10 Tips on What Makes A Great Teacher

What makes a great teacher? Teaching is one of the most complicated jobs today. It demands broad knowledge of the subject matter, curriculum, and standards; enthusiasm, a caring attitude, and a love of learning; knowledge of discipline and classroom management techniques; and a desire to make a difference in the lives of young people. With all these qualities required, it’s no wonder that it’s hard to find great teachers.

Here are some tips on great teachers:

1. Great teachers set high expectations for all students. They expect that all students can and will achieve in their classroom, and they don’t give up on underachievers.

2. Get Connected – Being connected is what GREAT learners do. They put themselves out there and give themselves opportunities to shine. A GREAT teacher is someone who actively connects themselves and networks with like-minded educators all over the world. This is most commonly done through Social Media and Face to Face interactions at Conferences and events.

3. Great teachers are prepared and organized. They are in their classrooms early and ready to teach. They present lessons in a clear and structured way. Their classrooms are organized in such a way as to minimize distractions.

4. Great teachers engage students and get them to look at issues in a variety of ways. Effective teachers use facts as a starting point, not an endpoint; they ask “why” questions, look at all sides and encourage students to predict what will happen next. They ask questions frequently to make sure students are following along. They try to engage the whole class, and they don’t allow a few students to dominate the class. They keep students motivated with varied, lively approaches.

5. Great teachers form strong relationships with their students and show that they care about them as people. Great teachers are warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring. Teachers with these qualities are known to stay after school and make themselves available to students and parents who need them. They are involved in school-wide committees and activities, and they demonstrate a commitment to the school.

6. Great teachers are masters of their subject matter. They exhibit expertise in the subjects they are teaching and spend time continuing to gain new knowledge in their field. They present material in an enthusiastic manner and instil a hunger in their students to learn more on their own.

7. Great teachers communicate frequently with parents. They reach parents through conferences and frequent written reports home. They don’t hesitate to pick up the telephone to call a parent if they are concerned about a student.

8. Passion – If you are not passionate about what you are doing, stop now. This list isn’t for you, and quite possibly maybe education isn’t the right profession either. To be a GREAT teacher you must be passionate about what you are doing. Your job is to engage and inspire the students in your classroom. Get into your classroom today and show those students just how passionate about learning you are!

9. Fun – A GREAT teacher has fun. They know when to take a joke, they know when to have a laugh and they know when to encourage fun and humour as part of the learning process. I am a believer in utilising humour to engage both students and staff in their learning experience.

10. Integrate Technology – In the 21st Century we now live and work in, GREAT teachers integrate technology into their classroom learning programme to support students learning. Technology should be used to engage and inspire students to learn more effectively, more efficiently, more creatively and with greater success. Get involved in the use of technology and let your students take some control.

I know there are so many other traits and characteristics of a GREAT teacher but I am going to stop my list there and give you the opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas.

What do you think makes a GREAT teacher?