Which attribute is explicitly listed as part of being an outstanding teacher?

• A. Building positive rapport with students.
• B. Setting high expectations and goals.
• C. Willingness to obtain new research and information to improve practice.
• D. Preference for solitary work with minimal professional development.

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is that outstanding teachers actively pursue new research and information to improve their practice. This demonstrates a growth mindset: they seek evidence, stay current with developments in the field, and use what they learn to raise student outcomes. In real classrooms, this means reading relevant research, engaging in professional development, collaborating with colleagues, and using data to refine strategies and tailor instruction to diverse learners. These ongoing learning efforts directly influence how effectively a teacher supports student learning over time.

While building positive rapport with students and setting high expectations are valuable and contribute to strong teaching, the explicit emphasis here is on continual improvement through updated knowledge. Conversely, a preference for solitary work with minimal professional development runs counter to being an outstanding teacher, since it signals a reluctance to grow and adapt.