Would you like to receive more information about the program?
Have a question? We are here to help.
Select your state to discover your state advisor’s phone number.
Click here.
Our Program Advisors look forward to answering your questions.
Our advisors look forward to answering your questions.
Click here to submit a contact form.
The Most Important Qualities That Make a Good Teacher
July 30, 2023
Teachers significantly impact the lives of their learners. They challenge their students to confidently think outside the box and counter new challenges.
A good teacher will also support their learners when they take in new challenges and fail. They build their confidence to try again, inspire creativity, and encourage exploration and competition.
Teaching is not a job but a calling. It is, therefore, crucial to acquire and perfect the required skills to efficiently inspire and grow students in their classrooms.
Good teachers model behaviors of patience, empathy, communication, and understanding. Qualities that they can help grow in their learners.
In this article, we discuss ten qualities of good teachers that should serve as motivation if you hope to impact the lives of your learners positively.
The Value of a Teacher’s Role
A teacher’s role is essential not only in the education system but also later on in the lives of their students.
You can make a difference in your student’s life by influencing everything, from educational goals to after-school success.
Good teachers help their students reach more success, understand themselves better, and make well-thought decisions that will help them make the right choices to propel them to greater heights in life.
To be good at your job as a teacher, you must love it. Passion is infectious; your students will feel passionate about the subject if you are passionate about it.
Also, you can cultivate self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth in your learners in your daily interactions.
Your interactions with your students also guide them into laying the foundation for meaningful relationships, understanding their feelings, and navigating challenging situations.
10 Qualities of a Good Teacher
Outstanding teachers have certain qualities that make them rise above the rest of their student’s lives. Such teachers have a way of remaining in our memories no matter how far removed from our school years.
Studies from the Economic Policy Institute show that good teachers contribute more to student achievement than learning facilities and school leadership.
Here are our top ten qualities that make a good teacher:
1. Great communicators
When you possess excellent communication skills, you will know how to teach your subject in a learner-friendly and engaging way.
This will, in turn, improve their understanding and achievement as it will bring you closer to them and help them present any concerns they may have regarding any learned content.
For instance, a finance class will be easier to understand if the teacher uses everyday examples with which the students are familiar.
2. Experts in their field
Your students will be motivated to learn if you are an expert in your field. If you love your teaching area, you will show that expertise in the classroom.
Once you have mastered the content in your subject area, you can use different angles to explain the subject matter; hence be very resourceful when teaching.
For instance, a math teacher can use the rows and columns in the class to enhance understanding of matrices.
3. Collaboration
Collaboration in teaching creates a growth-based learning environment that increases student learning processes.
You should work closely with other teachers and your students if you aim for great results.
Collaborating with other teachers helps you learn from each other, allowing you to brainstorm new ideas. This is significant in improving learner outcomes.
A good teacher is also interested in learning from parents about their students. This equips you with an understanding of how to help your students better.
Empathy is how you understand your learner’s emotional, social, and intellectual situations. A good teacher can respond empathetically to a learner’s admirable and ugly emotions without losing focus on student learning.
For instance, if your best student failed a test. Your first instinct might be to reprimand them and for an explanation for their poor performance. On the other hand, consider putting yourself in their situation, imagine how they are feeling, and empathize with them.
Seek to understand how they feel about the dismal performance, what they think they did wrong, and then suggest ways to improve the result. Assure them that they have a chance to turn things around.
When your learners feel physically, mentally, and emotionally safe, they will engage better in your subject as they feel loved and understood.
You can grow your empathetic touch by reading books on such, taking courses on empathy, and attending seminars that build on this.
5. Loving challenges
A great teacher loves challenges. A classroom environment is full of varied challenges; therefore, embracing them is a sure way to manage them.
Once you love your challenges, you will teach your learners more effectively. This is because a teacher who loves challenges will grow to challenge students. Students love challenges, provided they are presented in a kind spirit.
You can draw your students to love challenges by asking thought-provoking questions that get learners to think about sequencing and predictions.
Challenging them will push them to work harder, improve, and achieve beyond their imagination.
6. Creativity
Although not all subject areas promote creativity, they can all be taught creatively.
For instance, a biology teacher teaching about different kinds of plants would take students to the natural habitat to exploit the topic practically. Also, a literature teacher would more creatively use film to enhance the mental correlation of a play the learners are reading as a literary text.
A science teacher would use real solutions more creatively when teaching learners to test for bases and acids. Learners always appreciate the extra mile.
When you creatively motivate your learners, they are motivated to do this in education and their lives after school.
7. Constant growth
Teachers need a growth mindset that prepares them for the classroom environment. Continuous learning will equip you with invaluable knowledge to progressively inspire your students. The growth mindset is essential because it will enable you to collaborate with your learners with the understanding that they can learn it to a higher level.
A view that continuous growth is essential will create a love of learning and resilience in just one area. It empowers your learners to believe they can develop their abilities with brains and talents as starting points.
The need for growth will motivate you to focus on creativity and intelligence, the two factors that result in success in both your academic and professional lives.
8. Patience
When managing learners, your patience is constantly tested. You will also deal with learners, parents, and colleagues with differing perspectives, backgrounds, and characters. This requires patience.
For instance, with your learners and their parents, you must be patient in repeatedly dealing with the same questions and issues.
Also, some of your learners will have difficulties understanding various concepts; it’s essential that you keep going but should continuously try out new ways of helping them succeed.
9. Adaptability
Your environment as a teacher is constantly evolving. This demands that you continually adapt to the constant changes and adjust your teaching methods to suit the age and intellect of your learners.
Also, with the continuously changing educational frameworks, being able to adopt those changes makes you a good teacher.
Adaptability is also one of the essential skills that you will require if you are educating learners of varying grade levels or those with different learning styles.
10. Respect
Many educators imply respect, but few understand how to use it in the classroom.
As a good teacher, you must be mindful of any imbalance in respect and ensure that your students feel respected and heard.
In stories from American Teacher Week , Maggie remembers her seventh-grade language teacher for the respect she fostered and reflected on her students. The feeling that her teacher valued and respected each of them taught her a valuable lesson about the significance of fostering the respect you demand.
Desired Classroom Skills
Besides the teaching and communication skills you should possess as a good teacher, excellent class management skills are critical.
Some of the desired class management skills include:
- Setting high but achievable expectations for your students – You can do this by teaching them about growth mindsets. They should believe that success is within their control. Reinforce in them daily that they can succeed if they put in the effort.
- Good planning skills – With good planning skills, you will help students identify their goals and guide them in deciding what their priority is. Teach them how to plan their learning by breaking their tasks into steps to make them more manageable. Teaching learners how to plan will also eliminate uncertainty in the mind, which in most learners results in procrastination.
- Creating a sense of community- A sense of community will create a social connection and a sense of belonging among your learners. You can establish this community within your students by consistently holding class meetings every morning to focus on building social and emotional skills and establishing relationships among them.
Common Weaknesses of Teachers
Teachers, even the most experienced, are helpful with some weaknesses. Every teacher would like to see themselves as being perfect, but admitting that we are all flawed in different ways is the first step to becoming better teachers tomorrow.
Here are some common weaknesses in teachers:
Perfectionism
Making mistakes is a normal part of human life. Perfectionism is a fear-based pattern whose short-term rewards are getting the job done and exceeding expectations. Its long-term effects, however, include burnout, compromised quality of work, and missed deadlines.
Being afraid to make mistakes primes us for burnout and overwhelms us with fear, factors that distort our functioning as teachers.
Dealing with others as a perfectionist is challenging since you will always want them to do things your way, allowing little room for the ideas and imperfections of others.
Perfectionism also prevents you from taking constructive criticism from colleagues who may want to share relevant observations on your interaction.
Though no one is perfect, some teachers seem to have it together, and this may be the basis for our comparison. Comparison can hinder your success as a teacher if you are constantly comparing yourself with colleagues you view as perfect.
Learning helpful hints and new ideas from teachers with the strengths we would like to possess would help you overcome comparison.
For instance, if a colleague is better at relating with learners and they look up to her more for guidance, instead of getting all jealous and bitter at her, seek to know what she does differently to get the students to open up to her.
Spontaneous
If you are a spontaneous teacher, you act without planning but will rely on previous experience teaching diverse classes and using different approaches to teaching.
Spontaneity in learning is not all bad, as it helps adjust the power imbalances in a typical classroom. Spontaneous teaching, however, can have some adverse effects on learning. This can result in a lack of structure to your lesson and poor lesson organization. It may also limit your degree of learner assessment of learner progress and achievement.
To avoid the adverse effects of spontaneity, find a balance between flexibility and structure in the lesson. Consider the individual learner’s needs and learning abilities when deciding on the instructional method.
Becoming a Good Teacher
A chosen path can guide you into becoming a better teacher. Many specialties are available, so knowing what grade you want to teach and what subject area you are passionate about is essential.
Here are some steps to take toward becoming a good teacher.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is crucial to becoming a good teacher. Though most states will require a bachelor’s degree in education, alternative routes to licensure are also available.
It will allow you to learn essential skills that will help you become a better teacher. Such include:
- Cognitive skills : A degree program grows your ability to recall, integrate, and analyze information. You will be able to foster critical and creative thinking skills that guide fluency, originality, flexibility, and adaptability in developing and adjusting to learner programs.
- Communication skills: Acquiring communication skills enables you to interact and collaborate effectively with your learners in delivering and assessing knowledge acquisition. Efficient communication is necessary when also engaging with students’ families and colleagues.
- Research skills: The skills to initiate and complete data collection concerning learner performance and curricula are essential in effective instruction. A bachelor’s degree program will guide you into effectively demonstrating, considering consequences, information presentation, and record keeping.
- Social skills: A good teacher is sensitive to ethical and integral processes of establishing functional relationships with all the school community members. The program will develop compassion, empathy, interpersonal skills, and internal motivation, skills you will require to impact your learners and effectively relate with your colleagues positively.
Here is a list of some bachelor’s degrees that would guide you into initial certification as a teacher:
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
- Bachelor of Special Ed. and Elementary Education
- Bachelor of Special Education (mild to moderate)
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education (middle grades)
- Bachelor of Science in Science Education (Secondary Biological Science)
- Bachelor of Arts in Music Education
- Bachelor of Science in STEM Education
Master’s Degree
Besides attaining a bachelor’s degree, aspiring teachers should also think about acquiring a master’s degree. A master’s degree will upgrade your knowledge and help you learn more about your subject area. You will also acquire more effective ways of curriculum instruction.
Teaching Certification
To get hired after completing your degree program, getting certified to teach in the state where you are interested in teaching is essential.
Getting certified gives you credibility as a teacher and is one of the states’ quality measures for hiring teachers.
Most states will therefore require teachers to have certificates to teach.
Teachers are crucial in changing lives, inspiring dreams, and pushing individuals to realize their potential. Teachers educate the next generation, promoting positive attitudes that shape society.
Middle School Teacher Salary in Texas in 2023
July 30, 2023 by bryan
Texas Teachers Certification Areas
Texas teachers currently offers 50+ certification areas:.
- Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources 6–12 (272)
- American Sign Language (ASL) (184)
- Art EC–12 (178)
- Bilingual Education Supplemental (164)
- Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT) Spanish (190)
- Business and Finance 6–12 (276)
- Chemistry 7–12 (240)
- Computer Science 8–12 (241)
- Core Subjects EC-6 (291)
- Core Subjects 4–8 (211)
- Dance 6–12 (279)
- English as a Second Language Supplemental (154)
- English Language Arts and Reading 4–8 (117)
- English Language Arts and Reading 7–12 (231)
- English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies 4–8 (113)
- Family and Consumer Sciences EC-12 (200)
- Health EC–12 (157)
- Health Science 6–12 (273)
- History 7–12 (233)
- Journalism 7–12 (256)
- Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Arabic EC–12 (600 & 605)
- Languages Other Than English (LOTE) French EC–12 (610)
- Languages Other Than English (LOTE) German EC–12 (611)
- Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Latin EC–12 (612)
- Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Japanese EC–12 (602 & 607)
- Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Mandarin Chinese EC–12 (601 & 606)
- Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Russian EC–12 (603 & 608)
- Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Spanish EC–12 (613)
- Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Vietnamese EC–12 (604 & 609)
- Life Science 7–12 (238)
- Marketing 6–12 (275)
- Mathematics 4–8 (115)
- Mathematics 7–12 (235)
- Mathematics/Physical Science/Engineering 6–12 (274)
- Mathematics/Science 4–8 (114)
- Music EC–12 (177)
- Physical Education EC–12 (158)
- Physical Science 6–12 (237)
- Physics/Mathematics 7–12 (243)
- Science 4–8 (116)
- Science 7–12 (236)
- Social Studies 4–8 (118)
- Social Studies 7–12 (232)
- Special Education EC–12 (161)
- Speech 7–12 (129)
- Technology Applications EC–12 (242)
- Technology Education 6–12 (171)
- Texas Assessment of Sign Communication–American Sign Language™ (TASC–ASL™) (073)
- Theatre EC–12 (180)
- Trade and Industrial (T&I)
The Heart of Teaching: What It Means to Be a Great Teacher
Kindness, empathy, and a focus on building community are among the qualities of a great teacher.
Your content has been saved!
What does it mean to be a great teacher? Of course credentials, knowledge, critical thinking, and all other faculties of intelligence are important. However, a great teacher should be much more than credentials, experience, and intelligence.
What lies in the heart of a great teacher?
You are kind: A great teacher shows kindness to students, colleagues, parents, and those around her or him. My favorite saying is “kindness makes the world go around.” It truly changes the environment in the classroom and school. Being a kind teacher helps students feel welcomed, cared for, and loved.
You are compassionate: Teaching is a very humanistic profession, and compassion is the utmost feeling of understanding and showing others you are concerned about them. A compassionate teacher models that characteristic to the students with her or his actions, and as a result students will be more open to understanding the world around them.
You are empathetic: Empathy is an important trait to have and to try to develop in ourselves and our students. Being able to put yourself in someone’s shoes and see things from their perspective can have a powerful impact on our decisions and actions.
You are positive: Being a positive person is not an easy task. Being a positive teacher is even harder when we’re always met with problems with very limited solutions. However, staying positive when it’s tough can have a tremendous positive impact on the students and everyone around us. Looking on the bright side always seems to help make things better.
You are a builder: A great teacher bridges gaps and builds relationships, friendships, and a community. Teachers always look to make things better and improve things in and outside of the classroom. Building a community is something a great teacher seeks to do in the classroom and extends that to the entire school and its community.
You inspire: Everyone looks at a great teacher and wants to be a better teacher, a better student, and even a better person. A great teacher uncovers hidden treasures, possibilities, and magic right before everyone’s eyes.
23 Qualities of a Good Teacher
Chris Drew (PhD)
Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]
Learn about our Editorial Process
In a recent professional development day, we were asked to begin by brainstorming the qualities of a good teacher.
If you’ve ever been in a staff room, I’m sure you’ll agree this question sparked a lot of engaged discussions. Teachers aren’t shy about sharing their opinions on these matters, I’ve found.
Well, at the end of the activity I slyly tucked away the flip chart paper on which we scribbled all our notes, knowing it’d be a great idea for my blog post topic of the week.
So, below, for all you teachers (and I’m sure university students!) out there brainstorming qualities of a great teacher – look no further!
Let’s begin…
Read Also: Is Being a Teacher Worth it? (Why I Quit Teaching)
Qualities of a Good Teacher
1. a focus on learning.
This is the one I suggested to the group first up.
I find that some people first entering the classroom (Including myself once!) tend to lack focus.
They want to focus on being a fun teacher or being the light of a child’s life. They have great aspirations and ambitions for what a good teacher is
… and it all comes crashing down. Fast.
Well, before long, we teachers realize that fun is important. And so is inspiration and aspiration. But right at the core, when you strip away all the other layers, lies one important goal:
To ensure students learn.
A clear-eyed focus on learning helps us develop quality lessons every time.
It ensures we don’t go off script and realize ten weeks into the term that … wait, I’m not even half way through the curriculum! I’ve got a parent-teacher interview coming up and little Johnny has shown no progress!
And … perhaps worse … my students don’t respect me!
Cue point 2 …
Related: Qualities of a Good Manager
2. Advanced Group Management Skills
The second key quality of a quality teacher is their ability to manage groups of children.
I know these are unconventional ones to start with (yes, I’ll get to the clichés like ‘Patience’ in a moment).. But I think these first two points are really at the heart of what teachers learn their job is all about in the first few years .
So … group management.
It’s probably the number 1 skill new teachers realize they need if they’re going to succeed beyond the first term.
The tiny skills of knowing where to stand in the classroom, how to set table arrangements , use inflection in your voice, project an identity and project authority are huge qualities that make a good teacher.
An authority in the space of classroom management is Michael Linsen of Smart Classroom Management – I’d recommend him to any new teacher seeking tips on how to develop the qualities of a good manger of students. I first came across him on the Cult of Pedagogy podcast and have recently been finding myself going back to his blog posts a lot.
3. Power over your Voice
This quality is a part of the previous two.
In other words, power over the voice is essential for:
- Teaching students well; and
- Managing students well
For teaching well, having power over your voice is about knowing how to pause to let content sink in, emphasize the important terms, and express interest in the topic. You need to be an expressive speaker, you need to be engaging, understand how to use pitch and pause for effect.
Then, there’s the ability to use your voice for classroom management.
Here’s Michael Linsen again:
“Yelling, shouting, barking orders, and the like is antagonistic. It creates a you-against-them relationship rather than one grounded in respect and rapport. The result is an unlikable teacher whose only means of influence is intimidation.”
4. Patience
Okay, now for the big one. Patience.
It’s the first one most teachers would come up with when you ask them: what’s the top quality of a good teacher?
Because you use it. Every. Single. Day.
When you’re marking your 23 rd Essay on the exact same topic today. When you’re struggling – hard – to get a student to understand a concept (that seems so insanely easy to you).
If you haven’t go patience, you aren’t going to make it as a teacher. You … will … hate … it.
So, Teachers Need Patience : it’s a cliché for a reason.
5. Humility
I learned this fast as a university teacher.
I make mistakes. I made many, many, many more in my first 2-3 years. But, I still make mistakes.
And usually, the mistakes I make are done under pressure.
To use a Tennis term, I don’t tend to make unforced errors anymore.
But when I’ve got 169 assignments to mark in 13 days (starting on the 13 th of this month – Lord give me strength), there’s a good chance I’m going to make some mistakes under pressure – or ‘forced errors’ in tennis terms.
It’s the pressure of the job.
And when students come up to me and say “Mate, you messed up!” … I’m going to need the humility to say “Yes, sorry, let me look at that again for you.”
To quote the great Kendrick Lamar says: “Be Humble.”
6. Willingness to Learn
And this one, I think, builds on the previous.
It’s a “the more you know the more you realize you don’t know anything” situation.
I’m about to come up to my 9 th year as an educator. And I don’t know squat. I teach teachers and I am still aware that I’ve got a mountain of stuff to learn.
Teachers need to be learning constantly .
Earlier, I mentioned that I have a new blog that I go to for classroom management advice. 9 years in, and I’m still learning a ton of information from that site. It’s never going to end.
If you’re too stubborn to realize you’ve got a lot to learn, you’re going to be a terrible teacher.
So, be willing to learn. Endlessly.
7. Desire to Help
Here’s a more upbeat one.
I think the thing that gets me out of bed in the morning is that I genuinely want to help my students out.
When a student needs help after the bell has rung at the end of the day, a good teacher is not the sort of person to tell them “Sorry, school’s out.”
And I think anyone who feels that way is going to really hate their job.
At the heart of this point is the reality that teaching is more than a job , it’s a vocation (sorry of the clichés here … it’s hard to write this post without them!). But yep, it’s true. You’ve got to be a person who really gives a lot of themselves to their job.
In return, you’ll get more than just a paycheck – you’ll get a community.
8. A Focus on Social Justice
Here’s something that unites us.
We teachers tend to care about justice. A lot.
It’s a personal quality that comes from working with the disadvantaged and disempowered. It comes form realizing that there’s more to school than meritocracy .
Kids fail because their parents aren’t feeding them a nutritious diet. Kids fail because they have dyslexia , or struggle with academics. Kids fail for all sorts of reasons out of their control. This can’t be a dog-eat-dog world where people are entirely to blame for their lot in life. And on the front lines of teaching, we live that reality every day.
That’s what makes teachers – in general – deeply focused on social justice. We understand the importance of having a community that digs in and bands together to get everyone over the finish line.
Point 8 previous point naturally leads to Point 9.
We’re empathetic through and through.
It’s hard not to be. Working in close quarters with kids who go through pretty tough situations, your heart has to go out to these kids.
As a university teacher, I see it in my adult students, too. They’re single mothers digging deep to get a degree while working full-time and struggling to pay the bills.
Everyone’s got their own stuff going on. Life’s tough. And we see it in our jobs every single day.
10. Pedagogical Knowledge
A good teacher knows how to teach.
‘ Pedagogy ’ is just that: the ability to teach.
At university, all teachers are taught a concept called pedagogical content knowledge.
It goes something like this:
A good teacher knows how to teach (pedagogy) and what they’re teaching (content).
Let’s start with pedagogy.
Pedagogy is everything from the art of breaking concepts down into bite-sized chunks to knowing when students’ brains are saturated and it’s time to take a break.
It’s an intuition (or ‘ tacit knowledge ’) just as much as it’s an explicit understanding of what needs to be done.
And good teachers have it. They know what needs to be done to get students from A to B.
11. Content Knowledge
The second half of the pedagogical content knowledge equation is, clearly, content.
If you’re a science teacher, you damn well better understand Newton’s Third Law.
It’s as simple as that.
But it’s one more quality of a good teacher: you’ve got to have a bit of smarts about you. You need to know your content inside out so that your students learn the correct information.
So if you’re a university student reading this post, you might want to ask yourself: If I want to be a good teacher, do I need to brush up on my content?
If so, you’ve got a few years to work on it before you stand in front of a classroom and start teaching them Newton’s Third Law.
12. Strong Work Ethic
My mother was a teacher and she taught me this.
With four kids and a full-time teaching job, she’d come home, cook us dinner, then head straight to her office to plan lessons for the next day.
Teaching can give you a demanding workload. There’s no slacking off. You’re switched on, planning lessons, and digging deep and working hard even when you’re tired in order to get the work done.
As a university teacher, this is no more evident than when it’s my marking period. My contract gives me 25 minutes to mark and give feedback on a 2000-word essay. Then, I turn around and do it again. And again. 169 times.
Good teachers know how to work hard to get the job done.
13. Flexibility
If you’ve got stringent ideas about how your lessons are going to play out, you’ll have a lot to learn!
Working with students – and especially children – will throw up new problems. All the time. Endlessly.
A good teacher is a flexible teacher. They need to be able to think on their feet and make changes to their lesson plans based on the needs of their students. When a student doesn’t understand the way you’re teaching something, you’ll need to change it on the spot.
14. Generosity / Sharing
The teaching profession is a sharing profession.
We understand that our jobs are tough – really tough. And that there’s a lot of hard work and preparation that goes into writing lessons.
So, teachers like to share.
When you’re starting out you’ll be relying on your senior colleagues a lot. They’ll point you in the right direction, share their resources and ensure you’re on the right track.
Teachers aren’t in competition with each other. We want to see all children succeed, no matter whose class they’re in. So, we’re usually very willing to share our content for the good of all.
15. Commitment to Local Communities
Teaching is a community-oriented profession.
We’re not just teachers of individuals. We’re teachers of the next shop assistants, lawyers, bakers and doctors.
Any teacher who has worked in a community for a good 20 years will know what I mean. You have a connection to just about everyone in your community.
And, you’ll be able to turn up to community events and be welcomed with open arms.
You need to be community-minded to be a great teacher. You need to care about your community because you’re at the heart of it. You’ll be committed to its success.
And the great thing is, you’ll get to see your community grow and thrive over time and know you were part of it.
16. Professionalism under Pressure
There will be times when parents and superiors will put you under a lot of pressure. Your students may also cause a lot of stress and strain on you. As a university professor, I have the added job of students sometimes applying the heat on me about their course.
You need to be a consummate professional when you’re under pressure. Especially from parents. You need to respond to aggressive behavior with calmness. You will need to help explain and reassure your parents and students about how things are going.
And of course, you’ll need to respect and take on board the concerns and input of everyone – all while being an absolute professional.
17. Resilience & Sense of Humor
Great teachers can laugh. They can laugh with (not at) their students. And they can laugh at themselves and at their situations.
Fortunately, when I taught in Kindergarten, it was a very funny place. Kids really do say and do the funniest things.
But at times, things go wrong. Your lessons will come undone due to circumstances well beyond your control. Children will wet their pants, call you “Mommy” and make wildly inappropriate comments (which are, usually, hilarious in their own way).
And all the way through all of this, you can’t fall apart.
You’ve got to be able to smile and laugh your way through.
Or else … you’ll go mad.
18. Positivity & Enthusiasm
Your students and their parents don’t care that your marriage is falling apart. They don’t care that you’re mourning the death of a family member or you have had a medical scare over the weekend.
Teachers need to paint on their happy face and march into the classroom every day knowing they have a job to do.
In the classroom, you need to put all your effort into creating a positive learning environment. It’s your job to set the scene. Your behavior and mannerisms are picked up by your students.
You need to show your students that you’re interested and love the idea of teaching and learning this particular packet of information you’ll be covering today.
If you’re flat for the day, the students will suffer. So, put on that happy, entertaining and enthusiastic face for the sake of the little learners in your care.
19. Kindness
Good teachers are kind teachers.
When a student has made a mistake or been rude to you, you can’t call them a jerk. You can’t talk down to them or give them the cold shoulder for a week as a punishment for their behavior .
You need to get down to their level and let them know you forgive them, and you believe in their ability to do better.
There’s no room in the classroom for a teacher who hasn’t got the wellbeing, happiness and success of their students in their minds. Even when a student is coming across as a complete and utter jerk … you’ve got to be kind. It’s your job.
20. Research Skills
Yes, I know … I’m a university teacher so I have my skin in the game for this point.
But, I believe it to be true.
Quality research skills are central to being a good educator.
For one thing, you need to be able to gather the information that’s true, accurate and most appropriate for your students to learn. There’s no point getting the first thing you found on google and teaching that. Who knows if it’s wrong?
Instead, you’ve got to know who and what sources to trust. I usually start with trusted senior teachers in my school. How can they give me quality information about the content I’m teaching?
You also need to be able to research good teaching skills . The internet is full of lesson ideas … but which one is quality and which isn’t?
I recommend starting to gather a portfolio of trustworthy sources now – including websites designed to support teachers as well as quality books on teaching and learning.
21. Quality Teachers Keep their Commitments
Do what you say you’re going to do.
If a teacher promises a student they’re going to follow up on something, they’d better follow up!
Our students really do hang onto our every word. If we promise something, they’re going to remember if you followed through.
The same thing goes for commitments to colleagues. If you tell a colleague you’ll cover lunch duty for them, it’s your responsibility to keep your word.
We rely on each other an awful lot in this profession. So we’ve got to set and keep our commitments when we make them.
22. Organization Skills are a Must
With 25 – 30 students in any classroom, you need to be able to walk in there and know what you’re doing every time.
And you need to know Plan B and Plan C as well.
What happens if a student finishes super early? What happens if a student finishes late? What happens if the whole class doesn’t understand? What happens if …?
Anything can happen.
Then, you’ve got the bigger picture.
How far through the curriculum are you? Will you be able to get it all completed by the end of the school year? What’s your plan?
23. You’ve got to be Mildly Insane
And last but not least, all of us in the professional development meeting agreed: you’ve got to be mildly insane to be a good teacher.
You need to put yourself through all-nighters to get those reports written and essays marked. You’ve got to keep on going when it’s the last thing you want to do.
And you constantly think about quitting, but then remember … hey, the good outweighs the bad. And we’re all mildly insane together!
- Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
- Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
- Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
- Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples
Leave a Comment Cancel Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
What Makes a Great Teacher Essay
The quality of education depends not only on the chosen educational institution but also on the person who will teach the children. Any teacher’s primary objective should be to assist each student in growing as an individual, learning to adjust to changes quickly, achieving their personal goals, and contributing to society. Teaching goes beyond simply imparting information and skills to pupils. Therefore, teachers must be effective communicators, constantly grow their knowledge, and creatively approach their work.
The pedagogical activity involves constant and long-term communication between teachers and children. Terronez (2017) questioned students about qualities that teachers should have to be great teachers, and one of the students answered: “The great teachers help students if they notice a struggle.” The ability to establish emotional contact, take the initiative in communication, and identify a student’s psychological condition from external cues are all examples of qualities teachers must possess. Teachers must be able to communicate effectively to be able to assist children when necessary.
A teacher’s professional development is an essential aspect of their career. A good teacher needs to be passionate about their academic field. As Terronez (2017) claims, “A great teacher loves to teach, and loves to learn.” Educators must constantly enhance their knowledge and proficiency to provide the best possible education to children. Gagnon (2019) also states that lifelong learning demonstrates a teacher’s dedication and compassion. Teachers act as role models for students; therefore, demonstrating the initiative to learn will benefit children.
The student will learn the material far more quickly and effectively if they are engaged in the learning process. Therefore, interesting and entertaining teachers are usually admired by their students (Terronez, 2017). Singing a song during a lesson and making a hilarious joke about the subject might liven up the classroom and draw students’ attention. Gagnon (2019) and Roberto (2021) agree that active learning helps assimilate the material better. Teachers may set up contests, discussions, games, and team projects to get students excited about learning (Roberto, 2019). The lesson will be more engaging when visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles are applied.
Gagnon, D. (2019). 10 qualities of a good teacher . Southern New Hampshire University.
Roberto, M. (2021). Engaging students on the first day and every day. Harvard Business Publishing Education.
Terronez, A. (2017). What makes a good teacher great? [Video]. Youtube.
- Connecticut Teacher Certification
- Field Expert Interview on Kinesthetic Learners
- The Architecture of California and the Modernism of the USA
- Gay Beaty Contests Question Issue
- Kinesthetic Learners in the Area of Online Education
- Reflective Teaching and Learning in Further Education
- Challenges and Barriers in Novice Teachers’ Practice in Public Schools
- Generational Digital Gap in Teachers
- The Life of the American Teacher Article by Edwards
- The Problem of Teachers’ Turnover in the US
- Chicago (A-D)
- Chicago (N-B)
IvyPanda. (2023, June 13). What Makes a Great Teacher. https://ivypanda.com/essays/what-makes-a-great-teacher/
"What Makes a Great Teacher." IvyPanda , 13 June 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/what-makes-a-great-teacher/.
IvyPanda . (2023) 'What Makes a Great Teacher'. 13 June.
IvyPanda . 2023. "What Makes a Great Teacher." June 13, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/what-makes-a-great-teacher/.
1. IvyPanda . "What Makes a Great Teacher." June 13, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/what-makes-a-great-teacher/.
Bibliography
IvyPanda . "What Makes a Great Teacher." June 13, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/what-makes-a-great-teacher/.
- To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
- As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
- As a template for you assignment
Essay on Qualities of a Good Teacher
Students are often asked to write an essay on Qualities of a Good Teacher in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.
Let’s take a look…
100 Words Essay on Qualities of a Good Teacher
Understanding and patience.
A good teacher is understanding and patient. They know that every student learns at their own pace and they are patient in explaining concepts until every student understands.
Knowledgeable
A good teacher has a strong knowledge about the subject they teach. They can answer questions accurately and explain complex ideas in simple terms.
A good teacher makes learning fun and engaging. They use different teaching methods to keep students interested and motivated.
Good Communicator
A good teacher communicates effectively. They explain lessons clearly and are always ready to listen to students’ questions and concerns.
A good teacher is a role model. They inspire students to be better learners and responsible individuals.
250 Words Essay on Qualities of a Good Teacher
Introduction.
A good teacher is instrumental in shaping the future of their students. They not only impart knowledge but also inspire, motivate, and guide students to reach their full potential.
Subject Knowledge
A good teacher possesses deep knowledge of their subject. They understand the intricacies of the discipline and can articulate complex ideas clearly. This expertise allows them to answer student queries effectively, fostering a conducive learning environment.
Communication Skills
Effective communication is a hallmark of a good teacher. They present information in a clear, concise manner, ensuring that students grasp the concepts. They also listen actively, understanding student perspectives and responding empathetically.
Passion and Enthusiasm
A passionate teacher invigorates the classroom, stimulating student interest. Their enthusiasm is infectious, inspiring students to learn and explore. Passion also drives the teacher to stay updated with the latest developments in their field.
Patience and Adaptability
Patience is crucial as students have diverse learning speeds and styles. A good teacher adapts their teaching methods to cater to these differences, ensuring every student benefits.
Teachers are role models. Their behavior and attitude influence students. A good teacher demonstrates values like honesty, integrity, and respect, guiding students towards becoming responsible citizens.
In conclusion, a good teacher is knowledgeable, communicative, passionate, patient, adaptable, and a positive role model. These qualities make them effective educators, capable of shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
500 Words Essay on Qualities of a Good Teacher
Teaching is one of the most noble and impactful professions, shaping the minds and futures of young individuals. A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning. However, what defines a good teacher? This essay explores the essential qualities of a good teacher.
Deep Knowledge and Passion for the Subject Matter
A good teacher exhibits an extensive understanding of the subject matter. Their knowledge goes beyond the basic curriculum, enabling them to answer students’ queries effectively and provide additional insight. Besides, passion for the subject matter is contagious. When teachers display enthusiasm, it encourages students to develop an interest in the topic, enhancing their learning experience.
Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is a fundamental quality of a good teacher. This includes not only delivering information clearly but also listening to students’ concerns. A good teacher can simplify complex concepts, making them accessible to all students, regardless of their learning style. Furthermore, they can interpret non-verbal cues, understanding when students are struggling and need extra help.
Patience and Empathy
Patience and empathy are crucial for a good teacher. Every student learns at a different pace and in unique ways. A good teacher recognizes these differences, providing individual attention when necessary. They empathize with students, understanding their challenges, and offering support to overcome them. This fosters a safe and nurturing environment where students feel comfortable to learn and grow.
Adaptability
In an ever-evolving educational landscape, adaptability is a key quality for teachers. They need to be flexible in their teaching methods, adjusting to the diverse needs of students. They should be open to using new technologies and innovative teaching strategies to enhance learning. Moreover, a good teacher is prepared to modify their lesson plans based on students’ progress and feedback.
High Expectations and Encouragement
A good teacher sets high expectations for all students, pushing them to reach their full potential. They believe in their students’ abilities, even when the students themselves may not. This confidence can motivate students to strive for excellence. Furthermore, a good teacher provides positive reinforcement, celebrating students’ achievements, and encouraging them to keep improving.
In conclusion, a good teacher is defined by a blend of professional skills and personal attributes. They possess deep knowledge and passion for the subject matter, strong communication skills, patience, empathy, adaptability, and the ability to set high expectations while providing encouragement. These qualities not only make a teacher effective but also inspire students to become lifelong learners. The influence of a good teacher can never be erased, as they shape the minds that will shape the future.
That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.
If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:
- Essay on My Best Teacher
- Essay on My Aim in Life Doctor
- Essay on Ancient Education System
Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .
Happy studying!
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Qualities of an Outstanding Teacher
How it works
A great teacher is super important for any good school system. They don't just teach stuff; they really help shape how young people think and act. One big thing that makes a teacher stand out is knowing their subject really well. When they understand the topic deeply, they can explain things better, answer tricky questions, and share cool insights you won’t find in books. This kind of knowledge helps students trust and respect them. It also makes the class a place where kids feel like they can ask questions and explore new ideas. Need a custom essay on the same topic? Give us your paper requirements, choose a writer and we’ll deliver the highest-quality essay! Order now
Take a history teacher who knows their stuff, for example. They can make past events come alive with interesting stories, making lessons fun and unforgettable. This deep knowledge also helps teachers create a flexible and thorough lesson plan that fits all their students' needs.
Just as important is how well they can get their ideas across. Great teachers know how to explain tough concepts in a simple way. They get that teaching isn’t just about talking; it's about listening, too. By listening to their students, they can see if everyone understands, fix any mix-ups, and change how they teach to make things clearer. Good communication also includes things like body language and facial expressions. A teacher who makes eye contact and uses friendly gestures can make the classroom feel welcoming, which gets students more involved. When students feel like they belong, they're more likely to participate and work better together.
Another key trait is how dedicated they are to helping each student succeed. You can see this in how they go the extra mile beyond just teaching. They might stay after class to help out, make extra materials, or try different ways of teaching to suit various learning styles. These teachers also set high standards for everyone, pushing students to do their best while giving them the support they need. This mix of pushing and supporting helps students try harder and believe in themselves. For instance, a math teacher who encourages problem-solving can help students build confidence and skills that are useful in real life, not just in school.
Last but not least, a great teacher has a real love for teaching and learning. This passion is catchy and can make students excited about learning, too. Passionate teachers don't just pass on knowledge; they keep learning and improving how they teach. They stay up-to-date with new research, try out the latest tech, and are open to new teaching methods. This keeps their lessons fresh and relevant. They also encourage a love of learning in their students, making the classroom a place where curiosity is welcome and mistakes are just part of learning. For example, a science teacher who loves experiments can get students excited about discovering new things. This enthusiasm can stick with students, making them eager to learn more and follow their interests with passion.
In the end, the best teachers have a deep understanding of their subject, strong communication skills, a commitment to student success, and a real passion for teaching. These qualities help create a lively and supportive learning environment. Great teachers don't just teach; they inspire and motivate their students to do their best. They play a big role in shaping the future by helping students grow intellectually and emotionally. So, investing in finding and supporting such teachers is crucial for the progress of education and society.
Cite this page
Qualities of An Outstanding Teacher. (2024, Sep 17). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/qualities-of-an-outstanding-teacher/
"Qualities of An Outstanding Teacher." PapersOwl.com , 17 Sep 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/qualities-of-an-outstanding-teacher/
PapersOwl.com. (2024). Qualities of An Outstanding Teacher . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/qualities-of-an-outstanding-teacher/ [Accessed: 23 Nov. 2024]
"Qualities of An Outstanding Teacher." PapersOwl.com, Sep 17, 2024. Accessed November 23, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/qualities-of-an-outstanding-teacher/
"Qualities of An Outstanding Teacher," PapersOwl.com , 17-Sep-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/qualities-of-an-outstanding-teacher/. [Accessed: 23-Nov-2024]
PapersOwl.com. (2024). Qualities of An Outstanding Teacher . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/qualities-of-an-outstanding-teacher/ [Accessed: 23-Nov-2024]
Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade
Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.
Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!
Please check your inbox.
You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.
Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide
1. Tell Us Your Requirements
2. Pick your perfect writer
3. Get Your Paper and Pay
Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!
Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.
short deadlines
100% Plagiarism-Free
Certified writers
Home — Essay Samples — Education — Teacher — The Art of Teaching: What Makes an Outstanding Teacher
The Art of Teaching: What Makes an Outstanding Teacher
- Categories: Teacher
About this sample
Words: 852 |
Published: Apr 17, 2023
Words: 852 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read
- Great teachers respect students. In the classroom of excellent teachers, everyone's ideas and opinions are valued. Students can express their feelings safely and learn to respect and listen to others. This teacher created a warm learning environment for all students.
- A great teacher will create a sense of community and belonging in the classroom. Mutual respect between teachers in the classroom provides a supportive and collaborative environment. In this small community, there are rules to follow and work to be completed, each student knows that they are an important and inseparable part of the team. A good teacher lets students know that they can trust not only her, but the entire class as well.
- A great teacher is warm, approachable, enthusiastic and caring. This person is accessible not only to students, but also to everyone on campus. Students know that they can ask this teacher for help to resolve any questions or concerns, and they can even share interesting stories. Excellent teachers have good listening skills and will take time out of their busy schedule to serve those who need them. If this teacher had a bad day, no one knows: the teacher left his personal luggage outside the school gate.
- A great teacher has high hopes for all students. The teacher found that her expectations of the students greatly affected their achievement; He knew that students would generally help teachers more or less according to their expectations.
- A great teacher has his own passion for learning and motivates students with his passion for education and course materials. He constantly renews his identity as a professional and is committed to providing students with the highest quality education. This teacher is not afraid to learn new teaching strategies or incorporate new technologies into the curriculum, and he seems always ready to share what he has learned with his colleagues.
- A great teacher is a skilled leader. Unlike administrative leaders, effective teachers focus on joint decision-making and teamwork, as well as community building. This great teacher conveys this sense of leadership to students by providing everyone with the opportunity to assume leadership roles.
- A good teacher can 'change gears' and is flexible when the lesson does not work. This teacher evaluates his teaching throughout the course and finds new ways of presenting materials to ensure that all students understand key concepts.
- A great teacher works continuously with his colleagues. The teacher did not consider himself weak for seeking advice or help, but viewed cooperation as a way to learn from his professional counterparts. A great teacher uses constructive criticism and suggestions as an opportunity for educators to grow up.
- A great teacher maintains professionalism in all aspects, from personal appearance to organizational skills and daily preparation. His communication skills are exemplary, whether it's talking to an administrator, one of his students, or a colleague.
Cite this Essay
To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:
Let us write you an essay from scratch
- 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
- Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Get high-quality help
Prof. Kifaru
Verified writer
- Expert in: Education
+ 120 experts online
By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email
No need to pay just yet!
Related Essays
2 pages / 1096 words
1 pages / 504 words
5 pages / 2422 words
1 pages / 560 words
Remember! This is just a sample.
You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.
121 writers online
Still can’t find what you need?
Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled
Related Essays on Teacher
In conclusion, I would bring a valuable contribution to the Fulbright Foundation as an FLTA. I am highly motivated by the idea of evolving in an academic environment where cultural exchanges are fostered. In addition, I would [...]
The partnership between parents and teachers plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational journey of students, providing a solid foundation for their academic and personal growth. This essay explores the significance of the [...]
Teaching is a noble profession that shapes the minds, values, and futures of generations. Educators hold the responsibility of imparting knowledge, fostering critical thinking, and nurturing personal growth in their students. [...]
Gibson, Philip A., et al. “Changing Teachers, Changing Students? The Impact of a Teacher-Focused Intervention on Students’ Computer Usage, Attitudes, and Anxiety.” Computers & Education, vol. 71, 2014, pp. 165-174.Goodwin, A. [...]
The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct was developed to uphold the application of core values, ideals, and principles to assist teachers” decision-making about ethical issues. The Core Values of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct is [...]
All teachers are required to carry out the duties of a school teacher as set out in the current School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document. All teachers should also have due regard to all of the Teacher Standards (2012). [...]
Related Topics
By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.
Where do you want us to send this sample?
By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.
Be careful. This essay is not unique
This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before
Download this Sample
Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts
Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.
Please check your inbox.
We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!
Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!
We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .
- Instructions Followed To The Letter
- Deadlines Met At Every Stage
- Unique And Plagiarism Free
What Sets Apart Great Teachers: Essential Qualities
- Category: Life , Education , Sociology
- Topic: Skills , Teacher , Teacher-Student Relationships
Pages: 2 (1034 words)
Views: 1085
- Downloads: -->
Introduction
What is a teacher, what is the purpose of a primary school teacher, what is a good teacher, what are the teacher expectations for their pupils.
--> ⚠️ Remember: This essay was written and uploaded by an--> click here.
Found a great essay sample but want a unique one?
are ready to help you with your essay
You won’t be charged yet!
American Values Essays
Socialization Essays
Homosexuality Essays
Woman Essays
Cultural Identity Essays
Related Essays
We are glad that you like it, but you cannot copy from our website. Just insert your email and this sample will be sent to you.
By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.
Your essay sample has been sent.
In fact, there is a way to get an original essay! Turn to our writers and order a plagiarism-free paper.
samplius.com uses cookies to offer you the best service possible.By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .--> -->