Full course description
What Makes a Great Teacher?
Discovering the Foundations of Teaching, Learning, Public Speaking, and Coaching
Are you planning on becoming a teacher? Are you interested in exploring what it takes to be an outstanding educator? Have you ever wondered what separates amazing teachers from boring ones? Discover the secrets behind effective teaching through fun, hands-on activities. You'll observe master teachers, practice mini-lessons with your peers, and develop your own teaching style.
Activities & Projects
- Teacher Detective Work: Analyze videos and observe great teachers in action
- Mini-Teaching Challenge: Teach something you're passionate about to your peers
- Lesson Plan Lab: Design a series of interactive lessons for a target age group
- Teaching Style Quiz: Discover your natural teaching personality
Real-World Connections
- Shadow experienced teachers in TC's lab schools
- Interview current TC education students about their journey
- Practice teaching younger kids in summer camp and summer school settings
Skills You'll Build
- Public speaking and presentation confidence
- Planning and organizational skills
- Leadership and communication
- Creative problem-solving
Dates: July 6 - 17, 2026
Times: 9:00am - 3:00pm Monday through Friday
Location: Teachers College and in nearby schools (TBA)
Price: $3,995 - Application fee waived until March 1, 2026, a $75 savings
For more information, questions or to register: Email tcacademy@tc.columbia.edu