We know its not ideal, but the Staffroom is best explored on a desktop :)
We know its not ideal, but the Staffroom is best explored on a desktop :)
We know its not ideal, but the Staffroom is best explored on a desktop :)
We know its not ideal, but the Staffroom is best explored on a desktop :)
Settlers
The 'Settlers' are externally motivated teachers who stick to the teaching profession for the benefits they receive. They find teaching to
be too much of a responsibility.
They add some activities to rote methods of teaching to comply with training recommendations. Their main goal is to complete session plans as per schedule. They are not very effective as teachers.
On the surface, they present themselves as individuals who became teachers as they love being around children. In reality, they keep an emotional distance from students, focusing on managing them in a regimental way.
Settlers approach teaching with a fixed mindset, prioritising stability over growth. Reflection and learning feel peripheral, and change is often seen as a disruption to their established routine.
They are detached as teachers and will not engage with barriers or adversities to teaching. They are strict about not letting their teaching work spill into their time outside the classroom.
Defines their Purpose as
Limited to Self
Anchored to Student
Anchored to Society/Nation
Motivation to Teach
Amotivation
External
Introjected
Identified
Intrinsic
“Teaching is a means to earn money. I need to do the bare minimum required of me to keep this job.”
Teaching Ecosystem
Lacking
Inadequate
Adequate
Excellent
Measure for Successful Class
Managing learners & completing session
Preparing properly for class
Students exhibit understanding
Students apply understanding
Educational Background
No B.Ed
B.Ed
B.Ed + other subjects
M.Ed
Learning Psychology
Has exposure
Does not have exposure
Subject matter Knowledge
Functional
Fluent
Expert
Teaching Style
Rote Learning
Constructivist Learning
Explicit Learning
Teaching plan Flexibility
Does not make
Situation led improvisation
Student centric improvisation
Creates flexible plan to accomodate all situations
Rapport with Students
Keeps Emotional Distance
Wants to be Friendly
Friendly but finds it diffcult to set boundaries
Friendly and can set boundaries
Assess students based on
Marks
Both
Knowledge
Disciplining Strategy
Negative
Positive
Ability to Personalise
No
Yes
Teaching focus
Only Academic
Academic + Learner enablement
Reflective Mindset
Deflective
Technical Reflection
Practical Reflection
Critical Reflection
Narrative around Ineffectiveness
Defensive
Detached
Reflective
Pandemic Effectiveness
Low
Medium
High
Ability to Teach amid Adversity
Does not care
Responds but unsuccessfully
Responds Successfully
Learning Mindset
Doesn't identify as a learner
Identifies as a Learner (Self)
Talks about learning from Students (Self + Students)
Sense of Success
Anchored to Learning Delivery
Anchored to Learning Transfer
What are the Barriers for this teacher?
Preference for Stability Over Responsibility
Reliance on Routine over Adaptation
Emotional Distance limiting Classroom Climate
Change introduced as Small Add-ons
This matters because large shifts feel disruptive. Present new practices as simple “plug-ins” to their existing routine (e.g., a short end-of-day check-in with students, or posting a quick weekly update for parents). These changes allow them to respond to classroom needs without unsettling their sense of stability.
Frame Care as Efficiency
This is critical because they value keeping order. Show them that small acts of care — like checking if all students followed instructions — reduce disruptions and save time in the long run. Position connection as a tool for smoother control, not extra work.
Connect Responsibility to Rewards
This works because Settlers respond to external motivators. Show them how going slightly beyond the basics (like helping students succeed in small visible ways) leads to recognition, smoother classroom management, or even better appraisals — making responsibility feel worthwhile.
What could make this teacher more effective?