Traits of a good teacher

Let me begin by saying that good teachers will always be needed. No society can progress without good teachers. Learning is an endless experience. Therefore good teachers, whoever they may be, are needed from birth to the grave.

What are the qualities of a good teacher? For a young teacher who has just entered the field, bring to mind two or three of the best teachers that you have had the opportunity to meet during your academic journey. Try to remember what they were like, how they looked, talked and acted, while inside and outside their classrooms. How they made you feel as their student. When you are satisfied that you have a good picture of who these people were, and you feel enthused, or motivated, then chances are that you have chosen the right career.

Generally speaking, good teachers must be first and foremost, a student advocate, inside and outside of the classroom. Good teachers fight for what is right for children. Decisions that good teachers make are based primarily on how that decision will affect their students. This also demonstrates certain unselfishness on the teacher’s part. Kids come first!

Another characteristic of good teachers is their respect for others. They respect their students, and their interactions and approach to class management are exemplary.

They respect the parents and community members, and are always professional in their interactions. They respect their colleagues and staff members, and do not talk about them behind their backs. A good teacher is a person of integrity.

An important characteristic of good teachers is that of being a life-long learner. They are knowledgeable in their profession and in their subject area(s), and continue to grow in that knowledge. Good teachers are well read, and make decisions based on current research regarding best practice.

A good teacher is a good communicator. He or she is someone who not only delivers a message well, but is also an active listener.

Also, good teachers emphasise that students be responsible for their own learning. They challenge their students to think things through. They set goals together with their students, and then act as facilitators to help those students attain those goals. They celebrate successes, and encourage those who need help.

As teachers, we must always be examining ourselves, getting feedback from students, parents, colleagues, and administrators, always remembering that we are mere mortals, and sometimes we need help to find that “good teacher” in ourselves.

COLVIN BLAIZE

colvinb@tstt.net.tt