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Thursday, March 16, 2006
 

What makes a great teacher?

Mike Cervantes leads a field trip
By: Cliff Jette
Metro High social studies teacher Mike Cervantes asks manager Cassy Sickles a question at C.R. Cars in Cedar Rapids during an economics class field trip. Every year, Cervantes brings his class to several car dealerships to ask salespeople question about the process of buying a car.

SCHOOL TESTING: A Gazette special report

So what makes a great teacher? Consider the qualities that are hard to teach and measure -- caring for students, enthusiasm for the subject, understanding student needs -- what Cedar Rapids Superintendent Dave Markward calls the "art of teaching." Consider, too, what Markward calls the "science of teaching," -- knowledge of techniques, strategies and content. With No Child Left Behind putting increasing pressure on student achievement, many educators say the quality of the teacher is the most important factor in that achievement -- more than class size, more than funding, more than curriculum.More >>

In The Neighborhood

Each week during the summer, The Gazette profiles an Eastern Iowa neighborhood -- its residents, its character, its evolution and its future. This feature, titled "In The Neighborhood," has become one of The Gazette's most popular and anticipated elements. Join us Wednesdays throughout the summer for a new profile -- and if you're "in the neighborhood," stop by for the party we host each week!More >>

Iraq war

Iowa's involvement in the war in Iraq.More >>

Take The Gazette on vacation

Gazette readers traveled around the world this summer and they took their newspaper with them. Have a look!