"It Factor"

Believe it or not, the “It Factor” applies to teachers, even if you never hear it from the lips of Simon Crowell of American Idol fame (he says it a lot). While it is difficult to strictly define each criterion of “It”, there’s no doubting that we all recognize the person with “It” on sight. We want to listen to, follow, and perhaps even emulate that individual. Your favorite secondary teachers had “It”. That meant there were few if any real discipline problems in class, you looked forward to being in that class, and that teacher had a “rep”. If you didn’t get in to that teacher’s course you lost a little of your own student “It Factor”.

So, do you have “It”? If you think so, that’s half the battle because confidence is truly the foundation of this characteristic. Today’s students are extremely demanding, opinionated, and outspoken on their likes and dislikes. While they may have forgotten that they are still children, you shouldn’t, so don’t take them personally, just take them seriously. They are your audience, and you must know them if you are going to be successful (with both instruction and management). You must know them if you are going to enjoy your career. Have you ever seen anyone with “It” having a bad time? I didn’t think so.

In previous blog posts we have talked about being able to modify only one person’s behavior, our own. It is our own behavior that prompts the behavior of others. If you need to work on your “It”, you cannot just emulate someone else who has “It”. You simply need to get to the same place, but in your own way, and when you get there your “It” needs to look like you and no one else. This is why becoming that “It factor” person is elusive and difficult to attain. You can do it.

The focus of getting to your “It” is all about communication. Recall that when you have been drawn in by or attracted to someone (such as that favorite teacher) it has been all about strong personal connection. Do what you have to to make such connections and positive impressions. Develop your ability in engaging your students and maintaining that engagement. This will take much personal reflection, but it will be well worth it. Get noticed and be that teacher who is remembered—for all of the right reasons.

On a final note, here is what I see in the “It Factor” teachers I have interviewed and also admired over the years and it is reminiscent of George Balanchine, the choreographer who made this statement about “It” in dancers, he said, "I don't want people who want to dance. I want people who have to dance."

Personally, I don’t want people who want to teach. I want people who have to teach.