What Makes Great Teachers
Teachers who are warm, creative, supportive, well prepared, and engaging tend to forge the strongest connections with their students.
Adults, even if they have long since left their school days behind, can probably still fondly recall a beloved teacher. Exceptional teachers possess a remarkable ability to etch themselves into the hearts and minds of their students for years to come. Whether it’s the memory of Miss Sarah, the preschool teacher who captivated us with her puppet shows on emotional expression, or Mr. Christopher, the kind-hearted kindergarten teacher who made marine ecosystems come alive with his captivating fishing tales, most of us can readily summon cherished recollections of those special early childhood or elementary school instructors.
When we graduate from high school, we carry with us the influence of numerous teachers. If we pursue further education in college or technical schools, we encounter many more instructors. What distinguishes exceptional teachers and leaves a lasting impression on us throughout the years and even decades? Exceptional educators share several key qualities. They:
- Demonstrate a genuine love for students.
- Come well-prepared for each class.
- Possess a deep understanding and knowledge of their subject matter.
- Engage students through interactive and dynamic teaching methods.
- Set challenging expectations that motivate their students to excel.
- Impart valuable, lifelong lessons that extend beyond the classroom.
- Exhibit excellent communication skills to effectively convey knowledge and foster a positive learning environment.
Demonstrate a genuine love for students.
Naturally, it is important to mention that if you do not genuinely enjoy being around young students, teaching might not be the most suitable career path for you. Excellent educators have a deep affection for their students and make a continuous commitment to enhancing the lives of future generations through their daily efforts. They hold their students in high regard, regardless of their age or abilities, and ensure that each individual student feels valued, significant, and one-of-a-kind.
By establishing an inclusive atmosphere, great teachers can encourage children to be themselves within a safe and welcoming environment where they can freely express their emotions. With warmth and empathy, they lend a listening ear to both students and parents, creating nurturing classrooms that foster a strong sense of belonging among their students.
Come well-prepared for each class.
The most impactful educators go beyond merely assigning regular homework; they also engage in their own preparatory work. Much like a skilled football coach who meticulously devises game plans for their team, a great teacher consistently plans their lessons through lesson plans.
Within these lesson plans, teachers set clear learning objectives for the session and craft assignments that complement their teaching, offering students opportunities to practice and fortify newly acquired skills. Furthermore, teachers dedicate substantial time outside of classroom hours to plan upcoming lessons and grade assignments, ensuring students receive prompt feedback. Exceptional educators employ this feedback to determine when additional focus is required on challenging concepts, identify individualized needs, and explore innovative approaches to enhance student comprehension.
Possess a deep understanding and knowledge of their subject matter.
To start and to succeed in a teaching career, it is imperative to possess a profound grasp of your subject matter. In many countries, schools frequently mandate that teachers fulfill prerequisites in the subjects they intend to teach. A thorough command of the subject area is a fundamental requirement for effectively nurturing and cultivating the knowledge and skills of the next generation of students.
Moreover, the finest educators are perpetual learners. They never cease to learn. In their moments of greatest success, they transmit their passion for learning to their students. These educators remain vigilant in staying current and updated with new developments in their respective fields and emerging pedagogical techniques, consistently expanding their knowledge base to enhance their teaching and the learning of their students. When students witness their teachers’ genuine love for learning, it kindles a contagious enthusiasm for knowledge acquisition.
Engage students through interactive and dynamic teaching methods.
When we reflect on our greatest teacher, we often recall a memorable experience involving a distinctive or creative teaching method. Whether it involves sharing a captivating book, a melodic song, an engaging movie, leveraging technology, or employing another imaginative approach, students cherish the extra effort. A history lesson can come to life when a teacher dons period attire, and a nature hike can transform the study of deciduous trees into a truly remarkable experience.
When educators prepare their lessons with fascination and memorability, students become more enthusiastic and motivated to learn. Resourceful and inventive teachers leave an indelible mark, and so do their lessons.
The most engaging and inclusive educators also possess a keen understanding of the diverse learning styles among their students and make an effort to cater to each one. Exceptional teachers are perceptive and attuned to the distinct needs and capabilities of the children in their classrooms, endeavoring to meet those needs in an inspiring manner.
Set challenging expectations that motivate their students to excel.
For the time being, students may find it comfortable to have easy teachers with low expectations. However, as time passes, many look back and fondly reminisce about those demanding educators who set high expectations and motivated them to become better learners. Outstanding teachers do not give up on whom they teach, especially, those who struggle with low achievement or attention deficit issues, nor do they overlook high achievers. They maintain high expectations, offer unwavering motivation, and have faith in all their students.
Beyond merely having and setting high expectations, effective teachers make learning a challenging experience for their students. Students often embrace challenges, especially when they are presented with empathy and encouragement. One effective method of motivation is by asking thought-provoking questions. Instead of solely relying on facts, teachers can pose “why” questions that stimulate students to contemplate sequencing and make predictions about the world. When teachers challenge their students, they inspire them to work harder, become better, and attain more than they could have ever imagined.
Impart valuable, lifelong lessons that extend beyond the classroom.
One of the most significant values of having privilege to teach lies in the opportunity to assist students in not only mastering academic subjects but also in becoming better individuals. This facet of character education is a collective responsibility that educators share along with parents, schools, and societal organizations. By attentively listening to students, reinforcing their sense of worth, and cultivating a supportive and nurturing classroom atmosphere, teachers play a vital role in sharing valuable lessons about teamwork, open-mindedness, and effectively navigating emotions and feelings to shape future leaders.
Exhibit excellent communication skills to effectively convey knowledge and foster a positive learning environment.
Incredible teachers also exhibit exceptional communication skills. They are able to convey their messages to various audiences, including students, parents, school administrators, and fellow educators. Great teachers establish strong and nurturing relationships with their students by exuding warmth, approachability, and kindness. They maintain open lines of communication with parents, keeping them informed of both updates and concerns. Additionally, they collaborate with administrators and colleagues to enhance their teaching methods and contribute to the betterment of their educational institutions. They actively engage with all stakeholders and diligently collaborate with various groups.
In conclusion, great educators are the heart of quality education. Their unwavering love for students, dedication to preparation, and mastery of their subjects create an environment where students thrive. Through dynamic teaching, high expectations, and meaningful lessons, they inspire a lifelong passion for learning and instill values that transcend the classroom.
