Characteristics of a Great Teacher

Every one has their own ideas of what it takes to be a great teacher.  There’s no shortage of quality educators, but what makes some stand out above all the rest are the ones willing to put their heart and souls into teaching their students.  Here is a short list of some characteristics of phenomenal teachers:

• They Exude Confidence

Confidence while teaching can mean a number of things.  There is a wide range to this confidence.  It can be anything from confidence in your knowledge of the material that is being taught or strategies used to teach students.  The confidence also translates across genres.  It is also confidence in your own intuition in knowing that you are doing the right thing at the right time in the right spot no matter what transpires.  Having that time to spend with your young learners is beneficial both for them and for yourself.  Students know when the job has become stressful and overwhelming for you.  Students can pick up if you are in it for the long haul or not.

• They Have Life Experience

Having some life experience outside of the classroom is crucial for putting learning into context and keeping school activities in perspective.  Teachers that have travelled , worked in other fields, played high school level sports or enjoyed other experiences can make an impression on kids other than teaching.  They also inspire an atmosphere of team work and collaboration.  Teachers that have  alternate pursuits are able to see the value of and where school fits in to the bigger picture of life.

• They Understand Each Student’s Motivation

Just as varied as each student is, each student also has a different set of motivators. Many students are able to follow their own ambitions and motivations with what’s going on in the classroom and with the teacher.  The teacher knows her students and what will help them succeed.  Teachers that can not help their students conceptualize and make that connection with something in their realm of interest need to reassess what they are doing.  If this is not done students disengage and lose interest.

• They are Technically Capable

In this modern age, everyone including educators need to have some level of tech knowledge.  As time passes on, it’s essential for teachers to become familiar with tech products and instruments.  It may be fine for the time being  not to be that familiar with technology but the best teacher will always come out ahead if he or she is willing to learn.

• They Model How to Take Risks

As teachers we try to encourage our students to be risk takers.  But as teachers we are not natural risk takers ourselves.  The model teacher is willing to take risks no matter how much success or failure is encountered.  Don’t be afraid to go nuts!  This is something your students will appreciate and recall for years to come.  This will also give your class great publicity.  There’s nothing wrong with being innovative and distinctive.

• They Focus on Important Stuff

Good teachers don’t focus on the small stuff.  If there is chronic tardiness or missing of class by a student, it is a part of a much bigger issue.  Trying to focus on trying to get kids to class every time takes away from valueable instruction time.  This is best left to the administrators and counselors.  They also understand that efficient and effective assessment means eliminating and giving targetted, meaningful feedback.  This is the surest way to engage students and connect them to their areas of interest and passions.

• They Don’t Worry too Much About What Others Think

Strong teachers do their job not worrying too much about what the principal will think.  They take risks! They may be noisy, messy or both.  They may also have activities that will peak a students interest or engagement.  They understand that learning is not a neat and tidy activity and always following routines and rituals will not ensure a student’s creativity, natural curiosity or passion.