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<i>Dr. Marvin Thompson, (EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies) is the Chief Academic Officer for Future Is Now Schools. In his previous post as superintendent of the Roanoke City Public Schools, he increased the number of accredited schools by 25 percent, closed the No Child LeftBehind (NCLB) achievement gap and increased the number of students scoring "Passed Advanced" on the Virginia assessment tests. He has recently started at John McDonongh High School in New Orleans, where 70% of the students don't graduate. <br><br> We asked Dr. Thompson (or Dr. T, as he's better known) to give us the often overlooked signs of a great teacher: <br><br></i> <b>1. When the students in the classroom are doing <i>more</i> talking than the teacher.</b><br> In today's classroom, learning should be inquiry based, not teacher directed. A good teacher sets the stage for students to investigate, inquire and create an engaging learning environment. A meaningful, class-wide discussion is a positive sign. <br><br> <b>2. When a teacher shares ideas with other teachers.</b> <br>The sharing of ideas actually helps the teacher hone their skills and incorporate best practices from other teachers. Just as doctors consult one another on patients, teachers should engage in the same type of dialogue with one another. <br><br> <b>3. When a teacher knows more than just the curriculum, but the intent of the curriculum.</b> <br>Learning is not just about what the subject matter is, but what the students are meant to master through the learning process. It is not enough to teach students how to multiply and divide, but to ensure they also understand the skills <i>behind </i>the lesson. If a student can't relate what they are doing to real-world activities, it often limits the relevance of the lesson, which in turn diminishes engagement and interest. <br><br> <b>4. When a teacher recognizes and rewards student effort, even for the small stuff.</b><br> If students are doing something positive—and every child is capable of something positive—recognize them for their effort. Sometimes all a student needs is a little encouragement. A great teacher focuses on what their students <i>are</i> doing, even if that means they are just showing up to class, because you never know what learning fears they have. You never know what challenges they are facing outside the classroom. A great teacher shows their students that they matter. Sometimes, it's as simple as that. <br><br> <i>Dr. Thompson's efforts to transform John McDonogh High School can be seen on the new OWN docu-series </i>Blackboard Wars,</i><i> premiering Saturday February 16th at 9/8c on OWN. Watch a sneak peek <a href="http://www.oprah.com/own-blackboard-wars/Sneak-Peek-Watch-the-First-5-Minutes-of-Blackboard-Wars-Video"><b>here.</b></i>

<i>Blackboard Wars</i> centers on a high school tarnished by failing academic performance and stigmatized by a culture of violence. Granted unprecedented access, cameras go behind the scenes to follow education maverick Steve Barr and no-nonsense principal Dr. Marvin Thompson as they embark together on an unpredictable mission to reinvent and revive the struggling school. <br><br> In January 2012, the New Orleans state-run Recovery School District announced the selection of charter organization Future is Now (FIN) Schools: New Orleans to operate a Type 5 Charter of John McDonogh High School starting with the 2012-13 school year. FIN CEO Steve Barr, who had previously overseen the transition of Locke High School in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, hired a new staff led by principal Dr. Marvin Thompson. Together, the new John McDonogh staff lay out clear expectations for student behavior and daily attendance while working to create a safe environment for students as they foster school pride and unity. <br><br> Throughout the series, viewers will witness the daily challenges the staff face as their students struggle with a range of emotionally demanding obstacles including homelessness, violence, drug use, and teenage pregnancy. Tensions mount as teachers struggle to earn the trust of the students amidst intense scrutiny from the community. The staff must pull together as they strive to establish the new vision for the high school and provide a better future for their students. <br><br> Tune in for the series premiere of <i>Blackboard Wars,</i> Saturday, March 2nd at 9/8c, only on OWN. <br><br> Watch a First Look <b><a href="http://www.oprah.com/own/First-Look-Blackboard-Wars-Sizzle-Video">now.</b></a>

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