The Characteristics of a Great Teacher
Whether you've been a fully qualified teacher for over 30 years or are simply starting out in the teaching world, studies have shown that emotional connections and a great personality in the classroom are the most impactful characteristics of a teacher.
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Let's look at some of the other most significant traits of a great teacher.
Positive Attitudes.
A smile and a bit of optimism can go a long way with students. Be sure to praise students when they've done a great job, and instead of criticizing them when they don't do their best, help them to understand where they went wrong, give feedback, and watch them flourish in future assignments. Let's look on the bright side!
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Challenge your students.
Believe in your students by holding high standards. Challenge them and push them to be the best they can be! As teachers, we see how intelligent they really are, and with encouragement, they'll also soon realize their unlimited potential.
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Don’t be afraid to get silly!
We encourage our students to be risk-takers on the daily, but most teachers don't necessarily practice what they preach. Teachers who are willing to try something new and are fearless in the name of looking ridiculous to create lasting memories will foster the respect of their students. And hey, who doesn't want to be a student's favourite, most memorable teacher?
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Creativity
Whatever age you teach, your lessons need to be innovative and creative in order to meet students' needs. They'll undoubtedly enjoy your lessons more if you've been thinking outside the box in your lesson planning. Switch up routines, try something new, and promote creativity in your students also. Remember that students and teachers bounce off each other!
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Communication.
Communication is vital for all successful teachers, whether it be with students, parents, or colleagues. The goal is not just to talk with people but to truly understand them… ask how their day was, and figure out what makes them tick! Body language, eye contact, and active listening are all skills needed to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for your students.
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Empathy.
Empathy is the ability to understand what another person is feeling or experiencing. Linked to communication, it's important not to make assumptions and instead try to understand the root cause of a student performing differently or misbehaving in class. You never know what goes on behind closed doors. Speak to your school's safeguarding lead for more information on this one!
Admit Mistakes.
Cultivate a growth mindset amongst your students by admitting when you make a mistake – it could be as simple as an intentional spelling error on the whiteboard! Be sure to explain that everybody makes mistakes, and that's how we learn. Psychologist Carol Dweck explains that individuals with a growth mindset believe intelligence and creativity are all skills that can be improved with practice! Let's encourage this mindset in our classrooms!
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Adaptability.
Teachers constantly need to be reevaluating their teaching methods and determine which techniques are working for their students and which are not. Teachers should be able to adapt in the moment, as you never know when technology might fail you, and you can't access your PowerPoint or online game!
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Lifelong Learners.
Last but not least, teachers should most certainly be lifelong learners and remain open to new experiences. Best practices are always changing, as is society and students' needs. There is always space for growth, whether it be learning how to be a leader, utilizing more technology in your classroom, or taking an educational course yourself. Continuing to expand your own knowledge is key to expanding that of your students.
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We have no doubt that all our readers are exceptional teachers, and you should all be proud of the impact you're making on students' lives! Teachers really are heroes.