5. Discipline
You cannot antagonize and exert a positive influence, and you will oppose when you discipline yourself through emotion.
Discipline is required in any learning environment. It is helpful to remember that the purpose of discipline is to teach, not to punish.
6. Classroom Organization (Floor)
There is no substitute for hard work and careful planning.
The coach spent two hours a day planning each two and a half hour training session.
7. School and Community Relations
The happiest times in life come from making someone else happy.
The coach was an enthusiastic volunteer in community and school activities. He saw it as his responsibility and really enjoyed helping others.
8. Teacher-student (coach-player) relationship
Our young people need examples more than criticism.
When we set a good example, instruct with reason (no criticism), and listen, we are likely to have a productive relationship.
9. Warm personality and genuine consideration for others
Care more about loving than being loved, giving than receiving, be a friend rather than having a friend.
10. Desire to improve
When success turns your head, you face failure.
Constant striving to improve even when others see us as a success is the hallmark of a truly great teacher.
Related: 8 key elements of a good working relationship
