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What Makes a Great Teacher

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Published: Sep 12, 2023

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Respect for students, creating a sense of community and belonging, providing a welcoming learning environment, commitment to ongoing learning and professional development, adaptability to diverse learners, challenges in teaching, opportunities for growth.

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The 10 Most Important Qualities of a Good Teacher, According to Real Educators

This is what it takes to succeed in this challenging career.

It’s a standard teacher interview question : “What do you think is the most important quality of a good teacher?” While everyone has a different answer, there are some that come up more often than others. We asked a group of experienced educators and administrators to share their thoughts on the key qualities of a good teacher. Here’s what they had to say.

1. Patience

This was far and away the most commonly mentioned characteristic by educators in our survey. “Patience can be used in virtually every situation,” says high school ELA teacher Ann Cox. “If a teacher is able to remain calm, consider others’ point of view, and think through scenarios, they will be able to navigate just about anything that comes their way.”

She continues: “Patience helps teachers not to react in the moment when students are off task, disrespectful, etc. It’s also helpful when dealing with angry parents so you don’t say or do something you might regret later. And patience is definitely needed when sitting through meetings and professional development sessions!”

For ELA teacher Kenly CG, patience means “paying attention to each student’s needs and showing that you care about your students’ learning.” UK special school teacher Sarah Brown also advises “remaining calm, listening and observing students’ needs, repeating instructions, and modelling again when necessary.”

Learn more: 7 Ways To Cultivate Patience at Calm

2. Empathy and Compassion

These two traits were a close second behind patience when we asked about the qualities of a good teacher. “They have to know you care before they can learn from you,” explains middle school teacher Samantha Wheeler. As a special ed teacher from New York notes: “You have to teach the child before you can teach the curriculum.”

“Empathy is a constant exercise in stepping outside of yourself and your perspective to see the children you teach for who they are,” notes Indiana preschool teacher Maile C. Quinton. “Contact talks. Get down on the same level as a child, listen to what they say, and emphasize their shared feelings by validating them. Don’t try to silver lining everything—you can validate a situation, a moment, an emotion without condoning a behavior or a problem. Empathy isn’t sympathy.”

Learn more: Cultivating Empathy at American Psychological Association

3. Flexibility and Adaptability

Being open-minded to change is critical in this field. So many of the educators we surveyed agree with this North Carolina ESL teacher: “There is nothing constant in teaching. Good teachers have to be able to adapt to the changing needs of students, to new administrators, new curricula, new colleagues, and new technology.”

“With so many different needs from students and parents, teachers need to be flexible to accommodate and meet students where they are at,” says elementary school counselor Lisa K, while high school English teacher Nicole P. adds, “There are often times where you need to think on your feet, so being flexible is important to go with the flow in different situations.” ADVERTISEMENT

Elementary special ed teacher Brianna Vuori sums it up like this: “We can only begin to predict what the future will hold and with that what we need to prepare students for, so adaptability is critical to being able to survive and thrive in this ever-changing profession.”

Learn more: Teachers, To Succeed, It’s Important To Be Flexible at EdWeek

Teaching can be a tough gig, and you’ll need to be dedicated and passionate in order to thrive. “Passion is what drives us forward and what sees us through rough times,” emphasizes ELS department head Katerina T. “It is the driving force behind every lesson plan or decision we make and what lies at the foundation of life-changing relationships with our students.”

“Teachers that have passion will always find a way to meet the demands of the job,” says Florida teacher Jamie Cabaniss. “Teachers can lean on their passions when feeling frustrated and burnt out. Passions are what reignite us to get back in the classroom to teach our hearts out.”

Preschool teacher Christina H. couldn’t agree more. “You have to have a love and passion for what you are doing,” she declares. “Teaching isn’t just ‘teaching.’ It is also being a second mom (or dad), a counselor, a referee, a nurse, and so much more. To wear these many hats, you need to love what you are doing. You also need to love your students to help them succeed. Loving them on their best and worst days is what will make you successful.”

Learn more: 5 Ways Educators Can Grow and Sustain a Passion for Teaching at NSHSS

5. Kindness

Over and over again, educators emphasized kindness as one of the most important qualities of a good teacher. “We are in the business of teaching human beings. We must teach them to be good people,” stresses Adam Peterson, Illinois music teacher and tutor.

Tina Jones agrees: “Teachers need to be kind, caring, compassionate and understanding. In our world today, with kids getting so much information and misinformation via social media, children need examples of those qualities more than ever.”

Learn more: The Case for Professional Kindness in Teaching at Teacher magazine

6. Collaboration

“Good teachers need to be able to give ideas, ask for help, share, and communicate with coworkers and families,” advises one Washington second grade teacher. “Be able to take suggestions, offer help, and not take things personally.”

Teachers regularly have to work collaboratively, and not just with their fellow colleagues and administrators. Developing strong, collaborative relationships with parents and families is vital. To succeed in this field, you need to learn to work well as part of a team.

Learn more: The Importance of Teacher Collaboration at American University School of Education

7. Professionalism

It probably feels like professionalism should be a given in any job, but it’s one of the most important qualities of a good teacher because you need to gain and maintain the respect of students, families, and administration. “Some days are going to be frustrating, discouraging, and stressful,” warns an Ohio 7th grade science teacher, “but you need to remain professional by staying calm and encouraging and being a good mentor for your students.”

Learn more: The Five P’s of Professionalism in Teaching at Grand Canyon University

8. Sense of Humor

There’s no doubt about it, teachers do best when they have a sense of humor. “Laughing at yourself is a great relief, and laughing with children builds trust with them,” says Maile C. Quinton. Find ways to bring humor into your classroom, and you’ll find that students relax and learn a little more easily. (Plus, it’s much easier to deal with the small daily annoyances of teaching when you learn to laugh them off!)

Learn more: Engaging Students With Humor at Association for Psychological Science

9. Open-Mindedness

“Be open to learning from more (and even less) experienced teachers, and open to trying out new teaching and classroom management methods,” recommends middle school ELA teacher Abigail Perry.

“We are building relationships with a diverse student population,” notes Cheryl Rizzo, a middle school ELA teacher. “This can be a source of stress or create divide. However, with an open mind, it can create new opportunities or a chance to grow. Teachers are open-minded when they allow students to have a voice and take an active part in their education.”

Part of being open-minded means demonstrating a willingness to grow and a dedication to growth mindset. According to a literacy coach from North Carolina: “This job requires constant reflection, learning, and growth.”

Learn more: How To Be Open-Minded and Why It Matters at Very Well Mind

10. Resilience

Marilyn Weber, a retired principal from Massachusetts, names this as the quality she looked for in a good teacher. “In order to navigate the world of education with all its related constituencies and responsibilities, an educator needs to be knowledgeable, flexible, an impeccable communicator, and should be able to withstand all the highs and lows of what comes their way and needs to be accomplished,” she states. She added that educators must be able to “do so without allowing any of that to shake their confidence and resolve in order to do what’s best for their students.”

That’s a tall order! Fortunately, Andrea Perry, a certified coach for educator well-being, has some advice. “Develop emotional intelligence. It’s critical for keeping our calm and being proactive, not reactive. This supports the teacher not only in serving their students well but also helps them remain joyfully in the profession as well.”

Learn more: How To Be Resilient at Work at Positive Psychology

More Qualities of a Good Teacher To Consider

These qualities of a good teacher didn’t make the top 10, but they’re definitely worthwhile attributes for every educator to cultivate:

• Inclusive mindset: “There is such a huge stigma against disabilities and it is often hushed away, which creates shame. All children are general education first and receive special education services second. Build a classroom community with respect by explaining differences to students and celebrating everyone’s strengths. True inclusivity helps all students grow, not just the students in a special education classroom. True inclusivity should help you as a teacher grow.” —Katie M., Functional Life Skills Teacher
• Love for all children: “A good teacher must truly like kids, even the naughty ones. Too often teachers only seem to like the ‘good’ kids or the ones from ‘good’ families. They attribute the student’s behavior to something personal or bad about them. Instead, those are the kids in whom we need to diligently look for the good.” —Kathryn Roe, retired educator and administrator
• Love of learning
• Problem-solving skills
• Hopefulness
• Imagination
• Reliability
• Knowledge of content and pedagogy
• High expectations

What do you feel are the most important qualities of a good teacher? Come share your thoughts in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, the complete guide to becoming a teacher, from choosing a college to landing a job ..

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Qualities of a Good Teacher: The 14 Qualities That Top Our List

When you think back on your own education, there’s probably a teacher who stands out as an exceptional source of encouragement and inspiration. Maybe it was a college professor who inspired you to change your career field — or, maybe it was a kindergarten teacher whose simple acts of kindness made a positive difference in your childhood. But no matter what grade you were in or what subject you were studying, chances are your favorite teacher possessed many of the skills and characteristics that are featured on this list, which breaks down the qualities of a good teacher in detail.

In This Article:

What makes a good teacher, the top 14 qualities that make a good teacher, a good teacher starts with a solid education, keeping your teaching skills fresh with professional development, 15 soft and hard skills important for teachers to develop, the journey to becoming a good teacher.

Read on as we explore the top character traits and teaching skills that educators need in 2032 and beyond. We’ve also included an overview of the credentials, degrees, and qualifications that are required to become a teacher, both in California and out of state. Whether it’s a skill you need to brush up on, a credential you need to earn, or maybe even a character trait you want to work on developing, this guide offers dozens of ideas for areas where you can start improving as an educator — and start improving your resume at the same time.

Whether they’re teaching advanced calculus or how to count to 10, effective teachers share certain universal traits in common. For example, all great educators have the ability to listen actively — not only to their students, but also to their colleagues, school administrators, and students’ family members. We’ll talk more about active listening and why it matters below, along with several other traits that teachers should try to exemplify.

According to Robert Lee, Ed.D., Dean of the Sanford College of Education , “A good teacher possesses qualities such as strong communication skills, empathy, and a passion for lifelong learning. These attributes not only foster a positive and engaging classroom environment but also enhance student success and inspire a love of learning. Good teachers also possess a deep understanding of their subject matter and can take that knowledge and make it culturally relevant for students as they develop engaging lessons. Good teachers inspire and motivate students to reach their full potential while creating an inclusive learning environment where each student is seen, valued, cared for, and respected.”

While some are less tangible than others — and potentially, more challenging to cultivate — all of them are equally worthwhile for teachers to actively develop and practice. Read on as we break down more than a dozen of the most important traits for educators, including:

• Active listening
• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Focus on growth
• Lifelong learning
• Preparedness

You don’t need to have a specific personality type to be an inspiring and effective teacher. However, there are some useful traits you should work on developing or strengthening if your goal is to be a more engaging and successful educator.

1. Adaptability

Adaptability is a must for teachers, who need to continuously evaluate what’s working for their students — and even more importantly, what isn’t working. Being adaptable and flexible allows you to flow between different theories of learning and modes of teaching — something we’ll discuss momentarily — without becoming immobilized by stress or indecision.

Empathy is the ability to understand what another person is feeling or experiencing — put simply, putting yourself in another person’s shoes. As a teacher, it’s vital to practice empathy instead of making assumptions — for instance, making efforts to understand and address the root issue that’s causing a student to fall behind their peers, perform more poorly than they used to, or lash out in class.

3. Patience

Patience is important both to possess and to model for your students — who, as we discussed in our post on theories of learning, may view you as a role model and emulate your behavior. Having a reserve of patience will make it easier for you to work through each student’s unique struggles and challenges, which may be difficult or slow-going to overcome.

4. Engagement

Students are perceptive from an extremely young age and can easily tell when teachers are bored by or apathetic toward their own material. If you want to generate engagement and enthusiasm in your class, it’s imperative to exemplify those traits yourself, showing your students an infectious passion for learning — and all the exciting discoveries and hobbies that it can unlock for them!

5. Active Listening

Active listening is vital if you want to effectively diagnose and help overcome students’ unique obstacles and challenges. Seek feedback, encourage honesty, provide ways for students to contact you easily, and be attentive whenever you listen, always trying to read between the lines and assess body language while you’re communicating. Learn more about how and why you should improve your active listening skills .

6. Lifelong Learning

The best educators aren’t just interested in teaching — they also have a passion for lifelong learning, which is reflected in their enthusiasm and engagement as instructors. Continued learning and professional development deliver invaluable insight, keeping professionals “sharp” and reminding teachers of the real-world challenges that their students may be facing — creating a pathway for greater empathy. Discover more about the importance of lifelong learning and how different theories of learning could help you teach — or understand — new information.

7. Free of Bias

As an educator, you’ll be responsible for teaching an extraordinarily wide range of students. To combat inequality and discrimination and ensure fairness, you need to assess your students’ needs in a way that is free from bias — something that requires you to continuously check in with your own judgments and assumptions about others.

8. Respectful Attitude

Even in classrooms of adult learners, there’s still an inherent imbalance of power that exists between students and teachers. It’s imperative for educators to be mindful of this imbalance and ensure that students feel respected and heard for the people they are and what they contribute to the classroom.

9. Creativity

Creativity goes hand in hand with adaptability — another key trait we explored on this list. Whether you teach first graders or doctoral students, you’ll need the ability to innovate, think outside the box, and find novel solutions to challenges, which will empower you to meet a wider range of students’ needs. Being creative as an educator will also help you to foster creativity in your students — an essential skill they’ll need for countless career paths.

10. Collaborative

From parent-teacher conferences and department meetings to teaching dozens or hundreds of students every day, education is an intensely collaborative field by nature, involving a constant interplay between students, teachers, administrators, and family members. If your goal is to become an educator or transition into an educational leadership position, you’ll need strong collaborative skills to ensure you can work well with others consistently.

11. Preparation

In line with being flexible and adaptable, it’s important to be prepared for a wide range of scenarios and challenges in the classroom. You can increase your overall level of preparedness as an educator by learning about your students’ strengths and challenges, and ensuring that you consider how each of your students could be affected by your lesson plans.

12. Promote a Growth Mindset

In 2006, psychologist Carol Dweck introduced the concept of “growth mindsets” vs. “fixed mindsets” in her book Mindset: The Psychology of Success. According to Dweck, individuals with a fixed mindset perceive assets like intelligence as being determined early in life, which can cause obstacles or challenges to seem insurmountable or overwhelming. In contrast to a fixed mindset, individuals who have a growth mindset believe that traits like intelligence and creativity can be developed with practice.

13. Meet Students Where They Are

Your students will come to you from different backgrounds, skill sets, and challenges — and you need to be ready to meet them, whichever point they’ve reached in their learning. That means having the ability to accommodate students who learn at different paces, using different styles and methods, within the same classroom or group. This is another area where traits like adaptability, empathy, and patience come into play for educators.

14. Cross-Discipline Teaching

Drawing on multiple subjects and disciplines shows students how businesses operate — and how problem-solving works — in the real world, grounding their learning in practical real-life scenarios.

If you don’t possess all of these traits already, don’t panic — just be mindful that there may be some areas where you could benefit from a little practice. Whether your goal is to tune up weak skills, refine strong ones, or develop new abilities, a degree or credential program provides the perfect opportunity to acquire the qualifications and experience you need to go further in your chosen career path.

Here are just a few of the teaching credentials or degrees that graduate and undergraduate students can pursue at National University. Each option combines rigorous coursework and research with an academic seminar or field experience component, where the student has the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of — and ability to apply — the subject material they’ve covered throughout the program.

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BAECE)

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education at National University is an NCATE-accredited degree program that may be completed online or on-campus. Coursework covers topics such as Early Cognition; Early Language and Literacy; Observing, Assessing, and Planning; Children with Special Needs; Designing Emergent Curriculum; and Nature, Numbers, and Technology. For additional details about the program, explore the BAECE program page or contact our admissions office to request more information.

Master of Arts in Education (MAE)

The Master of Arts in Education , or MAE, is an NCATE-accredited program with the option to conveniently complete coursework online. The MAE is designed for students who want to acquire field experience, conduct original research, and build on their undergraduate degree with a rigorous, high-level study of the historical, philosophical, psychological, and social foundations of today’s education industry. Program coursework includes topics such as Early Childhood Education Learning and Development; Foundations of Adult Learners; Community Development in Higher Education; Media Rich Instruction; Identity, Inclusion, and Equity; and Applied Critical Thinking. To learn more about the online or on-campus MAE program at National University, get in touch with our enrollment counselors today.

Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Teaching Credential

National University offers both Single Subject and Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials , along with a wide variety of additional teaching credentials to help you reach your goals. The credential you need depends on the classes or grade levels you intend to teach and in what state, along with other factors. For example, according to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), you’ll need a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential to become an elementary school teacher, whereas anyone who “want[s] to teach in high school in California must earn a Single Subject Teaching Credential.” Finally, “Individuals who want to teach special education students in California must earn an Education Specialist Instruction Credential,” per CTC guidelines.

According to the online education resource Teaching-Certificate , “Although the…California Commission on Teacher Credentialing used to require 150 hours of professional growth to renew a clear credential, clear credentials may now be renewed without verifying any professional or continuing education requirements.” However, that doesn’t mean educators should overlook opportunities for continued learning. While no longer a CTC requirement, continuing education has several benefits for teachers and school administrators, like increasing your marketability, providing you with professional networking opportunities, and creating a path to learn and practice new skills — while keeping your old ones up-to-date.

Before we look at these skills in closer detail, it’s important to point out that the CTC requirements above are specific to California, and that the continuing education or professional development requirements for educators may differ in your state. For example, the state of Nevada requires educators to complete “15 hours each calendar year of professional development or the equivalent of in-service training.” Be sure to check with the credentialing organization in your state, like California’s Commission on Teaching Credentialing, to ensure you meet the criteria for maintaining and renewing your teaching license.

As an educator, you meet a new group of students every year — and every year, there are new developments around the science and psychology of learning. In short, students’ needs change over time, like the way that social media and mobile devices have become key learning tools among Gen Z students compared to previous generations. The student population is also becoming more diverse , not only in terms of race but also disability, along with international students and online students .

The bottom line for educators? In the face of a changing industry and student population, along with the growing importance of educational technology, teachers need to develop — and maintain — a wide range of skills to keep up. So what are the essential hard and soft skills of a teacher, and what sorts of credentials and qualifications does an educator need to obtain? Here are 15 examples, including seven hard skills and eight soft skills for teachers to master.

• Ability to practice varied teaching modes and methods
• Administrative skills
• Communication
• Classroom management skills
• Computer and technological skills
• Educational degrees and qualifications
• Emotional intelligence
• Leadership skills
• Knowledge of the curriculum
• Problem-solving skills
• Teaching certificates and credentials
• Time management skills
• Writing and grammar skills

8 Important Soft Skills for Teachers

Important soft skills for teachers include time management skills, leadership skills, having a strong work ethic, problem solving abilities, high emotional intelligence, and possessing the knowledge and adaptability needed to employ a variety of teaching modes and methods.

1. Communication — Verbal, nonverbal, and written communication are fundamental for any educator. Not only does clear communication enable you to learn about your students, how they learn, and what challenges or motivates them most — it also empowers you to dialogue with parents and families, share information with your colleagues and administrators more productively, and create a more inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

2. Time Management —You expect your students to complete their assignments on time — so it’s vital that you model the same skills. Effective time management, which you can read tips about here , will help you ensure that tasks like grading papers, composing quizzes, and meeting with students are completed in a timely fashion that aligns with your curriculum and lesson plan calendar.

3. Strong Work Ethic — Teachers can be expected to carry heavy workloads. It’s essential to possess a strong work ethic to help you manage the demands of the role.

4. Problem Solving — From unexpected technical issues to bullying and conflicts between students, teachers are frequently confronted with unplanned situations that need to be resolved so that learning can continue. You’ll need robust problem-solving skills to ensure that you’re prepared to address a wide range of impediments to learning.

5. Leadership — From the renowned scholar leading a master’s-level course, to the kindergarten teacher leading their class together in a singing exercise, teachers are leaders for their students. You’ll need strong leadership skills to keep your students organized, engaged, and on-task while demonstrating respectful attitudes toward their instructors and peers.

6. Variety of Teaching Methods — Teachers need the ability to employ a variety of teaching methods to meet students’ equally varied needs, ranging from teacher-directed (like lectures and worked examples) to student-directed (like collaborative and project-based learning). For example, it’s important to be familiar with traditional methods of learning vs. inquiry-based learning . You can learn more about teaching methods and how to implement them in our guide to theories of learning.

7. Variety of Teaching Modes — Educators should be familiar with — and develop teaching strategies that are adapted to — the various VARK “modalities of learning,” an acronym that refers to “Visual, Aural, Read/write, and Kinesthetic” modes of learning. You can read more about VARK modalities here .

8. Emotional Intelligence — Emotional intelligence is a broad term that describes a person’s ability to understand, analyze, and manage their own emotional responses. Emotional intelligence is critical for teachers, who need to maintain professionalism and demonstrate leadership even when placed under high-pressure, high-stress situations.

7 Important Hard Skills for Teachers

Examples of important hard skills for teachers to develop and hone include computer skills and technological competence, classroom management skills, administrative skills, writing and grammar skills, and thorough knowledge and understanding of the curriculum. Educators also need to obtain the appropriate certificates, credentials, degrees, and additional qualifications, which we’ll discuss briefly below.

1. Computer and Technology Skills — Computers and other technology play increasing roles in education, a topic we explored in our article on educational technology . Technological proficiency is vital for teachers in any subject, especially if you plan on teaching online or media-rich courses.

2. Classroom Management — Conveying information is only part of your job as an educator. You’re also responsible for managing your classroom and student behavior, particularly for educators who teach younger children. Classroom management skills are essential for maintaining an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment that supports learning for all of your students.

3. Administrative Skills — Administrative skills include skills such as strategic thinking, strong organization and time management, and the ability to lead effectively while communicating clearly. These types of skills are useful for both school administrators and educators, with several (like time management) receiving their own places on this list!

4. Writing and Grammar Skills — It isn’t just English or creative writing teachers who need a firm grasp of grammar and spelling. You’ll need strong writing skills for routine tasks like emailing parents and administrators, correcting students’ assignments, sharing demonstrations on the board, and possibly even requesting grants or other funding.

5. Certificates and Credentials — In addition to earning your degree, you’ll also need to earn certain certificates and credentials depending on factors like where and what you’d like to teach. For example, to quote the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), “Individuals who want to teach in high school in California must earn a Single Subject Teaching Credential .” For more detailed information on that subject, we recommend exploring our overview of multiple and single subject teacher education credentials available at National University.

6. Qualifications and Degrees — Most teaching positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, with certain types of teaching positions or academic employers requiring a master’s or even doctoral degree. National University offers a range of accredited online and on-campus degree programs in education to help prepare you for a career in teaching or school administration, like preparing you for professional exam requirements. Learn more about the process of becoming a teacher, or explore the state’s requirements for becoming a teacher in California.

7. Curricular Knowledge — It’s essential to have extensive and in-depth knowledge of your curriculum so that you can lead meaningful discussions and help your students connect larger ideas together. For example, you’ll need to be fluent in any foreign language that you intend to teach.

These are just a few of the many examples of good teacher qualities and skills to possess — no matter what subject you teach or at what grade level. Discover more about what it takes to become an educator by applying to a credential or degree program at National University today.

Teaching begins with learning. Do both at the same time by earning your teaching degree or credential from National University. Through the Sanford College of Education, we offer a wide range of teacher credentials, associate’s degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and master’s degree programs — all with regional accreditation, financial aid options for students, and the ability to complete coursework partially or 100% online.

Follow your passion while making an impact on young (or not-so-young) minds. Talk to our admissions counselors about applying to National University and enrolling in our BAECE, MAE, or other teaching credentials and degree programs.

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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)

• Our Mission

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.

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.

This piece was originally submitted to our community forums by a reader. Due to audience interest, we’ve preserved it. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own.

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!

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• Qualities Of A Good Teacher Essay

Qualities of a Good Teacher Essay

500+ words qualities of a good teacher essay.

Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the minds of children and, in turn, the quality of education. Teachers are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the subject, establish a positive relationship with students and create an effective learning environment for students to get enriched learning experiences. Their duties also involve conducting an assessment of students, working closely with other teachers to deliver the best knowledge and inculcate values in them. Teachers build a base and strengthen the foundation of their students. With the help of the qualities of a good teacher essay, students will get to know the qualities that teachers have and the role they play in shaping the career of the students. To practise more essays, students can check out the list of CBSE Essays on different topics.

A teacher is an important person in a student’s life. The teacher shapes the student in a similar way as a pot maker shapes the mud pot and makes it perfect for use. Moreover, teachers are an integral part of the education system. They play multiple roles in which they do their duties with full responsibilities. These include facilitating learning material for students, creating a conducive learning environment, designing and preparing lessons, engaging students with the community by performing different activities, and contributing to schools’ development. If they are left with the time, they engage themselves to boost their teaching skills through workshops and training sessions. These activities also make teachers motivated, highly skilled, and well-resourced to perform to the best of their abilities.

One of the important roles of a teacher is to facilitate students’ learning and support them in achieving their learning outcomes. As teachers, many times, they might get puzzled by the fact that, despite putting in the best effort, the students are not performing to the best of their potential. Self-reflection and introspection of teacher’s practices, inside and outside the classroom, will help one understand some of the aspects that require further modification and improvement. The teacher may be already practising some of the innovative pedagogical approaches in the classroom that might be very effective for enriching the teaching-learning process.

The self-assessment of the teachers is also crucial. It helps in the professional growth of teachers as well as serves as a guide to improve their teaching methodology. The role that a teacher expects includes designing the activities for the classroom, resources, learning outcomes, pedagogical strategies and assessment procedures to meet the needs of all students. The teacher helps them understand the subject content and course curriculum and provides relevant learning material for students.

Teachers collaborate with parents, students and communities to develop a positive school environment for students that enhances their physical and mental growth. The teacher engages students in classroom studies in an interactive and innovative way. It results in enhanced student learning and growth. Moreover, teachers also take the initiative by contributing to various activities, which lead to the schools’ and students’ development.

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Essay on What Makes A Good Teacher

Students are often asked to write an essay on What Makes 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 What Makes A Good Teacher

A good teacher must have patience. Teaching different students who learn at their own pace requires the ability to wait calmly. When a teacher is patient, students feel more comfortable asking questions and making mistakes, which is a big part of learning.

A teacher needs to know their subject well. This doesn’t just mean knowing a lot of facts. It means understanding the subject deeply enough to explain it in simple ways. When a teacher knows their subject, they can make learning exciting and meaningful.

Kindness is key in teaching. A kind teacher creates a welcoming environment for students. This encourages students to try their best and not be afraid of failure. A kind teacher supports students and helps them grow with encouragement.

Communication

Being able to share ideas clearly is important for a teacher. They need to explain lessons in ways that all students can understand. Good communication also means listening to students and understanding their needs. This helps in solving problems and making learning effective.

250 Words Essay on What Makes A Good Teacher

Qualities of a good teacher.

A good teacher is one who is passionate about teaching and is dedicated to helping students learn. They are patient, understanding, and encouraging, and they make learning fun and engaging. Good teachers are also well-prepared and organized, and they are able to clearly explain complex concepts in a way that students can understand.

Characteristics of a Good Teacher

There are many qualities that make a good teacher, but some of the most important include:

The Impact of Good Teachers

Good teachers have a positive impact on the lives of their students. They help students to develop a love of learning, and they prepare them for success in college, career, and life. Good teachers also make a difference in the community, as they help to create a more informed and engaged citizenry.

In conclusion, good teachers are essential to the success of students and society. They are passionate about teaching, patient, understanding, and encouraging. They are also well-prepared and organized, and they are able to clearly explain complex concepts in a way that students can understand. Good teachers have a positive impact on the lives of their students and make a difference in the community.

500 Words Essay on What Makes A Good Teacher

Understanding the role of a teacher.

A teacher is someone who helps students learn and grow. They play a vital role in shaping the minds of young people and preparing them for the future. Good teachers are passionate about their subjects and are always looking for new ways to make learning fun and engaging. They are patient, understanding, and supportive, and they always put the needs of their students first.

Passion for Learning:

Good teachers love to learn and are always eager to share their knowledge with others. They are excited about their subjects and are able to convey that excitement to their students.

Excellent Communication Skills:

Good teachers are able to communicate effectively with students of all ages and backgrounds. They are able to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise way, and they are able to listen to and understand the needs of their students.

Patience and Understanding:

Enthusiasm and positivity:, creating a positive learning environment.

A positive learning environment is one where students feel safe, respected, and challenged. Good teachers create this type of environment by:

Setting Clear Expectations:

Providing support:, encouraging respect:.

Good teachers encourage respect among their students. They teach students to respect each other and to respect their teachers. They also model respectful behavior themselves.

Making Learning Fun:

Good teachers make learning fun. They use a variety of teaching methods and activities to keep students engaged. They also find ways to make learning relevant to students’ lives.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Happy studying!

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10 Essential Qualities of a Good Teacher

Teaching, often considered both an art and a science, is a profession that demands a blend of knowledge, skills, and personal attributes. So, what makes a good teacher? The skills and attributes of an outstanding teacher are multifaceted, ranging from deep subject knowledge to the ability to inspire and motivate students. This article delves into ten essential qualities that define excellent teaching, each playing a pivotal role in creating a rich, productive, and memorable learning experience for students.

Communication Skills: The Most Important Quality of a Good Teacher

At the heart of effective teaching lies communication. An excellent teacher is, first and foremost, a superb communicator, capable of conveying complex ideas in a manner that students can comprehend. They adeptly use verbal and non-verbal cues, written instructions, and digital platforms to ensure their message is clear, concise, and relatable. Whether elucidating the nuances of a Shakespearean sonnet or the principles of quantum physics, good teachers make learning accessible and engaging. They also understand that communication is a two-way street, encouraging students to express their thoughts and questions.

The Impact of a Teacher's Attitude on the Learning Environment

A teacher's attitude can significantly influence the learning environment. A friendly, positive attitude can inspire students, foster a sense of trust, and create a welcoming classroom atmosphere. Teachers who approach their work with enthusiasm and a smile encourage students to engage with the material, ask questions, and participate in class discussions. On the other hand, a negative attitude can hinder learning, creating barriers between the teacher and the students. Therefore, a positive demeanor is not just a desirable quality but a necessary one.

Why is Patience a Crucial Quality for a Teacher?

Patience is a virtue, especially in teaching. Teachers encounter a diverse range of students, each with their unique strengths, weaknesses, and learning pace. Patience allows teachers to accommodate these differences, ensuring that no student is left behind. It also enables teachers to manage classroom disruptions calmly and effectively, maintaining a positive learning environment even in challenging situations. Patience also extends to understanding that learning is a process, and progress might be slow but is significant nonetheless.

Listening Skills

Listening is as crucial as speaking in teaching. Good teachers are active listeners, paying close attention to their students' words, emotions, and body language. However, they also recognize and overcome listening barriers such as distractions, preconceptions, or emotional reactions that can prevent them from fully understanding their students. They listen to understand, not merely to respond. This understanding enables them to address students' concerns, answer their questions, and adapt their teaching methods to cater to students' individual learning styles. By doing so, they foster an environment where students feel heard and valued, promoting better engagement and learning outcomes.

The Role of a Strong Work Ethic in Teaching

A strong work ethic forms the backbone of successful teaching. It's more than just showing up and going through the motions. It's about preparation, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Teachers with a strong work ethic set high standards for themselves and their students. They're always looking for ways to improve their teaching methods, to make their lessons more engaging, and to ensure their students are learning effectively. They understand that teaching is not a 9-to-5 job but a commitment that often extends beyond the classroom and school hours.

Organizational Skills

Teaching is a juggling act, and organization is the key to keeping all those balls in the air. Good teachers are masters of time management, lesson planning, and resource allocation. They keep their classrooms tidy, their lessons structured, and their schedules efficient. This organization enables them to maximize learning time, reduce stress, and ensure that every student gets the attention they need. Without proper organization, even the best-planned lessons can fall apart, leading to ineffective teaching and learning.

Preparation

Preparation is the secret weapon of successful teachers. They spend hours planning lessons, grading assignments, and researching new teaching methods. They know their curriculum inside out and are always ready to answer questions or explain concepts in different ways. Preparation allows teachers to manage their time effectively, set clear expectations, and adapt to unexpected situations. It's the behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed but is crucial to effective teaching.

Discipline Skills

Discipline is essential for maintaining a positive learning environment. Good teachers set clear rules and expectations, consistently enforcing them with fairness and respect. They promote positive behaviors, discourage disruptive ones, and ensure that every student feels safe and respected in the classroom. They understand that discipline is not about punishment but about teaching students self-control, responsibility, and respect for rules.

Student-Friendly Teaching Environment

A student-friendly environment is one that encourages learning, curiosity, and participation. It's a space where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and expressing their ideas. Good teachers create such environments by being approachable, respectful, and supportive. They recognize that personal issues and negative emotions can hinder learning, and they strive to make their classrooms a sanctuary where students can focus on learning.

How Does Respect Factor into the Qualities of a Good Teacher?

Respect is a two-way street in teaching. Good teachers respect their students as individuals, acknowledging their unique perspectives, experiences, and aspirations. They treat students with kindness and fairness, never resorting to ridicule or humiliation. In return, they earn their students' respect, creating a positive teacher-student relationship that enhances learning and cooperation.

Being a good teacher is about more than just knowledge and skills. It's about attitude, patience, communication, and respect. It's about creating a positive learning environment where students feel valued, motivated, and engaged. These ten qualities of a good teacher are not exhaustive, but they offer a solid foundation for effective teaching. By embodying these qualities, teachers can make a lasting impact on their students' lives, inspiring them to learn, grow, and succeed.

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Essay on Teacher for Students and Children

500+ words essay on teacher.

Teachers are a special blessing from God to us. They are the ones who build a good nation and make the world a better place. A teacher teaches us the importance of a pen over that of a sword. They are much esteemed in society as they elevate the living standards of people. They are like the building blocks of society who educate people and make them better human beings .

Moreover, teachers have a great impact on society and their student’s life. They also great importance in a parent’s life as parents expect a lot from teachers for their kids. However, like in every profession, there are both good and bad teachers. While there aren’t that many bad teachers, still the number is significant. A good teacher possesses qualities which a bad teacher does not. After identifying the qualities of a good teacher we can work to improve the teaching scenario.

A Good Teacher

A good teacher is not that hard to find, but you must know where to look. The good teachers are well-prepared in advance for their education goals. They prepare their plan of action every day to ensure maximum productivity. Teachers have a lot of knowledge about everything, specifically in the subject they specialize in. A good teacher expands their knowledge continues to provide good answers to their students.

Similarly, a good teacher is like a friend that helps us in all our troubles. A good teacher creates their individual learning process which is unique and not mainstream. This makes the students learn the subject in a better manner. In other words, a good teacher ensures their students are learning efficiently and scoring good marks.

Most importantly, a good teacher is one who does not merely focus on our academic performance but our overall development. Only then can a student truly grow. Thus, good teachers will understand their student’s problems and try to deal with them correctly. They make the student feel like they always have someone to talk to if they can’t do it at home or with their friends.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Impact of Teachers on a Student’s Life

Growing up, our parents and teachers are the first ones to impact our lives significantly. In fact, in the younger years, students have complete faith in their teachers and they listen to their teachers more than their parents. This shows the significance and impact of a teacher .

When we become older and enter college, teachers become our friends. Some even become our role models. They inspire us to do great things in life. We learn how to be selfless by teachers. Teachers unknowingly also teach very important lessons to a student.

For instance, when a student gets hurt in school, the teacher rushes them to the infirmary for first aid. This makes a student feel secure and that they know a teacher plays the role of a parent in school.

In other words, a teacher does not merely stick to the role of a teacher. They adapt into various roles as and when the need arises. They become our friends when we are sad, they care for us like our parents when we are hurt. Thus, we see how great a teacher impacts a student’s life and shapes it.

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Example Of Essay On Qualities Of A Good Teacher

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Education , Teaching , Society , Students , Goals , Character , Knowledge , Success

Published: 12/03/2019

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In the society today education is the important thing in one’s life. The kind of learning and teaching one receives depends tremendously on the type of teacher as well as the capability of the student. Additionally, teachers and students come in different types, others are good while others are a bad. The qualities of a good teacher and student are analyzed through values, character traits and behaviors, leaning and teaching style as well as goals. Good student and teacher should posses certain qualities. Undeniably, knowledge is one the character trait that a good teacher should have. Additionally, to his/her professional knowledge, good teacher should diversify her/his capability in different fields such as humanity, society, culture, and politics, so as to provide students with varied information. Good teacher should be passionate to both the subject and the students. The lessons carried out by good teachers are always entertaining and enjoyable. A good teacher always has numerous teaching styles depending on the situation. These teaching styles include delegator, facilitator, formal authority, and demonstrator. Another quality that a good teacher should have is love, devotion, and care for his/her students. In most cases students demonstrate immaturity, a good teacher should be able to handle students affectionately and gentle. He/she should be an excellent manager. Certainly, some of the characteristics of a good teacher include accessible, interesting, patient, approachable, undersdanding, fair, concern and respectful. Good teachers set their goals based on different areas; personal goals, lesson improvement goals as well as organizational goals. Some personal goals of a good teacher include being physically and emotionally equipped to handle the challenges of his/her work. Furthermore, a good teacher goal will be to improve professional relationship. On the other hand organizational goals of a good teacher are to be organized in classroom. Above all the goals of a good teacher are always directed towards the success of the student both academically and socially. All these goals become a pillar to an all rounded teacher. In reality it is difficult to find ideal good teacher. Many teachers have some qualities of good teacher but due to humanistic nature they fail in some occasions. Hence effective teaching goes beyond the teaching of the subject matter. Good teachers always share common characteristic of strong dedication to continual improvement, humility, care, and parenting, based on essential enthusiasm to inspire students to learn and be successful. The success of a good teacher depends on the qualities of a student.

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12 Best Qualities of a Good Teacher

1. Empathy and Compassion

2. strong communication skills, 3. patience, 4. adaptability, 5. deep knowledge and passion for the subject matter, 6. innovative thinking, 7. commitment to lifelong learning, 8. classroom management skills, 9. cultural competency, 10. feedback and assessment skills.

What makes an exceptional teacher? Is it the depth of their knowledge, or perhaps something more? In today’s dynamic educational landscape, the qualities of a good teacher extend far beyond traditional teaching metrics. They involve empathy, adaptability, and a passion for fostering inclusive environments where every student feels valued.

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Today, being a great teacher isn’t just about knowing your subject inside out. It’s about connecting with your students, embracing technology, and being adaptable. This blog aims to uncover what makes a truly good teacher. We’ll explore the must-have qualities, the soft skills that make a difference, and the hard skills essential in today’s classrooms.

So, let’s dive into what it takes to not just teach but to leave a mark on the future.

One of the most vital teacher qualities is the ability to understand and connect with students on a personal level. Empathy and compassion involve recognizing each student’s unique challenges and needs, whether they’re struggling academically, socially, or personally. A teacher can demonstrate this by listening to students’ concerns, offering support, and adapting lessons to include diverse perspectives. 

For example, a teacher might notice a student’s interest in a particular topic and incorporate it into the curriculum, making learning more relevant and engaging for that individual.

Effective teaching is rooted in clear and concise communication. This good teacher trait is about more than just delivering content; it’s about engaging students in a way that makes the material understandable and exciting. Strong communication also means explaining complex concepts in simple terms and using various methods, such as visual aids or interactive activities, to reinforce learning. 

An example of this in action is when a teacher uses storytelling to bring historical events to life, making it easier for students to remember and relate to the information.

Patience is a cornerstone among the qualities of a good teacher. It’s the ability to remain calm and composed, even when faced with classroom challenges or endless questions from curious minds. This quality is crucial for creating a learning environment where students feel valued and heard. 

A patient teacher might take extra time to explain a difficult math problem to a student, ensuring they understand the concept before moving on, or might calmly manage disruptions, keeping the class focused and productive.

The educational landscape is constantly changing, and adaptability is key to keeping up. This quality allows teachers to modify their teaching strategies to suit new technologies, curriculum changes, and the diverse learning styles of their students. 

For instance, an adaptable teacher might shift to online teaching tools if they notice students are more engaged with digital content or incorporate current events into lessons to make learning more relevant and immediate. This flexibility keeps lessons fresh and demonstrates a commitment to meeting students where they are.

A fundamental trait among the qualities a teacher should have is a thorough understanding of their subject combined with a genuine passion for it. This combination is infectious, inspiring students to develop a love for learning . When a teacher is excited about their teaching topics, this enthusiasm translates into more engaging and dynamic lessons. 

For example, a history teacher passionate about their subject might dress up as historical figures or use artifacts to bring history to life, thereby sparking students’ interest in learning more about the past.

In today’s fast-paced world, teachers must have the ability to think outside the box. Innovative thinking involves developing creative teaching strategies that make learning more interactive and fun. This could mean incorporating games, technology, or project-based learning to cater to different learning styles and keep students engaged. 

A teacher might use apps to create interactive quizzes instead of traditional paper-and-pencil tests, making assessments more enjoyable and less intimidating for students.

The best teachers view education as a continuous journey. A quality of a good teacher is being committed to lifelong learning, which means staying abreast of the latest educational trends, research, and technologies. This commitment ensures that their teaching methods remain relevant and effective. 

Teachers can model the love of learning to their students by attending workshops, enrolling in professional development courses, or simply reading up on new teaching strategies.

Effective classroom management is essential for creating an environment where all students can learn and thrive. This involves establishing clear classroom rules , setting expectations, and fostering a sense of respect and cooperation among students. Teaching qualities like patience, consistency, and fairness play a significant role in successful classroom management. 

An example of good classroom management is when a teacher uses positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior, helping students understand the value of respect and collaboration.

In an increasingly diverse world, cultural competency is a critical quality of a good teacher. It’s about creating an inclusive classroom environment that respects and celebrates differences among students. This quality enables teachers to effectively communicate and connect with students from various backgrounds, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. 

Incorporating multicultural literature, celebrating different cultural holidays, and encouraging students to share their own experiences are ways to foster an inclusive learning environment.

A critical aspect of good teaching skills is the ability to provide feedback and assess student work in a way that promotes growth and improvement. Constructive feedback helps students understand their strengths and areas for development, guiding them toward achieving their goals . 

For instance, a teacher might use the “sandwich” method—starting with a positive note, followed by constructive criticism, and ending with encouragement—to ensure that feedback is received in a supportive manner. This approach helps students improve and keeps them motivated to learn.

11. Professionalism

Professionalism encompasses a range of behaviors and attitudes, including adhering to ethical standards, maintaining a positive demeanor, and showing respect to students, colleagues, and parents. One of the best teacher qualities is being a role model for students, demonstrating integrity, reliability, and respect in every interaction. 

For example, a teacher might handle a challenging situation with a student privately instead of in front of the class, showing respect for the student’s dignity while addressing the issue.

12. Motivational Skills

The ability to motivate students is among the most impactful characteristics of a good teacher. It involves encouraging students to set high expectations for themselves and supporting them as they work to achieve their full potential. 

A motivational teacher inspires students through positive reinforcement, celebrating their achievements, no matter how small. They might also set challenging yet achievable goals for the class, helping students see the value of hard work and perseverance.

10 Important Soft and Hard Skills Every Teacher Must Have

5 soft skills for teachers.

1. ​​Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is crucial for managing one’s emotions and understanding those of others, which in turn helps build strong relationships within the classroom and beyond. 

Teachers with high emotional intelligence can recognize their students’ emotional and psychological needs, offering support and empathy. This skill allows educators to create a safe and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and understood.

2. Active Listening

Active listening involves fully concentrating on what is being said, understanding the message, responding thoughtfully, and remembering key points. This skill is vital for teachers as it helps them better understand their students’ perspectives, doubts, and queries, making them feel heard and respected. 

By practicing active listening, teachers can provide more personalized support and foster a more engaging learning experience.

3. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking enables teachers to evaluate information objectively and make reasoned judgments. This skill is important for their decision-making and as a model for students. Teachers can encourage students to question assumptions, consider multiple perspectives, and develop their problem-solving skills by demonstrating critical thinking. 

4. Collaboration

The ability to work effectively with colleagues, parents, and the community is indispensable. Collaboration enhances the learning environment by pooling diverse ideas and resources. Teachers who excel in collaboration can more effectively advocate for their students’ needs, develop innovative educational programs, and foster a sense of community within the classroom. 

5. Creativity

Creativity is the ability to generate innovative ideas for teaching and problem-solving. Creative teachers can adapt their teaching methods to suit the varied learning styles of their students, making learning more accessible and enjoyable. 

5 Hard Skills Every Teacher Must Have

1. Curriculum Development

The ability to design effective lesson plans and course materials is crucial for tailoring education to meet the needs of all students. Curriculum development involves structuring educational content that is both comprehensive and engaging, ensuring that lessons align with educational standards and objectives. 

An adept teacher crafts these plans to cover the required syllabus and incorporate elements stimulating students’ curiosity and encouraging deeper understanding.

2. Educational Technology Proficiency

In today’s digital age, proficiency with educational technology is indispensable. This skill enables teachers to leverage digital tools and platforms to enhance the learning experience, making it more interactive and accessible. Whether it’s using online resources for collaborative projects or incorporating multimedia elements into presentations, technology proficiency allows for more dynamic and effective teaching methods.

3. Data Literacy

In education, data literacy refers to the ability to gather, interpret, and use educational data effectively. This skill is crucial for analyzing student performance data, understanding assessment results, and applying this information to refine teaching strategies and improve student outcomes. 

A prime example of how data literacy can be applied in a practical educational setting is using SplashLearn . 

• SplashLearn is an interactive learning platform that provides real-time data on student performance across various subjects. 
• By engaging with SplashLearn, teachers can track individual and class progress in a detailed and accessible manner. 
• SplashLearn’s analytics allow educators to pinpoint specific areas where students may be struggling, facilitating the development of targeted instructional strategies to address these learning gaps .

4. Assessment and Evaluation

Developing and implementing various assessment methods are key to monitoring and supporting student progress. This involves traditional testing and alternative evaluation forms, such as portfolios, presentations, and peer reviews, which can provide a more comprehensive view of student learning. 

Effective teachers use these tools to identify strengths and areas for improvement, guiding their instructional decisions and providing targeted support where needed.

5. Project-Based Learning 

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects. Developing skills in designing and implementing PBL requires teachers to create projects that are complex, require critical thinking, and collaboration, and draw on multiple areas of knowledge. Teachers learn to guide students through extended projects that offer deep engagement with subjects and build a wide range of useful skills.

The journey to embody the qualities of a good teacher involves a continuous commitment to developing soft and hard skills. By nurturing these essential attributes, educators can create a learning environment that is informative, and engaging but also supportive, and inclusive for all students.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a teacher.

A teacher’s strengths often include strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of their subject matter. Weaknesses might involve challenges with technology integration, difficulties in classroom management, or the need for further development in assessment strategies.

What makes you stand out from other teachers?

What makes a teacher stand out is their unique approach to engaging students, their innovative use of technology and teaching methods, and their commitment to personal and professional growth. A standout teacher continuously seeks ways to improve and adapt, making learning a memorable and impactful experience for their students.

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Characteristics of an Effective Teacher Essay

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Introduction

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Following the current technological advancement in technology and modernization, the demand for education has been revealed to rise sharply among the various age groups in contemporary society. On this basis, therefore, the quality of teachers entrusted with the task of teaching the current technologically oriented society should be credited to a big extent. As it has been revealed, many teachers fail to affect many educational programs among the learners as a result of poor training grounds for them thus making them lack various crucial characteristics that teachers should have. This paper presents a critical overview of characteristics that the current teachers should have to be effective in their teaching (Dube & Sibusiso, 1997).

Perhaps, an effective teacher should be able to motivate and encourage his/her learners as well as counsel them in various aspects. As a matter of fact, learners ought to be motivated and encouraged so as to develop morale in the curriculum. More so, an effective teacher should be able to impart subject contents well so that, the learners may be in a position to understand the concepts intended well. In this respect, therefore, teachers ought to prepare for any lesson they have to teach so that, they can deliver the best content to the learners (Highet, 1979).

Certainly, an effective teacher should be able to use pertinent graphics and teaching aids in their teaching process. By so doing, the teacher would be enhancing the understanding of the subject matter more deeply; thus making it retain for long in learners’ minds. It should also be noted that an effective teacher should accept advice from other people which enables him/her to improve in one aspect or another. It is of crucial significance to note that, teachers should uphold a favorable learning environment for his/her learners. By so doing the teacher would be enhancing better and efficient learning among the learners (Highet, 1979).

Further, an effective teacher should be ‘learner centered’ in which all the activities involved in the teaching session should be meant to benefit the learner. In this respect, therefore, the teacher should be able to communicate effectively with his/her learners so as to ensure coherence and harmony throughout his/her teaching session. More specifically, the teacher should develop positive relationships with his/her learners; which would motivate and encourage his/her learners to enhance more learning (Highet, 1979).

It is important to note that, an effect should be able to treat his/her learners equally regarding them with a sense of respect. By treating all the learners equally, the teacher would be encouraging the instilling of social norms among his/her learners which would further enhance better classroom learning. Employing practical information among the learners would be necessary for an effective teacher. It is thus important that a classroom teacher should employ practical knowledge among his/her learners which would further prepare them for their future careers. Generalized, a classroom teacher should be well organized and capable of maintaining and instilling discipline among his/her learners (Dube & Sibusiso, 1997).

As it has been revealed, classroom teachers should acquire various useful characteristics which would enhance efficiency in their teaching. By acquiring these characteristics, a teacher ensures his efficiency and effectiveness in producing positively oriented graduates into the society to engage in various production activities. It thus leaves no doubt that; teachers ought to incorporate their humanitarianism with professionalism, so as to be effective in their teachings; which would further enhance better learning among the learners.

Dube, M. & Sibusiso M. (1997). Characteristics of an Effective Teacher. In Adult Education and Development Vol. 48(2) pg 13-29.

Highet, G. (1979). The Art of Teaching . London: Methuen & Co. Ltd.

• Self-Management for Enhancing Teaching and Learning
• Effective Teachers' Skills and Qualities
• Ophthalmic Drops & Ointments and Age Considerations
• Classroom Reorganization for Enhancing Learning
• How to Motivate and Reward Teachers
• Role, Responsibilities and Boundaries of a Teacher in Terms of Teaching Cycle
• Team Collaboration Between Teachers in Schools
• Why I Enjoyed a Particular Teacher
• Three Basic Ethical Considerations in Educational Practice
• Why Professionalism Is Important for Teachers
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Introduction

The foundation of knowledge, adept teaching skills.

Effective Communication and Encouragement

Conclusion: the heart of teaching.

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Essay on teacher: qualities, roles and responsibilities.

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Read this article to learn about the qualities, roles and responsibilities of teacher in a school.

Qualities of a Good Teacher in School:

The teacher plays an important role in school. He is not simply to impart knowledge but also mould the habits, traits and character of pupils. He is to achieve educational objectives through the curriculum of the school.

In order to discharge his duties effectively he must possess certain qualities and qualifications which may be described as under:

1. General Academic Background:

The teacher is required to answer questions which require fair command of subject. He should have sufficient knowledge so far as the pupils are concerned. That is why minimum qualifications are laid down for the appointment of teachers in schools. For primary school, the teachers should be at least matriculate. For middle schools, the teacher should be at least graduate. For high schools, the teacher should be an M.A. In addition to knowledge of his subject, he should have sufficient general knowledge. For this he should have literary tastes. He must be a well read person.

2. Professional Efficiency:

Knowledge of the subject matter is not sufficient to be a good teacher. A first rate scholar may be a poor teacher. He must have some pre-service training, so that he is conversant with things and outcomes of teaching. While in service, he should attend short-term refresher courses, workshops, seminars and educational conferences so that he goes on adding to this professional efficiency. The teacher should have a sense of dedication to the teaching profession. He should be dedicated to teaching and teach enthusiastically. Teacher’s enthusiasm, professional insight and sense of dedication are his valuable assets.

3. Personality Traits:

Teacher’s personality traits have deep impact on the pupils.

The following traits in the teacher are worth mentioning here:

(1) Love for children:

The teacher must love his pupils. He must understand them individually and try to help them in overcoming their difficulties. His attitude should be sympathetic and friendly.

(2) A man of character:

The teacher should have high moral character. He should have sound principle of life as his ideas and conduct will affect the children profoundly.

(3) Emotionally Stable:

The teacher must be emotionally stable. He must be free from complexes, worries and frustration. An emotionally unstable teacher cannot do justice to his work.

(4) Good expression:

The teacher must be able to express his thoughts clearly His oral and written expression must be good. He has to write reports and so many other things. His speech, pronunciation and voice must also be impressive.

(5) Sense of Humour:

In the school, the teacher should have smiling face and a cheerful look while teaching. His sense of humour will help him to overcome very serious situations, which can be sometimes laughed away.

(6) Social Traits:

The teacher should be sociable in nature. He must maintain good relations with his colleagues, pupils and their parents and general public. He must be mixing with people. Only then he will be able to develop social virtues in students.

(7) Leadership quality:

The teacher should be able to provide effective leadership to the children who are immature and need guidance in matters of study, activities and other courses etc.

Role of the Teacher:

Teaching is a complicated job. It is not mere communication of knowledge to the student. Even knowledge cannot be handed over to students like currency. The teacher has to attend to a number of factors while working in the school.

Some of his functions may be discussed as under :

1. Role in Teaching:

Teaching is the first and foremost duty of the teacher. The teacher should prepare his lessons regularly. He must motivate the pupils and use methods and techniques of teaching suitable for particular group of students. He must always try to improve his teaching skills. He should give regular home work and check it regularly. Activities on the part of pupils should be properly stimulated and directed.

2. Role in Planning:

In order to be a successful teacher, the teacher must plan his work well. At the first place he should plan his teaching work. He should decide how much work is to be done in a particular month and in a particular week. Daily teaching work must also be planned. He should plan use of teaching aids in advance. Activities of the pupils are also to be planned by him.

3. Role in Organizing:

The teacher has to organize a number of activities in the school. He has to organize the school plant. He should see that the class-rooms are well-equipped. He has to make seating arrangements, distribute equipment’s and keep it neat and clean.

He has to organize instructional works dividing the syllabus into units, classification of students, construction of time-table and co-curricular activities are also to be organised. Besides library work, laboratory work, sports etc. need proper organisation.

4. Role in Supervising:

The teacher has to supervise a number of tasks and activities. He is required to supervise attendance of pupils, their daily work, home work, their work habits and behaviour. He has to maintain order and discipline in the school. He may have to supervise pupils in the hostel.

5. Role in Guiding:

The teacher not only supervises pupils and their work but also gives them tasks relating to selection of courses, home work, and other study activities. Pupils study habits and work habits have to be guided properly. He must pay attention to all children particularly to the delinquent, abnormal and mal-adjusted children. Guidance in health matters is also to be given.

6. Role in Evaluating:

Work of the pupils and their participation should be evaluated by the teacher from time to time. It is evaluation which will throw light on teachers’ work and pupil’s achievement. Evaluation will point out weakness in teaching and learning process and the teacher can adopt suitable remedial measures. The teacher has to conduct house tests and report the progress of pupils to parents and the headmaster. Policies of promotion have to be chalked out in the light of evaluation.

7. Role in Recording:

The teacher has to maintain record of pupil’s achievement in different subjects and activities. He has to record their admission, attendance, their scores, in different tests. The teacher may also be required to maintain school records such as property register, supply of equipment, issue of book etc. He also has to write annual reports of various activities and functions done during the year.

8. Role in Maintaining Relations:

It is the duty of the teacher to maintain good relations with the pupils, their parents and general public. For this purpose, parents teachers association may be organised by the teacher. The relationship with parents will solve many problems. The teacher must have healthy and cordial relations with the headmaster and his colleagues. For all this the teacher should posses a sociable nature.

Responsibilities of a Teacher:

Teaching is a tri-polar process which has three indispensable elements or constituents-the teacher or educator, the taught or educed and the curriculum. Out of these three, the teacher plays the most significant role in making the teaching process a grand success. Because the teacher is the real practitioner of the teaching learning process.

He is the pivot in any system of education around which the whole system of education revolves. It is dead sure that the importance of school building, school furniture and equipment, curriculum, the text-books cannot be ignored. But without the teacher, they all are meaningless. But it is not simply the teacher, rather good teachers that are required in this connection. Dr, E.A, Piry says, “If a nations teachers are C3 the nation itself cannot but the C3, and let there be no doubt about this if we wish to be an A-1 nation our teachers will have to be A-1”.

The importance of good teachers is emphasized by Professor, Humayun Kabir by saying without good teachers, even the best of system is bound to fail. With good teachers, even the defects of the system can be largely overcome. The importance of the teacher is also stressed by the Secondary Education Commission (1952-53) in the following words: “We are however convinced that the most important factor in the contemplated educational reconstruction is the teacher—his personal qualities, his educational qualification, his professional training and the place he occupies in the school as well as in the community.

In the words of The Education Commission (1964-66), “of all the different factors which influence the quality of education, and in contribution to material development, the quality, the competence and character of teacher are undoubtedly the most significant. After having such discussion it will be better if we provide an insight into the role or duties and responsibilities after having discussion on the qualification or qualities of a good teacher.

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Formation and Characteristics of Viable Nonculturable Vibrio Parahaemolyticus  Induced by Sodium Hypochlorite

47 Pages Posted: 10 Sep 2024

Rundong Wang

Lingnan Normal University

Bohai University

Mengxue Gong

Yuhao zhang.

Southwest University

Ravi Gooneratne

Lincoln University

Jianrong Li

delete; Bohai University

This study investigated whether sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) can induce Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) into viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state and change its characteristics. When exposed to 40 ppm chlorine for 20 min, plate counts decreased from 106 CFU/mL to undetectable but fluorescent staining indicated that 11.94 ± 1.24% of cells still remained viable, suggesting that Vp had entered a VBNC state. Light microscopy showed that VBNC-Vp cells had changed from a short rod-shape to coccoid with a rough surface, aggregation, and additional material in the intercellular spaces. In VBNC-Vp cells, intracellular pHi and respiratory activity were lower than in normal cells and the ATP concentration was 81.25 ± 1.64% in normal cells. VBNC-Vp cells exhibited lower surface zeta potential and reduced adhesion and invasion capacity compared to normal cells but their ability to survive in food-associated stresses was significantly enhanced. RT-qPCR results revealed that changes in morphology, metabolism, and adhesion of VBNC-Vp cells may be due to down-regulation of mreB, cysD, atpA, ompA, flaA, and flgM genes. The potential adversity-resistant capacity of VBNC-Vp cells were due to soxR and katG up-regulation. Overall, NaClO induced Vp into a VBNC state, thereby altering its biological properties to withstand adverse conditions.

Keywords: aquatic product processing, sodium hypochlorite, Vibrio parahemolyticus, viable nonculturable state, biological characteristics

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Rundong Wang (Contact Author)

Lingnan normal university ( email ).

Zhanjiang, 524048 China

Bohai University ( email )

Southwest university ( email ).

Chongqing, 400715 China

Lincoln University ( email )

Unit 3, Level 16, Block B, SkyVill, JLN SP 5/5, Se Sri Kambang,, 43300 Malaysia

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