success of others in our community. We do our best to help others in
whatever way we can.
5. Self-Reliance
Members of the Effortless English Club™ are independent learners. We
do not wait for teachers, schools or experts to tell us what to do. We don’t
wait for others to solve our problems. We take responsibility for our own
lives and our own problems. We are proactive learners.
6. Persistence
Success is impossible without persistence. When something is important
to us, we do not quit. Despite hardships, despite challenges, despite
temporary failures, we keep going. We continue to move forward until we
achieve our goals.
7. Positive Leadership
Every member of the Effortless English Club™ is a leader because each
of us can encourage and inspire others. In our community, we lead by
example. We don’t tell others what to do. Rather, we strive to be good role
models. We work hard to show the way. As leaders, we want to make others
stronger, more successful, and more confident.
It is my belief that all schools should operate with such a code, mission
and values. Many of the problems in education would be solved if teachers,
administrators, and students were guided by the above principles.
One of the great problems in schools is that teachers have failed to
recognize they must do more than lecture to and discipline their students.
Truly great teachers are more than just lecturers, they are leaders and
coaches who inspire their students to greatness.
Think of your favorite sports coach – someone who helped his or her
team achieve greatness. These people do not simply teach the skills of the
game. Great coaches lead and inspire. They are experts in practical
psychology. They know how to energize and motivate their players. They
make their teams stronger, more confident, and more successful.
This is why I typically call myself an English “coach” rather than a
teacher. The word “coach” reminds me to be more. It reminds me to focus
