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Teach With Your Strengths: How Great Teachers Inspire Their Students
Teachers and administrators in many schools across the country have been buying “Now Discover Your Strengths” —- which is directed mostly to business managers —- for professional development. Now, they will be able to buy a version of this national bestseller written specifically for teachers.
What do great teachers do differently? What separates the top teachers from all the rest?
As educators — and American society in general — continue to struggle with how to improve schools in the U.S., these questions become more pressing than ever before. At the heart of any education system — beyond principals, administrators and school boards — is the teacher. Their role is so essential that Gallup has, for decades, directed some of the leading thinkers in education and psychology to uncover what makes a teacher great.
Written by two educators with a combined 70 years of experience in both classroom teaching and consulting with leaders of America’s schools, Teach With Your Strengths reveals the essential truths Gallup’s research has uncovered. But it zeroes on these monumental While their styles and approaches may differ, all great teachers make the most of their natural talents. And, great teachers don’t strive to be well-rounded. They know that “fixing their weaknesses” doesn’t work — it only produces mediocrity. Worse, it diverts time and attention from what they naturally do well.
In Teach With Your Strengths , readers will hear from great teachers — what they do differently, how they handle problem students, how they battle intractable school bureaucracies, and how they break through and inspire even the most troubled young people. The book also shows that the best teachers take unorthodox approaches to education that are sure to stir controversy and attention — especially among other educators.
Teach With Your Strengths includes access to Gallup’s online CliftonStrengths assessment that reveals the reader’s top five strengths, and the book explains how they can put those strengths to work in the classroom.
As America’s educators read this groundbreaking book, they’ll discover their own innate talents as teachers. And they’ll learn how to liberate those talents to inspire the next generation of students.
What do great teachers do differently? What separates the top teachers from all the rest?
As educators — and American society in general — continue to struggle with how to improve schools in the U.S., these questions become more pressing than ever before. At the heart of any education system — beyond principals, administrators and school boards — is the teacher. Their role is so essential that Gallup has, for decades, directed some of the leading thinkers in education and psychology to uncover what makes a teacher great.
Written by two educators with a combined 70 years of experience in both classroom teaching and consulting with leaders of America’s schools, Teach With Your Strengths reveals the essential truths Gallup’s research has uncovered. But it zeroes on these monumental While their styles and approaches may differ, all great teachers make the most of their natural talents. And, great teachers don’t strive to be well-rounded. They know that “fixing their weaknesses” doesn’t work — it only produces mediocrity. Worse, it diverts time and attention from what they naturally do well.
In Teach With Your Strengths , readers will hear from great teachers — what they do differently, how they handle problem students, how they battle intractable school bureaucracies, and how they break through and inspire even the most troubled young people. The book also shows that the best teachers take unorthodox approaches to education that are sure to stir controversy and attention — especially among other educators.
Teach With Your Strengths includes access to Gallup’s online CliftonStrengths assessment that reveals the reader’s top five strengths, and the book explains how they can put those strengths to work in the classroom.
As America’s educators read this groundbreaking book, they’ll discover their own innate talents as teachers. And they’ll learn how to liberate those talents to inspire the next generation of students.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published August 5, 2005
47 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
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October 20, 2022Quick read, especially because I’ve looked at and done the whole Strengths Finder test thing before. Definitely makes me think more about something I’ve been realizing, that for me to truly excel I need to approach things from the way I naturally interact with the world, whether that’s teaching, generally interacting with kids, going for a walk, reading Charlotte Bronte, or writing a paper. I can’t change who I am, but I can become who I am more completely.
There’s probably a theological paper in that somewhere.… (my strengths are connectedness, ideation, and intellection, can you tell?)
There’s probably a theological paper in that somewhere.… (my strengths are connectedness, ideation, and intellection, can you tell?)
April 17, 2019
Fact. Teachers have a greater effect on students than anyone other than their parents! Fact. The best teachers are those that build relationships with his/her students! Fact. The teachers that use his/her strengths will be better teachers because they understand what they can and can’t do and seek help where needed! AND fact. Everyone benefits from knowing his/her top strengths as you can’t be the best at everything, but by using your “top five” you can be pretty amazing at a few things and surround yourself with people whose strengths you are lacking! Another powerful book based on the Clifton StrengthsFinder test! Perfect for all teachers to help them to embrace and empower themselves with talents and skills they possess!
July 2, 2023
I loved this book and found it so valuable as an educator to focus on utilizing my strengths in the classroom that are a part of my inner being rather than wasting time trying to organize around my weaknesses! I found that all of the arguments in this book being backed by many years of research from Clifton was also very comforting and compelling. I loved how this book argued that the best teachers are the ones who have to sometimes step over what they’ve been told to figure out have to reach their kiddos. I strongly encourage all teachers to read this book!
September 18, 2024
I don’t love that the assessment that comes with this book is single use. The book tries to justify that in the appendix by suggesting using a library copy. Not cool. I did find this book helpful and inspiring though and although the assessment ended up being spot on for me, I’m glad every single strength was listed in depth in the book because there were many others that resonated strongly with me as well. We’ll be doing a PD day on this book soon at work so I’m interested to see how my colleagues scored as well and to discuss the book more in depth.
December 8, 2013
This book really did change how I analyze my teaching, and eventually changed the way I analyze others around me. Teaching is a profession where positivity and supporting each other is so very important. I wish I had read this book when I first began teaching. I realize now I've spent a lot of emotion and time trying to fix my weaknesses when it truly would have been more effective to harness my strengths and face problems that way. I would recommend this book and it's accompanying survey to educators at any stage of their own journey.
May 1, 2024
Book: Teach With Your Strengths
Author: Rosanna Liesveld and Jo Ann Miller
Rating: 2 Out of 5 Stars
Teach with Your Strengths by Rosanne Liesveld and Jo Ann Miller aims to provide educators with a framework for leveraging their strengths to enhance teaching effectiveness. The book draws heavily from the StrengthsFinder assessment, a tool developed by Gallup to identify individuals' top strengths.
One of the strengths of the book is its focus on the positive aspects of teaching. By encouraging educators to identify and capitalize on their strengths, it promotes a more empowering approach to professional development. The authors emphasize the importance of self-awareness and self-reflection in improving teaching practice, which can be valuable for educators at any stage of their careers.
Teach with Your Strengths encourages educators to adopt a positive and strengths-based approach to teaching. Rather than dwelling on perceived weaknesses or areas for improvement, the book advocates for identifying and leveraging one's natural strengths in the classroom.
By focusing on what educators do well, the book suggests that they can enhance their effectiveness as teachers and create a more engaging and fulfilling learning environment for students. This approach promotes self-confidence and self-efficacy among educators, as they recognize their unique talents and contributions to the teaching profession.
The authors argue that when educators teach to their strengths, they are more likely to experience success and satisfaction in their work. This can lead to increased motivation, enthusiasm, and ultimately better outcomes for both teachers and students.
Overall, Teach with Your Strengths advocates for a shift away from a deficit-based mindset towards a more positive and empowering approach to teaching. By focusing on what educators excel at, rather than fixating on perceived shortcomings, the book encourages a more constructive and fulfilling professional development journey.
However, some readers may feel that the book leans too heavily on the StrengthsFinder assessment and associated products. While the assessment can certainly provide valuable insights, the book's frequent references to it may come across as overly promotional. Additionally, the emphasis on strengths-based teaching strategies may not resonate with all readers, particularly those who prefer a more balanced approach that also addresses areas for growth.
It's understandable how some educators might feel wary if a book seems overly focused on promoting a specific product or assessment. While tools like the StrengthsFinder assessment can provide valuable insights, the constant emphasis on purchasing associated products may come across as a sales pitch rather than genuine advice.
Educators are often bombarded with various products and services promising to improve their teaching practice, and it's essential for them to approach these offerings critically. They want resources that genuinely enhance their effectiveness in the classroom without feeling like they're being taken advantage of.
When a book leans too heavily on promoting a product or service, it can undermine the credibility of the content and leave educators feeling skeptical. It's essential for authors and publishers to strike a balance between offering valuable insights and providing recommendations for additional resources.
Ultimately, educators should feel empowered to make informed decisions about which tools and resources best align with their needs and goals. They should seek out materials that offer practical advice and strategies grounded in research and experience, rather than those that prioritize sales over substance.
Overall, Teach with Your Strengths offers some valuable ideas for educators looking to enhance their teaching practice. However, readers should approach it with a critical eye and be mindful of its potential bias towards promoting the StrengthsFinder assessment and associated products.
Author: Rosanna Liesveld and Jo Ann Miller
Rating: 2 Out of 5 Stars
Teach with Your Strengths by Rosanne Liesveld and Jo Ann Miller aims to provide educators with a framework for leveraging their strengths to enhance teaching effectiveness. The book draws heavily from the StrengthsFinder assessment, a tool developed by Gallup to identify individuals' top strengths.
One of the strengths of the book is its focus on the positive aspects of teaching. By encouraging educators to identify and capitalize on their strengths, it promotes a more empowering approach to professional development. The authors emphasize the importance of self-awareness and self-reflection in improving teaching practice, which can be valuable for educators at any stage of their careers.
Teach with Your Strengths encourages educators to adopt a positive and strengths-based approach to teaching. Rather than dwelling on perceived weaknesses or areas for improvement, the book advocates for identifying and leveraging one's natural strengths in the classroom.
By focusing on what educators do well, the book suggests that they can enhance their effectiveness as teachers and create a more engaging and fulfilling learning environment for students. This approach promotes self-confidence and self-efficacy among educators, as they recognize their unique talents and contributions to the teaching profession.
The authors argue that when educators teach to their strengths, they are more likely to experience success and satisfaction in their work. This can lead to increased motivation, enthusiasm, and ultimately better outcomes for both teachers and students.
Overall, Teach with Your Strengths advocates for a shift away from a deficit-based mindset towards a more positive and empowering approach to teaching. By focusing on what educators excel at, rather than fixating on perceived shortcomings, the book encourages a more constructive and fulfilling professional development journey.
However, some readers may feel that the book leans too heavily on the StrengthsFinder assessment and associated products. While the assessment can certainly provide valuable insights, the book's frequent references to it may come across as overly promotional. Additionally, the emphasis on strengths-based teaching strategies may not resonate with all readers, particularly those who prefer a more balanced approach that also addresses areas for growth.
It's understandable how some educators might feel wary if a book seems overly focused on promoting a specific product or assessment. While tools like the StrengthsFinder assessment can provide valuable insights, the constant emphasis on purchasing associated products may come across as a sales pitch rather than genuine advice.
Educators are often bombarded with various products and services promising to improve their teaching practice, and it's essential for them to approach these offerings critically. They want resources that genuinely enhance their effectiveness in the classroom without feeling like they're being taken advantage of.
When a book leans too heavily on promoting a product or service, it can undermine the credibility of the content and leave educators feeling skeptical. It's essential for authors and publishers to strike a balance between offering valuable insights and providing recommendations for additional resources.
Ultimately, educators should feel empowered to make informed decisions about which tools and resources best align with their needs and goals. They should seek out materials that offer practical advice and strategies grounded in research and experience, rather than those that prioritize sales over substance.
Overall, Teach with Your Strengths offers some valuable ideas for educators looking to enhance their teaching practice. However, readers should approach it with a critical eye and be mindful of its potential bias towards promoting the StrengthsFinder assessment and associated products.
July 14, 2011
This book is a valuable tool for learning what your top 5 strengths are. The main idea is to focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses. When you purchase the book, you gain access to a one-time-use code to complete the strengths-finder poll online. The poll asks you a series of questions that you only have 20 seconds to respond to your placement on a continuum. By setting a time limit, the creators make it impossible to over-think a response--thus ensuring that you go with your first instinct.
So what did I learn about me? I am the following:
Your Signature Themes
Many years of research conducted by The Gallup Organization suggest that the most effective people are those who understand their strengths and behaviors. These people are best able to develop strategies to meet and exceed the demands of their daily lives, their careers, and their families.A review of the knowledge and skills you have acquired can provide a basic sense of your abilities, but an awareness and understanding of your natural talents will provide true insight into the core reasons behind your consistent successes. Your Signature Themes report presents your five most dominant themes of talent, in the rank order revealed by your responses to StrengthsFinder. Of the 34 themes measured, these are your "top five."Your Signature Themes are very important in maximizing the talents that lead to your successes. By focusing on your Signature Themes, separately and in combination, you can identify your talents, build them into strengths, and enjoy personal and career success through consistent, near-perfect performance.
Input You are inquisitive. You collect things. You might collect information—words, facts, books, and quotations—or you might collect tangible objects such as butterflies, baseball cards, porcelain dolls, or sepia photographs. Whatever you collect, you collect it because it interests you. And yours is the kind of mind that finds so many things interesting. The world is exciting precisely because of its infinite variety and complexity. If you read a great deal, it is not necessarily to refine your theories but, rather, to add more information to your archives. If you like to travel, it is because each new location offers novel artifacts and facts. These can be acquired and then stored away. Why are they worth storing? At the time of storing it is often hard to say exactly when or why you might need them, but who knows when they might become useful? With all those possible uses in mind, you really don’t feel comfortable throwing anything away. So you keep acquiring and compiling and filing stuff away. It’s interesting. It keeps your mind fresh. And perhaps one day some of it will prove valuable.
Intellection You like to think. You like mental activity. You like exercising the “muscles” of your brain, stretching them in multiple directions. This need for mental activity may be focused; for example, you may be trying to solve a problem or develop an idea or understand another person’s feelings. The exact focus will depend on your other strengths. On the other hand, this mental activity may very well lack focus. The theme of Intellection does not dictate what you are thinking about; it simply describes that you like to think. You are the kind of person who enjoys your time alone because it is your time for musing and reflection. You are introspective. In a sense you are your own best companion, as you pose yourself questions and try out answers on yourself to see how they sound. This introspection may lead you to a slight sense of discontent as you compare what you are actually doing with all the thoughts and ideas that your mind conceives. Or this introspection may tend toward more pragmatic matters such as the events of the day or a conversation that you plan to have later. Wherever it leads you, this mental hum is one of the constants of your life.
Learner You love to learn. The subject matter that interests you most will be determined by your other themes and experiences, but whatever the subject, you will always be drawn to the process of learning. The process, more than the content or the result, is especially exciting for you. You are energized by the steady and deliberate journey from ignorance to competence. The thrill of the first few facts, the early efforts to recite or practice what you have learned, the growing confidence of a skill mastered—this is the process that entices you. Your excitement leads you to engage in adult learning experiences—yoga or piano lessons or graduate classes. It enables you to thrive in dynamic work environments where you are asked to take on short project assignments and are expected to learn a lot about the new subject matter in a short period of time and then move on to the next one. This Learner theme does not necessarily mean that you seek to become the subject matter expert, or that you are striving for the respect that accompanies a professional or academic credential. The outcome of the learning is less significant than the “getting there.”
Achiever Your Achiever theme helps explain your drive. Achiever describes a constant need for achievement. You feel as if every day starts at zero. By the end of the day you must achieve something tangible in order to feel good about yourself. And by “every day” you mean every single day—workdays, weekends, vacations. No matter how much you may feel you deserve a day of rest, if the day passes without some form of achievement, no matter how small, you will feel dissatisfied. You have an internal fire burning inside you. It pushes you to do more, to achieve more. After each accomplishment is reached, the fire dwindles for a moment, but very soon it rekindles itself, forcing you toward the next accomplishment. Your relentless need for achievement might not be logical. It might not even be focused. But it will always be with you. As an Achiever you must learn to live with this whisper of discontent. It does have its benefits. It brings you the energy you need to work long hours without burning out. It is the jolt you can always count on to get you started on new tasks, new challenges. It is the power supply that causes you to set the pace and define the levels of productivity for your work group. It is the theme that keeps you moving.
Positivity You are generous with praise, quick to smile, and always on the lookout for the positive in the situation. Some call you lighthearted. Others just wish that their glass were as full as yours seems to be. But either way, people want to be around you. Their world looks better around you because your enthusiasm is contagious. Lacking your energy and optimism, some find their world drab with repetition or, worse, heavy with pressure. You seem to find a way to lighten their spirit. You inject drama into every project. You celebrate every achievement. You find ways to make everything more exciting and more vital. Some cynics may reject your energy, but you are rarely dragged down. Your Positivity won’t allow it. Somehow you can’t quite escape your conviction that it is good to be alive, that work can be fun, and that no matter what the setbacks, one must never lose one’s sense of humor.
After learning about myself (there is much more detail in the actual book), I read through every strength to learn how others tick. It gives insight into how different each person is and how we all bring a variety of strengths to the table. I found it VERY interesting, that some strengths did not make sense in my brain at all. Perhaps these are areas in which I am a bit weak.
Overall, I highly recommend this book/survey for educators. When you know your strengths, you can utilize them better. Not to mention the fact that it gives you better self-awareness and self-confidence. I am seriously considering purchasing this for my teacher relatives. So teacher relatives, if you already have it, you might want to let me know so I don't waste money :).
So what did I learn about me? I am the following:
Your Signature Themes
Many years of research conducted by The Gallup Organization suggest that the most effective people are those who understand their strengths and behaviors. These people are best able to develop strategies to meet and exceed the demands of their daily lives, their careers, and their families.A review of the knowledge and skills you have acquired can provide a basic sense of your abilities, but an awareness and understanding of your natural talents will provide true insight into the core reasons behind your consistent successes. Your Signature Themes report presents your five most dominant themes of talent, in the rank order revealed by your responses to StrengthsFinder. Of the 34 themes measured, these are your "top five."Your Signature Themes are very important in maximizing the talents that lead to your successes. By focusing on your Signature Themes, separately and in combination, you can identify your talents, build them into strengths, and enjoy personal and career success through consistent, near-perfect performance.
Input You are inquisitive. You collect things. You might collect information—words, facts, books, and quotations—or you might collect tangible objects such as butterflies, baseball cards, porcelain dolls, or sepia photographs. Whatever you collect, you collect it because it interests you. And yours is the kind of mind that finds so many things interesting. The world is exciting precisely because of its infinite variety and complexity. If you read a great deal, it is not necessarily to refine your theories but, rather, to add more information to your archives. If you like to travel, it is because each new location offers novel artifacts and facts. These can be acquired and then stored away. Why are they worth storing? At the time of storing it is often hard to say exactly when or why you might need them, but who knows when they might become useful? With all those possible uses in mind, you really don’t feel comfortable throwing anything away. So you keep acquiring and compiling and filing stuff away. It’s interesting. It keeps your mind fresh. And perhaps one day some of it will prove valuable.
Intellection You like to think. You like mental activity. You like exercising the “muscles” of your brain, stretching them in multiple directions. This need for mental activity may be focused; for example, you may be trying to solve a problem or develop an idea or understand another person’s feelings. The exact focus will depend on your other strengths. On the other hand, this mental activity may very well lack focus. The theme of Intellection does not dictate what you are thinking about; it simply describes that you like to think. You are the kind of person who enjoys your time alone because it is your time for musing and reflection. You are introspective. In a sense you are your own best companion, as you pose yourself questions and try out answers on yourself to see how they sound. This introspection may lead you to a slight sense of discontent as you compare what you are actually doing with all the thoughts and ideas that your mind conceives. Or this introspection may tend toward more pragmatic matters such as the events of the day or a conversation that you plan to have later. Wherever it leads you, this mental hum is one of the constants of your life.
Learner You love to learn. The subject matter that interests you most will be determined by your other themes and experiences, but whatever the subject, you will always be drawn to the process of learning. The process, more than the content or the result, is especially exciting for you. You are energized by the steady and deliberate journey from ignorance to competence. The thrill of the first few facts, the early efforts to recite or practice what you have learned, the growing confidence of a skill mastered—this is the process that entices you. Your excitement leads you to engage in adult learning experiences—yoga or piano lessons or graduate classes. It enables you to thrive in dynamic work environments where you are asked to take on short project assignments and are expected to learn a lot about the new subject matter in a short period of time and then move on to the next one. This Learner theme does not necessarily mean that you seek to become the subject matter expert, or that you are striving for the respect that accompanies a professional or academic credential. The outcome of the learning is less significant than the “getting there.”
Achiever Your Achiever theme helps explain your drive. Achiever describes a constant need for achievement. You feel as if every day starts at zero. By the end of the day you must achieve something tangible in order to feel good about yourself. And by “every day” you mean every single day—workdays, weekends, vacations. No matter how much you may feel you deserve a day of rest, if the day passes without some form of achievement, no matter how small, you will feel dissatisfied. You have an internal fire burning inside you. It pushes you to do more, to achieve more. After each accomplishment is reached, the fire dwindles for a moment, but very soon it rekindles itself, forcing you toward the next accomplishment. Your relentless need for achievement might not be logical. It might not even be focused. But it will always be with you. As an Achiever you must learn to live with this whisper of discontent. It does have its benefits. It brings you the energy you need to work long hours without burning out. It is the jolt you can always count on to get you started on new tasks, new challenges. It is the power supply that causes you to set the pace and define the levels of productivity for your work group. It is the theme that keeps you moving.
Positivity You are generous with praise, quick to smile, and always on the lookout for the positive in the situation. Some call you lighthearted. Others just wish that their glass were as full as yours seems to be. But either way, people want to be around you. Their world looks better around you because your enthusiasm is contagious. Lacking your energy and optimism, some find their world drab with repetition or, worse, heavy with pressure. You seem to find a way to lighten their spirit. You inject drama into every project. You celebrate every achievement. You find ways to make everything more exciting and more vital. Some cynics may reject your energy, but you are rarely dragged down. Your Positivity won’t allow it. Somehow you can’t quite escape your conviction that it is good to be alive, that work can be fun, and that no matter what the setbacks, one must never lose one’s sense of humor.
After learning about myself (there is much more detail in the actual book), I read through every strength to learn how others tick. It gives insight into how different each person is and how we all bring a variety of strengths to the table. I found it VERY interesting, that some strengths did not make sense in my brain at all. Perhaps these are areas in which I am a bit weak.
Overall, I highly recommend this book/survey for educators. When you know your strengths, you can utilize them better. Not to mention the fact that it gives you better self-awareness and self-confidence. I am seriously considering purchasing this for my teacher relatives. So teacher relatives, if you already have it, you might want to let me know so I don't waste money :).
July 29, 2024
While reading this book, I was reminded of a video I once watched by Carol S. Dweck called "The Power of Yet." In this video, Dweck emphasizes the infinite possibilities of shifting one's mindset from a fixed, negative mindset to a growth, positive mindset. This linked well with Liesveld's book about finding strengths rooted in one's inherent talents.
Although Liesveld wrote many ideas and truths about teaching that are universally accepted by great and experienced teachers, the connection between your talents, knowledge, and skills and how they transform into your strengths woke me up to connections that I may have been missing.
This book helps you move the concept of your strengths from subconscious awareness to explicit conscious awareness. After completing the CliftonStrengths Finder quiz (a free code is included with your purchase), receiving my top 5 strengths, and reading more about these strengths in chapter 4, I was sufficiently amazed.
As I read through the descriptions of my strengths, I could see myself applying them daily. I also found myself smiling at the possible "dark spots"—which I have already identified or experienced concerning my strengths. I was even surprised by one of my strengths. I always thought that it was a weakness, not a strength. It just goes to show you how changing your perspective or mindset can alter how well you utilize your innate talents. We quickly focus on our weaknesses and try to improve them. As Liesveld states in this book, it would be much more rewarding and efficient to shift our focus to our strengths.
I thought several times that it would be great to do this strength finder quiz with students. It would serve as a very helpful tool to help them determine their purpose in life, which ultimately helps them choose a career that would satisfy them more than what society thinks they should do.
I found a lot of value in this book and in exploring my strengths, and I highly suggest that you invest in exploring your strengths as well.
Although Liesveld wrote many ideas and truths about teaching that are universally accepted by great and experienced teachers, the connection between your talents, knowledge, and skills and how they transform into your strengths woke me up to connections that I may have been missing.
This book helps you move the concept of your strengths from subconscious awareness to explicit conscious awareness. After completing the CliftonStrengths Finder quiz (a free code is included with your purchase), receiving my top 5 strengths, and reading more about these strengths in chapter 4, I was sufficiently amazed.
As I read through the descriptions of my strengths, I could see myself applying them daily. I also found myself smiling at the possible "dark spots"—which I have already identified or experienced concerning my strengths. I was even surprised by one of my strengths. I always thought that it was a weakness, not a strength. It just goes to show you how changing your perspective or mindset can alter how well you utilize your innate talents. We quickly focus on our weaknesses and try to improve them. As Liesveld states in this book, it would be much more rewarding and efficient to shift our focus to our strengths.
I thought several times that it would be great to do this strength finder quiz with students. It would serve as a very helpful tool to help them determine their purpose in life, which ultimately helps them choose a career that would satisfy them more than what society thinks they should do.
I found a lot of value in this book and in exploring my strengths, and I highly suggest that you invest in exploring your strengths as well.
November 7, 2017
My top 5 themes are deliberative, intellection, input, strategic and learner.
Deliberative personalities anticipate obstacles and take serious care in making decisions or choices. Intellection people are introspective and engage in intellectual activity like reading, writing and spending time thinking. Input people are talented in craving to know more and like to collect and archive all kinds of information and 'things'. Strategic find alternative ways to proceed and can quickly spot relevant patterns and issues. Learners have a great desire to want to learn and improve, they like the process of learning rather than the outcome.
All of my results combined really point out what an introvert I am deep down. Many of the things suggested said that I should make time every day to think things through and to reflect. Also, find a place to write (like my blog) my reflections and thoughts about things because that is where my strengths are. I think I get very overwhelmed when I don't have time to mentally process my day or when I don't have down time after a busy weekend.
How all of this will impact my teaching is still undetermined as I am still thinking about and processing how it will make a difference, but I am happy to follow the suggestions in the book and focus on strengthening my talents instead of focusing on my weaknesses.
I would definitely recommend this book and the quiz to my teacher friends if you are curious about what you are most talented at and you are interested in strengthening your best traits.
Deliberative personalities anticipate obstacles and take serious care in making decisions or choices. Intellection people are introspective and engage in intellectual activity like reading, writing and spending time thinking. Input people are talented in craving to know more and like to collect and archive all kinds of information and 'things'. Strategic find alternative ways to proceed and can quickly spot relevant patterns and issues. Learners have a great desire to want to learn and improve, they like the process of learning rather than the outcome.
All of my results combined really point out what an introvert I am deep down. Many of the things suggested said that I should make time every day to think things through and to reflect. Also, find a place to write (like my blog) my reflections and thoughts about things because that is where my strengths are. I think I get very overwhelmed when I don't have time to mentally process my day or when I don't have down time after a busy weekend.
How all of this will impact my teaching is still undetermined as I am still thinking about and processing how it will make a difference, but I am happy to follow the suggestions in the book and focus on strengthening my talents instead of focusing on my weaknesses.
I would definitely recommend this book and the quiz to my teacher friends if you are curious about what you are most talented at and you are interested in strengthening your best traits.
June 7, 2017
This book has an interesting central thesis: stop wasting your time trying to "fix" your weaknesses. Focus on mastery of your strengths. Surround yourselves with others to help you see your blindspots.
While the book itself was interesting, it felt very gimmicky. The book is supposed to be read in connection with taking a test. Apparently, if the book is new, you get a code to take the test. However, I bought the book used, so I was not able to take the test. The test has different levels that you can pau for to get more results. The first half of the book explain the "Teach With Your Strengths" idea but the second half is just interpretation of the test results.
While the book itself was interesting, it felt very gimmicky. The book is supposed to be read in connection with taking a test. Apparently, if the book is new, you get a code to take the test. However, I bought the book used, so I was not able to take the test. The test has different levels that you can pau for to get more results. The first half of the book explain the "Teach With Your Strengths" idea but the second half is just interpretation of the test results.
October 16, 2019
“Learning to use your talents is a journey of a thousand steps.”
“Find strengths in numbers. You’ll be able to maximize your talents-and your strengths. Will reach the highest level of effectiveness- in an environment that finds and celebrates the talents of everyone.”
“Avoid the trap. Develop what you naturally do best. Success is always about what you’ve got, never about what you are not.”
“The more you think about your talents, the more you’ll notice how they contribute to your strengths. And the more you notice this connection, the more aware you’ll be of your potential for even more strengths as a teacher.”
“Find strengths in numbers. You’ll be able to maximize your talents-and your strengths. Will reach the highest level of effectiveness- in an environment that finds and celebrates the talents of everyone.”
“Avoid the trap. Develop what you naturally do best. Success is always about what you’ve got, never about what you are not.”
“The more you think about your talents, the more you’ll notice how they contribute to your strengths. And the more you notice this connection, the more aware you’ll be of your potential for even more strengths as a teacher.”
September 8, 2017
I've learned some ideas and insights into being an excellent educator. I thought it was particularly interesting when it discussed the difference between skills and talents. However, reading all the talents one after another became a chore after so many pages. The organization of the book is not without flaw. I also think it is curious to discourage working on weaknesses. If I understand it correctly the authors call for a rational balanced approach. However, to what end do they advocate for ?
May 22, 2021
I'm very sure the field of psychology has disproven many of the theories of this book. Growth Mindset teaches us that anyone can be good at anything if they learn to develop a growth mindset. On the other hand, this more dated book started that you should focus on what you're good at and not bother with the things that you are not. Additionally, trying and learning about new things prevents dementia. Finally, I don't think the 5 "strengths" that appeared in my results truly reflect me. Therefore, I didn't care much for this book.
June 25, 2018
I did not want to like this book. This book was assigned as summer homework from my school admins. But I ended up enjoying this book. It showed me that people need to focus on their strengths to be the best they can be. I also enjoyed the points made about successful teachers and working with others with their strengths. I look forward to implementing the ideas I gained from this book next school year.
August 8, 2023
This book was chosen by a fellow co-worker for a professional development book club. I no longer teach but this book still has amazing ideas for my new role with student support, as well as, my role as a mom. I had never completed the Clifton Survey but it was a bit scary how accurate my results were. If you're wanting to focus more on your strengths and growing in what you're good at, this book is definitely for you.
November 16, 2024
Overall, I thought this was a fascinating little book. I’m a sucker for a strengths and personality test because I love to see the different ways people tick. Without having taken the test yet, reading through all the different strengths helped me gain a new perspective. Some strengths definitely stuck out to me, and I loved that there were specific action points related to using the strengths in the classroom!
September 13, 2025
Interesting premise, but since I got this from the library, I wasn’t able to complete the assessment that goes with it. I tried reading through the strengths anyways, but none of them really jumped out and seeming really core to my personality or teaching. I’m sure it’s more valuable if you take the assessment, but I’m kind of turned off by the idea that you have to pay for the test in order to get the most out of the book - especially a book aimed at helping educators.
November 28, 2017
I love that my school is embracing using the individual strengths of each teacher. (I learned that my number one strength is positivity, and I was not surprised by that.) The idea of focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses makes so much sense, and I am excited to continue using my strengths to have a greater impact on my students.
November 16, 2018
This book came to me through work years ago and I've come to really enjoy going back to it based on my online strength finders score. I was lucky enough to be mentored with a coach at a previous school where we all were required to use strengths finder and relate and work with each other based on our strengths. Love it.
August 2, 2018
We used this book as a team building book for our faculty inservice this year. It’s interesting to see how we are the same as teachers and how we are different and how these strengths help us work as a team.
July 23, 2017
This is a great book for new and seasoned teachers. It refreshes your attitude about yourself and gets you ready to face your class with an enlightened attitude. Worth your time. Quick read.
December 23, 2018
Good companion to strength finders for educators...lots of specific ways to use our strengths in our work and how to partner with others for the areas in which we aren't strong....
March 28, 2019
The background of the TCAP and TVAAS was interesting
The strengths section, where deliberative actions can drive harmony and accepting responsibility benefits all was by far my favorite
The strengths section, where deliberative actions can drive harmony and accepting responsibility benefits all was by far my favorite
August 1, 2019
This book was fun to go through, take the test, and read about the results. It was pretty accurate and interesting to read into. The book does not really give tips or strategies.
January 22, 2021
Insightful, relatable, helpful no matter what you want to do though it does focus on teaching
September 20, 2021
Trumped-up excuse for buying strengths finder test and little else.
January 5, 2023
After taking the Strengths Finder questionnaire in college, I really enjoyed using this book to connect my personal strengths to my career in teaching.
July 14, 2011
This book is on my required reading list for fall classes. I can see the appeal of such a book. Take a quiz and learn more about your personal self, a.k.a your strengths as a teacher. The book is backed by the Gallup Corporation which includes: Gallup Press, Gallup University, and Gallup Organization. Knowing all this I felt like the book was only a gimmick to get enthusiastic pre-teachers to purchase the book then buy more things (through Gallup) to actually do something with the information in the book. I'm disappointed this is a required text. It told me nothing other than fluff. I'm curious to see how a professor will incorporate this text within their course. (A positive thought, right?)
P.S. There are about 50 million personality tests a person can take. This is probably the 5th I have taken throughout my adult professional life. I do not recommend a single one. The best way to learn about yourself is to pay some d*** attention. (Said with a loving smile.)
P.S. There are about 50 million personality tests a person can take. This is probably the 5th I have taken throughout my adult professional life. I do not recommend a single one. The best way to learn about yourself is to pay some d*** attention. (Said with a loving smile.)
July 2, 2016
This book was strangely one of the easiest I've read. The book describes how the idea of focusing on improving your strengths rather than your weaknesses can have a big effect on your teaching. It also describes how certain philosophies in teaching are incorrect while they seem right. The book is based on (apparently) a bunch of statistical research by Gallup, and resulted in an online test a person can take to find out what their strengths are that they should be focusing on. It seems like it is a sort of personality test. Sounds good, but haven't taken it yet. The book then briefly describes how each of the strengths relate to teaching, and gives a few tips for how to work on developing your strengths. Overall, I think it has some simple and good ideas to think about, and I look forward to seeing if I can take the test.
July 30, 2014
Taking the Strengths Finder quiz was a big part of enjoying this book, and selfishly, I wanted more pages written about my particular strengths. It leaves me wanting to know more. How do my strengths best work with other teammates' strengths? How do I find out students' strengths? How do I deepen my understanding of what I do well? Some of the extension activity suggestions seem reasonable and worth trying (a lessons learned journal to routinize reflection) while others are vague or random (be your school's historian! Take a grad class!). It gave me much to think about and that's what I'm looking for in this kind of book as I prepare for Year 15 in the classroom. As an ELA teacher, the typo on page 30 seems unforgivable though.
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