There is an oversimplified generalization, often widespread in Westernized countries, which devalues ​​the work of teachers. The phrase goes along the lines of “Those who can, do it.” Those who cannot, teach. While the arguments against this statement could fill pages, the reality is that teaching is by far one of the most demanding yet rewarding professions in the world. Teaching can be a job that requires a college degree and some on-the-job training; however, effective teaching is an ongoing process of thoughts, questions, and decisions. This essay will take an in-depth look at the cyclical process of effective teachers' thoughts, questions, and decisions. Effective teachers will both reflect on their own knowledge and critically evaluate their work; they question themselves and their students in ways that dig beneath the surface, and effective teachers make decisions large and small throughout their day and as part of their planning. An effective teacher is a professional who integrates thoughts, questions and decisions, knowing that these are linked and part of the very essence of the teaching profession (Eggen and Kauchak, 2010).ReflectionsThe ability of a teacher to reflect and evaluate one's own performance in the classroom is part of being a professional and effective teacher. Professional teachers are committed to lifelong learning and view teaching as a calling rather than a job (Kramer cited in Eggen & Kauchak, 2010; Whitton, Barker, Nosworthy, Sinclair, & Nanlohy , 2010). Continuous study, reading, and research help teachers stay abreast of current developments in the areas of teaching and learning (Whitton, et al., 2010). The habit of reflecting regularly will help teachers determine when they will continue to work...... middle of paper ......room management: a thoughtful and caring approach. Toronto, Ontario: reservation; Edmonton, Alberta; PerceptionsEggen, P. & D. Kauchak (2010). Educational psychology: Windows on the classrooms. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc. Fetherston, T. (2007). Become an effective teacher. South Melbourne: Cengage Learning. Marsh, C.J. (2010). Becoming a teacher: knowledge, skills and issues Available at http://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781442537385Minott, Mark A. (2010) “Reflective teaching as self-directed professional development: building practical or work-related knowledge », Professional Development in Education, 36: 1, 325 — 338 Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19415250903457547 Whitton, D., Barker, K., Nosworthy, Sinclair, C., Nanlohy, P. ( 2010). Learning to teach: Teaching to learn. South Melbourne: Cengage Learning.