Richard Hayward

Usually teachers know how to deal with classroom bullies. They’re also able to solve bullying incidents on the school grounds and sports fields. When teachers retreat to the staffroom for a soothing cup of tea, they may think they’re entering a "bully-free" zone, but they might be wrong.

‘Well begun is half done", is a familiar English proverb and it definitely applies to teachers at the start of the year. Quality teachers ensure that their learners are happy, yet disciplined. How do they do it? Here are nine suggestions:

The minister of education talks about it. So do district officials. Excellent schools discuss it at meetings. The topic: quality.

Teachers don’t like spending hours doing paperwork. Yet there’s one type of paperwork that, if done well, improves teaching results – the report card.

"It takes a whole village to raise a child," is a delightful African proverb. The family needs the support of others in the village to help raise a happy, healthy child.

Most people do not like change, but the tough reality about teaching is that it is always changing.

Creating a school of educational excellence is tough. Yet by using certain tools and techniques, it can be done.

The Beijing Olympics are in August. In the gymnastic events the athletes will be aiming for "perfect scores" – full marks from every judge. In a school situation it’s slightly tougher to get a perfect score for communication from all the stakeholders.

What is the best leadership style for the classroom and the school? The consensus is that there is no single one that will be right all the time. Yet similar leadership styles are found in virtually all quality-driven schools.

Being a teacher in certain schools is an unforgettable experience…for the wrong reasons.

The year was 1969, my first year of teaching. The last day of the school year at Doornfontein Primary had arrived. Everyone in my standard two (grade four) class was excited. At 12pm the bell would ring shrilly to announce the start of the December holidays.