Qualities of a Great Teacher

A Google search on "qualities of a good teacher" results in almost 4 million hits--meaning everyone has an opinion and/or list of the characteristics of an effective teacher. 

However,  I recently read a blog from education writer Annette Breaux on what she deems the essentials of a great teacher.

While the qualities below might seem obvious, the reality is that many of us--especially right now in the weeks before Spring Break and before the weather begins to change--can lose sight of what students needs from us. 

As such,  I recommend all teachers keep a list like this one and periodically ask themselves if they are living to them.

"Great teachers truly love children! If you don’t love children, you shouldn’t be in education.

Great teachers are masters at classroom management. They understand the importance of structure. Their management plans consist of clearly stated rules that are enforced fairly, calmly and consistently and of procedures that are practiced until they become routines.

Great teachers are intelligent people who possess a thorough understanding of their subject matter. They use their knowledge to simplify what’s complex and to accommodate their students’ individual abilities and levels of understanding.

Great teachers understand that they are actors on a stage. They are performers capable of entertaining, capturing and enrapturing their audiences every day. 

Great teachers are positive, kind, compassionate, patient people. They handle even the most challenging situations with composure, thoughtfulness and professionalism.

Great teachers do not allow their personal problems to bleed into their teaching.

Great teachers are problem solvers. They don’t play the blame game. They identify problems and immediately get busy finding solutions.

Great teachers don’t endure change; rather, they ensure it — not simply for the sake of change, but for the betterment of teaching and learning.

Great teachers have a sense of humor, and they share it daily with their students.

Great teachers continually strive to make learning fun, relevant, interesting, challenging and engaging. Students are encouraged to question, discuss, debate, experiment, invent and make lots of mistakes.

Great teachers recognize the importance of establishing positive relationships with their students. 

Great teachers have high expectations of all students and truly believe that every student can succeed.

When great teacher make mistakes, they act as good role models do, admitting their mistakes, learning from these mistakes and offering apologies if necessary."