Essay what makes a good teacher

Статья на тему «What makes a good foreign language teacher?»

What makes a good foreign language teacher?

“Those who educate children well

are more to be honored than they who produce them;

for these only gave them life, those the art of living well.”

Some people argue that teacher is a noble profession. Teaching is a very important activity on which the base of any nation and culture is established. So let’s see what qualities a good foreign language teacher should have.

First of all, methodology and variety within the lesson hour. It has long been recognized that not all young people learn in the same way, and that not all students in a class receive the information that is given to them in the same way. So, the teacher should use the materials and tools he has. It’s clear at first glance what kind of teacher you will be: sympathetic, friendly, open, approachable or strict and exacting. For example, a young teacher enters the classroom and captures pupil’s attention at once: he is neatly dressed, his speech is well-organized – it means only that this is a great teacher and he knows how to guide the process of education. Many people are in favour of idea that thorough knowledge of the subject is the main duty of any teacher. T he teacher who has command over subject matter can provide more and more information to the students in the classroom.

There are many things to be said in favour of individual approach which is also necessary for a good foreign language teacher. It is often suggested that individual differences of students should be taken into consideration and as a result each student would make progress according to his/her own learning speed. This is not the whole list of qualities that should have a good teacher of a foreign language. It also includes: sense of humor, conscientious attitude, discipline, politeness, endless patient and a good-looking, of course. Actually, a successful lesson includes a climate of trust and support and, certainly, responding to pupils’ problems and individual approach.

Taking everything into consideration, personally I believe that being a teacher is a vocation! And if your job gives you pleasure, you’re a really good foreign language teacher!

What Makes A Good Teacher

Filed Under: Essays Tagged With: common sense

Many people, even students attending a teacher training college, think that being a teacher is an easy task. Moreover, our society believes that any person can become a teacher; But experience has shown that not anybody is capable of being a teacher. There are a lot of personality traits that are required to be a good one. First of all, a good teacher must have the necessary knowledge to teach his subject. Perhaps this item sounds as an obvious one, but there are cases in which students realise that their teacher is incapable of answering their questions. Consequently, a good teacher must brush up his knowledge to be prepared to clarify his student’s doubts.

Secondly, it is important that a teacher has a well – balanced personality. It is not easy to be in contact with students who differ greatly one from another. A good teacher should respect the different points of view of his students and not dismiss them. If so, the teacher will encourage his students to play an important part in the class, creating the necessary feedback. Thirdly, the sense of justice, especially while dealing with adolescents, is of prime importance. When a teacher takes a decision, it has to be applied to all the students in the course.

Preferences should be avoided, due to the fact that injustice creates a feeling of resentment in the other students in the class. Accordingly, a good teacher has to have recourse to common sense to give all his students an egalitarian treatment no matter what their colour, thoughts or religious beliefs are. Another feature a teacher should have is to be helpful with his students. Sometimes students go through difficult situations, such as a relative death or their parents divorce, and need some help. A good teacher should listen to his students trying to be caring and supportive with them and advice them if necessary. This will show that the teacher is not a callous person and will help to improve the relationship between the teacher and his students. Finally, a good teacher must be demanding with his students. It has been shown that lenient teachers do not gain students’ respect.

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On the contrary, students respect demanding teachers and remember them ever after finishing their studies. If a teacher is demanding, students do not have time on their hands to be unruly, because they have to work the whole class. This is the best way to be respected as a teacher. It is clear that not anyone can be a teacher. Although there are many who work as teachers without being prepared, it is high time the Government took measures to give priority to those teachers who are well – prepared to guide a group of students in life and lead them to a successful career..

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What Makes A Good Teacher 3

Filed Under: Essays Tagged With: Teacher

Most of us have had at least one really great teacher and one really bad one. We know what we like and expect in a teacher and judge them based on that. I have had teachers over the years whom others have not liked. There were also other teachers I thought did a horrible job but other students thought were the best they ever had. Most of what people perceive as a good or bad teacher is usually based on things like personalities and preferred learning styles. But all good teachers have a few things in common that is universal whether or not we like them and/or their style.

The first thing a teacher of the Craft has to have is knowledge of the subject at hand. You can not teach what you do not know. It will become very apparent very quickly that you know not of what you speak if you try. That does not mean that a good teacher needs to know everything. They should just be knowledgeable enough to be creditable and for the most part accurate. A good teacher should be honest. Honest enough to admit if they don’t know the answer to a specific question and honest enough to look into it and get back to the student in a timely fashion.

A good teacher should be honest enough to admit being incorrect. If s/he makes a mistake or imparts false information s/he should be able to admit that the mistake or error was made. Everyone makes mistakes at some point but what makes others trust your words is the ability to admit you were wrong and correct the mistake. A good teacher should be humble. Teachers are not Gods. They do impart knowledge not previously known but they are not invincible or infallible. Being able to admit mistakes, accept constructive criticism and correct errors is all a part of learning and teaching.

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A good teacher should be able to learn something from his/her students. There is always something more you can learn. Even a different perspective can be a learning experience. You don’t have to agree with another’s opinion or belief to learn from it either. Teaching and/or learning is not brainwashing. A good teacher should respect each student as an individual. Each person is unique. Differences of opinion, attitude, personality, etc should be celebrated. The classroom (or where ever the teaching/learning occurs) is not a place to squash the individual. It is a place to enlighten and open the mind.

A good teacher should be patient and flexible. Not everyone learns at the same pace or in the same way. There may be some students who can pick up on an idea or concept very quickly, there are some that need more time and one on one tutoring, and then there are some who may never understand. A good teacher knows that sometimes you have to slow the pace down for those who don’t quite understand yet keep it interesting enough for those who already do. A good teacher should be tolerant. Paganism is a very diverse path. Each person has a unique story on how s/he has found this way of life.

Those past experiences shape the way each student thinks about Paganism, magick, religion, and people in general. A good teacher of the Craft will understand that each person s/he is teaching has a different perspective and will try to teach with that in mind. Granted, there are some things that a teacher can not and should not tolerate, but for the most part s/he needs to recognize that each person is an individual. A good teacher should recognize his/her own mortality. Being able to do magick is a very powerful thing. Taking that to the teaching level means that you are directly responsible for someone else’s magical training.

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It can be real easy to think of yourself as greater than you are because you can do magick and someone else can not. You are, however, still a flesh and blood person and are teaching a flesh and blood person. You are fallible. You are mortal. A good teacher knows when to let the students go out and practice on their own. At some point everyone needs to take the knowledge that they know and put it to practical use. Magick is a powerful thing and it can be very easy to want to hold the student’s hands each and every time they try something.

But part of learning is making mistakes. A good teacher of the Craft knows when to help and when to back off. A good teacher knows that his/her way is not the only way. There are many ways to get from point A to point B. Just because one way works for the teacher does not mean that that way will work for all the students. Obviously there are basics that should always be followed. However, the students individuality and imagination to explore should never be squelched just because the teacher thinks one way and the student thinks another (e. g. teacher may incorporate a form of Qabala into the ritual but the student does not feel comfortable doing so. Neither are wrong, just different personal preferences).

The teacher should be there to impart the knowledge and the student is there to take what information s/he can and use it as it pertains to his/her path. Granted, in a coven setting most would like the basics to be the same but even using the same basics there are still many paths to the final destination. If a teacher forgets that then s/he is not teaching. S/he is brainwashing.

A good teacher knows his/her boundaries. By this I mean they know how to keep the teacher/student relationship just as that. A teacher can and should have a personal relationship with each student but the level of that relationship should stay teacher/student only (unless the student is your significant other and then you should still be able to distinguish between class time and personal time).

In my opinion there is NO excuse for soliciting, pressuring, intimidating, and/or threatening a student for personal and/or sexual favors. That crosses the line.

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Being a teacher is being in a position of some power and misusing that power is one of the most dangerous and detrimental things a teacher can do to a student. It is wrong and should not be tolerated by anyone. These are just a few things that I think make up a good teacher. Obviously the traits I have listed can be attributed to all teachers, not just teachers of the Craft. Choosing to teach should not be embarked upon on a whim. It is a serious responsibility to impart knowledge. To do so with talent, style, grace, intelligence, compassion and love should be what each teacher desires and strives for.

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What Makes A Good Teacher? Personality & Qualities of Good Teachers

Teaching is one of the respectable jobs globally, and the qualities of an excellent teacher are beyond classroom learning. New doors of fantastic opportunities open for students through the teaching profession.

A teacher’s role is crucial as they not only train the students academically but also impart different values like:

While their lives can be a roller coaster ride as they deal with human emotions more than machines, every teacher cherishes the feeling that comes from inspiring others, and their life differs throughout the countries and schools.

Mostly, a teacher’s day starts with tending to the child’s needs and giving them the subject knowledge, and they spend their free time checking notebooks, assignments, and worksheets of their students.

It’s a regular job for teachers to collect resources and prepare for the next day after school. They are the most hard-working humans who work day in and day out yet are underpaid or unappreciated for their work.

Here are few statistics that give an insight into the overall teaching profession:

Teachers work more than 400 hours of overtime in a year and an average of around 50 hours a week.

About 30% of the teachers have a second job as they cannot afford to meet their expenses with their primary school salary.

Statistics state that teachers spend around $500 per year of their own money on school and classroom supplies.

What Makes A Good Teacher?

When I was a child, I thought that the teachers’ role is to educate their students. It was when I stepped into adulthood that my bubble burst finally. I realized that their part is more than educating pupils. Friend, philosopher, and guide- a mentor plays all these roles daily to leave an example and a lasting impression in students’ minds.

Giving value is one of the teacher’s outstanding qualities as their primary job is to spend days grooming and imparting knowledge to the students.

However, a teacher has to learn and improve themselves regularly to do excellent in their field. It is when they are willing to learn from others and their students, do it truly make them worthy of the title to be called a “teacher.”

Professional and personal development is vital to becoming a phenomenal teacher.

These skills promote global acknowledgment to the teachers:

Essential Professional Characters To Become A Teacher

1. Qualifications

Qualifications are an integral part of the teaching profession as it determines how qualified a person is in raising students.

While some schools and universities focus on hiring teachers with adequate field experience and a masters’ degree to ensure their institute provides the best quality education to the students, but qualifications can vary as per your subject.

2. Degrees And Exams To Clear

Depending on the country you live in, there are standard requirements to gain eligibility to become a teacher.

For instance, in the UK, the minimum criteria are to gain a BA or B.Sc with a QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). The QTS is similar to the initial teacher training course in India, which qualifies teachers to pursue teaching careers.

In the US, the process of becoming a qualified teacher is almost similar to other countries.

Below are the general steps involved to become a teacher:

3. Aptitude

Apart from educational qualifications, schools also look for abilities or skills. If a teacher has an innate love for teaching and her subject, she will effectively connect and communicate with the students and foster their growth and development.

However, qualifications alone are not enough to become a teacher, as one also needs to have aptitude skills.

A lack of aptitude skills can put an unseen burden on a person irrespective of their expertise level.

For example, if a teacher fails to convey their thoughts and knowledge to others precisely, the knowledge is of no use in such a case.

What are the courses working teaching professionals can take?

11 Personality Traits & Qualities Good Teachers Have

There’s an infinite number of qualities that schoolteachers can have, but since that’s not possible at once, we have listed the top characteristics that a mentor must work on. No one is born with these qualities as you have to regularly work on these characteristics and show commitment towards yourself if you want to be the best in your profession.

1. Good Teachers Keep Updating Themselves

Do you use the same mobile as ten years ago? No, right? Like we have witnessed a significant change in the world of technology over the decades, it’s the same with the global education system.

A great teacher is a great learner who can learn along with their students. Since we are continually evolving with time, there’s a need for changing methods in the teaching profession that is at par with the current technologies.

A survey from the University of the Phoenix College of Education concluded that classroom tech usage has gone up to 55% since 2016.

Hence, we can safely say that educating yourself with the technology and its utilization in the educational sector will only turn you into an excellent teacher who is up to date with the latest news happenings in the world and new gadgets.

Educators can keep themselves updated with new trends in technologies by:

2. They Take Risks And Explore

Taking risks and coming out of their comfort zone- these two principles set excellent teachers apart from the others. When we talk about taking risks, it means implementing new learning methods so that your students are always captivated.

If you take a moment and think, you’ll realize that students are more attentive when taught with an artistic approach, as it’s easier to remember stories and experiences more than book knowledge.

For example, you are teaching mathematic formulae through a song. Yes, teaching can get boring and monotonous, especially if the approach is rigid and systematic. But, when you do it in your way, it doesn’t only make learning a fun activity, but your students will be curious to know and learn more.

How to make learning fun for your student?

3. They Listen To Your Students

Have you ever observed how a child reacts when you don’t listen to what they have to say? If not, they will likely build a wall around them or become someone challenging to deal with. As a result, it takes a toll on their personality development.

Being attentive and focused on each student individually is what makes a teacher outstanding in their profession. While talking is mostly one way in classroom learning, you can easily connect to students once you start making time for them.

Here are a few tips to effectively listen and communicate with students:

4. Good Teachers Can Handle And Deal Special Kids

An excellent teacher knows how to handle special kids. Students with physical disabilities need more attention, care, and patience as they have difficulty speaking, writing, and listening.

You can work with special schools in your local area. Working together with special schools provides you with insights and ideas to keep in mind while dealing with special kids.

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5. Good Teachers Work As A Team

In the teaching profession, there’s no room for “I,” as it’s your colleagues’ collective efforts that make the school a better place for the students.

Therefore, a great teacher is also an outstanding team player and coordinates and cooperates with others whenever needed.

How to work as a team?

6. Good Teachers Revaluate And Reflect

Being a teacher doesn’t make you any less human. And as humans, it is imperative to do some self-reflection now and then. To be an excellent teacher, you always have to be ready to reflect and evaluate what you do in the class and in your free time.

Usually, it can happen that when a teacher enters the class, they speak while being on autopilot mode until the school bell rings, and then leave. This is a vicious cycle that keeps going on and on until the teacher retires. But does taking such a shortcut help them in any way to improve? No.

Rather than doing that, a good teacher who revaluates and reflects ensures they are doing the following things.

7. Good Teachers Are Firm And Planned

Planning the day makes it easier for a person to stick to their task and not do everything at once. For a teacher, preparation and planning are of utmost importance. At the start of each day, they should make a systematic plan to create a goal they wish to achieve.

Planning to be a good teacher begins with:

If you’re a teacher, ensuring the usage of various teaching aids is a rational way to meet all types of learners’ needs while preparing lessons. Planning helps in visualizing and forecasting the future and stay prepared for various situations.

8. They Practice Self-Care

A teacher dedicates their time mostly looking after their students. They give their all by putting students’ needs as a top priority. And because of this, it gets challenging to take care of themselves because of work, family, and emotional pressure.

Research surrounding the mental health and wellbeing of teachers shows that one in every 20 teachers suffers from mental health issues that last more than a year.

Moreover, continuously speaking loudly in front of a class harms the vocal cord too. This is where a teacher needs to draw a line and give priority to their overall well-being.

Taking care of yourself, stopping yourself from straining out too much, and knowing when to stop- by doing all these, you can become mentally and physically healthy and pay attention to students.

Self-Care Tips For Teachers

9. They Show A Positive & Friendly Attitude

Have you ever noticed that we humans like to surround ourselves with people who exude a positive vibe? And why wouldn’t we? After all, having a positive attitude makes a person feel good about themselves and acts as a motivating tool.

One of the teaching qualities that makes an outstanding teacher is maintaining a positive attitude, whether in the classroom or outside.

A mentor with a positive attitude towards everything always radiates energy to uplift and empower students to perform better academically and in the real world.

To exude good vibes around you, you need to read, write, and speak positive things.

There will be days where students may act undisciplined or when you may feel unable to communicate with them properly. There will be days where you may not feel appreciated for all the things you do. Having a positive attitude will help you sail through such times with ease.

Strategies that promote a positive mindset are:

10. They Find A Good Mentor

Just because you’re a mentor doesn’t mean you don’t need one for yourself. Sometimes, you may not achieve all your goals on your own and may get stuck or feel lost in the process. At such times, it’s best to find a good mentor and seek help from them.

A good mentor can turn an ordinary teacher into an excellent teacher.

Having a mentor means there is someone who will supervise and provide you with suggestions to improve yourself. A mentor can be anyone, be it your principal, a co-teacher, or a senior/retired teacher, but what matters is that he/she should be able to guide you in the right direction.

Mentors can help new teachers in many ways and contribute to their career growth. It’s best to look out for a mentor who has undergone various kinds of experiences in their teaching years.

11. They Have A Sense Of Humor

And now, the last for the best. Imagine if you were to sit in a room with a teacher who has a stern and stoic aura. Yeah, that would be dreadfully boring.

Having a sense of humor is probably one of the outstanding qualities to become an excellent teacher.

John Henrik Clarke says, “A good teacher, like a good entertainer, first must hold his audience’s attention; then he can teach his lesson.”

No matter what subject you teach, your classroom should come to life through your words, actions, and creativity. You can try doing it by teaching topics in the syllabus with a touch of humor and more real-time examples.

Moreover, a classroom with a happy vibe makes students want to be there every time and enjoy study activities. So yeah, maybe crack a good joke to hold their attention while teaching them.

What Are The Common Interview Questions For Teachers?

Now that you know about all the top must-have qualities, you need to put them into action. Did I mention that inculcating these qualities can even help you crack some common interview questions, specifically for teachers?

Keep reading on to know more about some of the basic interview questions you can encounter in the teaching field.

Interview Question: Why do you want to be in the teaching field?

The interviewer might ask you this question to understand how dedicated and committed you are to teach. Every teacher is different, and so is their reason to be in this field. Hence, feel free to give your reasons. But make sure that your answer convinces well enough to the person asking this question.

Interview Question: Why do you think you’re a good fit for this role?

When you answer this question, make sure to reveal your past experiences of being an educator and, if possible, showcase the awards you might have been rewarded for performing as the best teacher in the previous school. Also, do not fret away from telling them the qualities you have as a teacher and how you can help the institution better in their learning process.

Interview Question: What do you think a student looks out for in a teacher?

This is a question that you can be asked as it allows the other person to understand that if you’re aware of a student’s needs. It can be both emotional and academic needs. A straightforward way to answer this question is to explain why specific qualities are essential and benefit students.

For instance, having compassion and empathy as qualities can help you deal with students who do not fit the book definition of “Good Students.”

Concluding Thoughts,

An excellent teacher can be an invaluable possession for their students. But to be that, the teacher will always have to strive to be a better version of themselves. Despite the profession of a teacher looking tedious, they indeed are a gem for their students. And we hope you become a teacher your students talk great things about in the future as a distant memory.

To conclude, in the words of Joyce Meyer, “Teachers can change lives with just the right mix of chalk and challenges.”

How do you handle your class? What are your ways to become a better teacher? Let us know in the comments section. You can stay tuned for our updates by subscribing to us.

Key Takeaways On What Makes A Good Teacher

What is a good teacher like?

A good teacher is empathetic, compassionate, and easily approachable to the students and the people around them. A great teacher always ensures that they are meeting the needs of each student.

What are the personal and professional qualities of a teacher?

These are some of the standard personal and professional qualities of a teacher:

What are some common interview questions for teachers?

You can expect the following questions whenever going for an interview:

What makes an excellent online teacher?

Since Covid-19 has hit the world, schools and other educational institutions have turned to e-learning.

Hence, a good teacher or mentor is familiar with the software and tools required for online learning. In short, she/he should be well versed with the technologies and tools and must show patience towards their students.

Is being a teacher worth it?

Being a teacher is not an easy task as you are taking the responsibility of changing your students’ lives. However, teaching is a profession that allows you to learn new things about yourself, too, along with your students. So, it’s worth it in the end.

What are the signs you should be a teacher?

There can be many signs as different people are in this profession for various reasons. But to sum it in short, if you’re someone who loves children, learning and wants to change the lives of other people, you need to give a shot at it.

10 Qualities of a Good Teacher

A good teacher can make a world of difference in a student’s life, impacting everything from their classroom learning to their long-term success. If you’re considering a career in education – or looking to boost it with a Master of Education (MEd) – it’s important to explore the qualities of a good teacher.

Research from the Economic Policy Institute shows that good teachers are the single most important factor that contributes to student achievement in the classroom, more important than facilities, school resources and even school leadership.

A study from the American Economics Association (AEA) found that improvements in teacher quality positively impact everything from the quality of colleges students attend to students’ future salaries, the quality of their neighborhood and even their future participation rates in 401k savings plans (AEA PDF source).

So, What Makes a Good Teacher?

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) education faculty and university students shared their thoughts on the qualities that make effective teachers stand out.

1. Good Teachers Are Strong Communicators.

When it comes to effective teaching, strong communication skills are a must, said Dr. Daniel Tanguay, senior associate dean of faculty and education programs.

Tanguay got his start as a high school math teacher and said that many students came to his class feeling afraid of math, discouraged by their prior experiences and too overwhelmed to approach the subject positively.

By communicating with students at the beginning of the year about how math applies to their favorite hobbies, sports and future careers, Tanguay said his students were able to approach the subject in a more enjoyable way that better supported their learning.

“I’m a firm believer in communication in all forms,” he said. “As a leader, communication is a tool for overcoming fear.”

2. Good Teachers Listen Well.

Great communication doesn’t stop when the teacher is done talking. Listening well is one of the most important skills needed to be a teacher.

“Teachers that are skilled in listening and observing often pick up on what isn’t being said, such as any anxieties a student may have, and can then help the student build their skills and confidence levels,» said student Kristine Ducote, who is earning her bachelor’s in criminal justice.

Student Latricia Maddox, who is studying for a bachelor’s in business, said that effective listening skills also help a teacher better understand their students and tailor lessons to reach them how they learn best.

“If an educator can truly hear a student, they can learn how to reach them where they are,” she said. “This will open the door for them to receive and learn the lesson that is being taught.”

3. Good Teachers Focus on Collaboration.

Working in education means you’re never truly working alone. From paraprofessionals and teaching assistants to other classroom teachers and school leaders, working as a teacher often means working effectively in a group. It’s also important to keep an open mind and learn from other educators.

The key to success in this kind of environment, Tanguay said, is the ability to collaborate. «You really need to be able to fill various roles in order to collaborate effectively,» he said. «If you already have someone on your team who is going to be the one to critique all of the suggestions made, then you don’t need to join in on that. Instead, maybe you need to be the person who is going to come up with creative ideas. You need to have that flexibility.»

4. Good Teachers Are Adaptable.

Effective teachers need to be able to work in a constantly evolving environment and adjust their teaching methods based on the age of their students, the resources available and changing curriculum, practices and requirements.

As a teacher since the 1980s, SNHU education professor and on campus undergraduate program chairman Dr. Audrey Rogers said she’s seen tremendous changes in the education field throughout her career, particularly with the rise in access to the internet, computers and other technology. What is teaching going to look like in another 30 years? The only thing certain, Rogers said, is change.

“Change is a constant,” she said. “Learning how to adapt and adjust, that’s been one of the skills that’s been most helpful in my career. It’s about keeping my finger on the pulse of who my students are over time and all the trends, standards and new research, and being able to continually improve.”

Adaptability is also one of the key skills needed to be a teacher who may be educating students of varying grade levels or different learning styles, Tanguay said.

“You have to be able to adapt based upon your audience,” he said.

5. Good Teachers Are Engaging.

Being able to engage students with humor, creative lessons and a strong classroom presence is an important part of what makes someone a good teacher, Tanguay said.

“If you were to envision that teacher that you would want in your life, even now, you’re going to want someone who is very engaging in front of the classroom,” he said. “A good teacher will perform for their students to keep them going. It’s not about sitting back and just lecturing, it’s about engaging in the work.”

What an engaging teacher looks like will vary depending on grade level and subject matter, Tanguay said.

In kindergarten, an engaging teacher might be one who gets down on the floor to do activities with their students on their level. In high school, an engaging teacher may be one who thinks outside the box, adds humor to their lessons and finds creative ways to bring learning into the real world.

6. Good Teachers Show Empathy.

Another key to engaging students and improving their learning is to treat each student as an individual, by being empathetic and understanding to what may be going on in their lives, Tanguay said.

“We need to take a moment to think back and think about what could be going on in this student’s life,” he said. “It’s so important to be observant, attentive, empathetic and always have a positive attitude.”

Rhonda Garrison, a student in SNHU’s psychology program, said empathy and understanding from a teacher can not only help that teacher make a connection with a student, it can directly impact a student’s learning in the classroom.

“Something that may be easy for one student may not be so easy for someone else,” she said. “Everyone learns differently, whether it be faster or slower than normal, learns better by writing, reading or hands-on. Teachers need to always keep this in mind and always pay close attention to ensure each student is on the track they need to be.”

7. Good Teachers Have Patience.

No matter what grade level you’re teaching, your patience will be tested while working as an educator.

Whether you’re managing classroom behavior, working with colleagues with different views, or communicating student issues or progress with parents, patience is one of the most important skills to practice as a teacher.

“More often than not you actually have to have more patience with the parents than you do with the students,” Tanguay said. “Parents are coming in with their perceptions of what happened to them when they were students or previous experiences that may have been detrimental to their child. You have to be patient and understanding of them.”

8. Good Teachers Value Real-World Learning.

Teachers who bring their students’ learning into the real world are often some of the most engaging. But it’s important for teachers to bring their own learning into the real world, too.

One of the best preparations for effective teaching is to ensure that education students get plenty of classroom experience early on in their degree programs, Rogers said.

For education majors in SNHU’s on campus program, this preparation includes embedded coursework that begins in a student’s freshmen year. They spend time at a local school once a week to collaborate with teacher partners and apply their learning to the classroom. A year-long student teaching experience is also a powerful way to ensure soon-to-be teachers have the time to hone their teaching skills, Rogers said.

«Our students have that benefit of seeing the practical application (of) what they’re learning in the moment they’re learning it,» she said.

9. Good Teachers Share Best Practices.

A willingness to share knowledge and experiences with others is one of the most important qualities of a good teacher, Rogers said.

Education is a hands-on field and often requires experimentation within the classroom to discover which methods of communicating with students work best. Part of being an effective teacher is sharing your findings and best practices with others in the field, Rogers said.

“I always challenge my students to think, ‘What is your contribution?’” she said. “Are you brave enough to post on Twitter about your ideas on technology integration in the classroom? Your willingness to share your practice, to keep an open door, to be transparent and to be observed are an important part of your teaching.”

10. Good Teachers Are Lifelong Learners.

One of the key skills needed to be a good teacher is a dedication to continued education and a love of learning.

Whether you’re learning more about your subject area, learning new methods of communication or even exploring how to bring more technology into your classroom, continuing to expand your own knowledge is key to expanding that of your students.

“Those dedicated to their subjects with a passion for learning make the best teachers,» said student Jennifer Gardner, who is earning a bachelor’s in mathematics. “They also need to have a desire to pass on that knowledge.”

Ducote said it’s important for teachers to never feel as though they’ve learned it all, and to remain open to new experiences.

“No matter your education level, you can learn something from everyone you encounter, including fellow educators as well as students,” she said. “Being willing to continually add tools to your toolbox – even unconventional ones at times – will keep things new and exciting, as well as giving you excellent skills.”

Learn the Characteristics of Effective Teaching

If you’re interested in starting a career in education, it’s important to first focus on your own learning. Whether you’re seeking a bachelor’s degree in education, an education master’s degree or even a Doctor of Education (EdD), building a strong foundation of knowledge and real-world experiences is key to becoming a good teacher.

No matter where your career path takes you – whether to an elementary school, secondary school or even to the university level – your teaching can have a profound impact on the lives of students, and your education is the foundation for that work.

“Teachers make such a huge impact on their students’ lives,” said student Donna Whisman, who is earning her bachelor’s in communication. “I believe that being a teacher is a very special gift, and those that have that gift make a positive, lasting impression on the lives of their students that can totally change the trajectory of their lives.”

Danielle Gagnon is a freelance writer focused on higher education. Connect with her on LinkedIn.