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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)

23 Qualities of a Good Teacher

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!

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]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 15 Animism Examples
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10 Qualities of a Good Teacher

A good teacher can make a world of difference in a student's life, impacting everything from their classroom learning to their long-term success. If you're considering a career in education – or looking to boost it with a Master of Education  (MEd) – it's important to explore the qualities of a good teacher.

Research from the Economic Policy Institute shows that good teachers are the single most important factor that contributes to student achievement in the classroom, more important than facilities, school resources and even school leadership.

A study from the American Economics Association (AEA) found that improvements in teacher quality positively impact everything from the quality of colleges students attend to students’ future salaries, the quality of their neighborhood and even their future participation rates in 401k savings plans ( AEA PDF source ).

So, What Makes a Good Teacher?

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) education faculty and university students shared their thoughts on the qualities that make effective teachers stand out.

1. Good Teachers Are Strong Communicators.

Tanguay got his start as a high school math teacher and said that many students came to his class feeling afraid of math, discouraged by their prior experiences and too overwhelmed to approach the subject positively. 

By communicating with students at the beginning of the year about how math applies to their favorite hobbies, sports and future careers, Tanguay said his students were able to approach the subject in a more enjoyable way that better supported their learning.

“I’m a firm believer in communication in all forms,” he said. “As a leader, communication is a tool for overcoming fear.”

2. Good Teachers Listen Well.

Great communication doesn't stop when the teacher is done talking. Listening well is one of the most important skills needed to be a teacher. 

“Teachers that are skilled in listening and observing often pick up on what isn’t being said, such as any anxieties a student may have, and can then help the student build their skills and confidence levels," said student  Kristine Ducote , who is earning her bachelor's in criminal justice .

Student Latricia Maddox , who is studying for a bachelor's in business , said that effective listening skills also help a teacher better understand their students and tailor lessons to reach them how they learn best. 

“If an educator can truly hear a student, they can learn how to reach them where they are,” she said. “This will open the door for them to receive and learn the lesson that is being taught.”

3. Good Teachers Focus on Collaboration.

Working in education means you’re never truly working alone. From paraprofessionals and teaching assistants to other classroom teachers and school leaders, working as a teacher often means working effectively in a group. It's also important to keep an open mind and learn from other educators. 

The key to success in this kind of environment, Tanguay said, is the ability to collaborate. "You really need to be able to fill various roles in order to collaborate effectively," he said. "If you already have someone on your team who is going to be the one to critique all of the suggestions made, then you don't need to join in on that. Instead, maybe you need to be the person who is going to come up with creative ideas. You need to have that flexibility."

4. Good Teachers Are Adaptable.

Effective teachers need to be able to work in a constantly evolving environment and adjust their teaching methods based on the age of their students, the resources available and changing curriculum, practices and requirements.

As a teacher since the 1980s, SNHU education professor and on campus undergraduate program chairman Dr. Audrey Rogers said she’s seen tremendous changes in the education field throughout her career, particularly with the rise in access to the internet, computers and other technology. What is teaching going to look like in another 30 years? The only thing certain, Rogers said, is change.

“Change is a constant,” she said. “Learning how to adapt and adjust, that’s been one of the skills that’s been most helpful in my career. It’s about keeping my finger on the pulse of who my students are over time and all the trends, standards and new research, and being able to continually improve.”

Adaptability is also one of the key skills needed to be a teacher who may be educating students of varying grade levels or different learning styles, Tanguay said. 

“You have to be able to adapt based upon your audience,” he said. 

5. Good Teachers Are Engaging.

Being able to engage students with humor, creative lessons and a strong classroom presence is an important part of what makes someone a good teacher, Tanguay said. 

“If you were to envision that teacher that you would want in your life, even now, you’re going to want someone who is very engaging in front of the classroom,” he said. “A good teacher will perform for their students to keep them going... It’s not about sitting back and just lecturing, it’s about engaging in the work.”

What an engaging teacher looks like will vary depending on grade level and subject matter, Tanguay said. 

In kindergarten, an engaging teacher might be one who gets down on the floor to do activities with their students on their level. In high school, an engaging teacher may be one who thinks outside the box, adds humor to their lessons and finds creative ways to bring learning into the real world.

6. Good Teachers Show Empathy.

Another key to engaging students and improving their learning is to treat each student as an individual, by being empathetic and understanding to what may be going on in their lives, Tanguay said. 

“We need to take a moment to think back and think about what could be going on in this student’s life,” he said. “It’s so important to be observant, attentive, empathetic and always have a positive attitude.” 

“Something that may be easy for one student may not be so easy for someone else,” she said. “Everyone learns differently, whether it be faster or slower than normal, learns better by writing, reading or hands-on. Teachers need to always keep this in mind and always pay close attention to ensure each student is on the track they need to be.”

7. Good Teachers Have Patience.

No matter what grade level you're teaching, your patience will be tested while working as an educator.  

Whether you’re managing classroom behavior, working with colleagues with different views, or communicating student issues or progress with parents, patience is one of the most important skills to practice as a teacher. 

“More often than not you actually have to have more patience with the parents than you do with the students,” Tanguay said. “Parents are coming in with their perceptions of what happened to them when they were students or previous experiences that may have been detrimental to their child... You have to be patient and understanding of them.”

8. Good Teachers Value Real-World Learning.

Teachers who bring their students’ learning into the real world are often some of the most engaging. But it’s important for teachers to bring their own learning into the real world, too.

One of the best preparations for effective teaching is to ensure that education students get plenty of classroom experience early on in their degree programs, Rogers said.

For education majors  in SNHU's on campus program, this preparation includes embedded coursework that begins in a student's freshmen year. They spend time at a local school once a week to collaborate with teacher partners and apply their learning to the classroom. A year-long student teaching experience is also a powerful way to ensure soon-to-be teachers have the time to hone their teaching skills, Rogers said.

"Our students have that benefit of seeing the practical application (of) what they're learning in the moment they're learning it," she said.

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9. good teachers share best practices..

A willingness to share knowledge and experiences with others is one of the most important qualities of a good teacher, Rogers said. 

Education is a hands-on field and often requires experimentation within the classroom to discover which methods of communicating with students work best. Part of being an effective teacher is sharing your findings and best practices with others in the field, Rogers said.

“I always challenge my students to think, ‘What is your contribution?’” she said. “Are you brave enough to post on Twitter about your ideas on technology integration in the classroom? Your willingness to share your practice, to keep an open door, to be transparent and to be observed are an important part of your teaching.”

10. Good Teachers Are Lifelong Learners.

One of the key skills needed to be a good teacher is a dedication to continued education and a love of learning. 

Whether you’re learning more about your subject area, learning new methods of communication or even exploring how to bring more technology into your classroom, continuing to expand your own knowledge is key to expanding that of your students.

“Those dedicated to their subjects with a passion for learning make the best teachers," said student Jennifer Gardner , who is earning a bachelor's in mathematics . “They also need to have a desire to pass on that knowledge.” 

Ducote said it’s important for teachers to never feel as though they’ve learned it all, and to remain open to new experiences.

“No matter your education level, you can learn something from everyone you encounter, including fellow educators as well as students,” she said. “Being willing to continually add tools to your toolbox – even unconventional ones at times – will keep things new and exciting, as well as giving you excellent skills.”

Learn the Characteristics of Effective Teaching

If you’re interested in starting a career in education, it’s important to first focus on your own learning. Whether you’re seeking a bachelor's degree in education, an education master’s degree or even a Doctor of Education  (EdD), building a strong foundation of knowledge and real-world experiences is key to becoming a good teacher.

No matter where your career path takes you – whether to an elementary school, secondary school or even to the university level – your teaching can have a profound impact on the lives of students, and your education is the foundation for that work.

“Teachers make such a huge impact on their students’ lives,” said student Donna Whisman , who is earning her bachelor's in communication . “I believe that being a teacher is a very special gift, and those that have that gift make a positive, lasting impression on the lives of their students that can totally change the trajectory of their lives.”

Danielle Gagnon is a freelance writer focused on higher education. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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About southern new hampshire university.

SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs . Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU  page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.

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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.

What makes a great teacher?

by: The GreatSchools Editorial Team | Updated: December 12, 2023

Print article

What makes a great teacher? Teaching is one of the most complicated jobs today. It demands broad knowledge of 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 characteristics of great teachers

• Great teachers set high expectations for all students . They expect that every student in their class can and will achieve, they set big goals , and they don’t give up on underachievers.
• Great teachers have clear, written-out objectives. Effective teachers have lesson plans that give students a clear idea of what they will be learning, what the assignments are and what the grading policy is. Assignments have learning goals and give students ample opportunity to practice new skills. The teacher is consistent in grading and returns work in a timely manner.
• Great teachers are prepared and organized. They are in their classrooms early and ready to teach. They plan “exhaustively and purposefully… and maintain focus .” They present lessons in a clear and structured way. Their classrooms are organized in such a way as to minimize distractions.
• 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 end point; they ask “why” questions; they look at all sides and are objective ; and they 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.
• 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 build relationships with their students . They stay after school and make themselves available to students and parents. They are involved in school-wide committees and activities, and they demonstrate a commitment to the school.
• 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 instill a hunger in their students to learn more on their own.
• 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.

What the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) laws mean for teacher quality

The role of the teacher became an even more significant factor in education with the passage of The No Child Left Behind law in 2002.

Under the 2002 law, elementary school teachers needed a bachelor’s degree and had to pass a rigorous test in core curriculum areas. Middle and high school teachers needed to show competency in the subject area they taught by passing a test or by completing an academic major, graduate degree, or comparable course work. Schools were required to tell parents about the qualifications of all teachers, and they had to notify parents if their child was taught for more than four weeks by a teacher who was not highly qualified. Schools that did not comply risked losing federal funding.

Although the law required states to have highly qualified teachers in every core academic classroom by the end of the 2005-2006 school year, not a single state met that deadline.

The U.S. Department of Education then required states to show how they intended to fulfill the requirement. Most states satisfied the government that they were making serious efforts, but a few states were told to come up with new plans.

In 2012, the Obama administration granted flexibility to states on NCLB requirements, and The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into law in December 2015. Transitioning from NCLB to ESSA began the following year.

ESSA lessened the NCLB-era focus on standardized testing so teachers had more time to teach. ESSA gave teachers a greater voice in educational decisions , but the “Highly Qualified Teacher” (HQT) regulations were removed. Some researchers expressed concern that the guidelines’ aim to replace “ineffective teachers” is too vague and undefined to be implemented usefully.

How parents can advocate for qualified teachers

Currently there are an estimated 350,000 teacher positions that are either unfilled or occupied by teachers who are not fully qualified . We know that high-quality teachers make all the difference in the classroom. We also know that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find them and keep them. Many teachers experience “burn out” — up to 30 percent of teachers leave their job after five years .

What the experts recommend for the future of quality teaching

The National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future (NCTAF) has become part of Leaning Forward , which made several recommendations for ensuring that every classroom has a qualified teacher as part of their What Matters Now research, recommendations, and efforts to improve teaching and learning across the country. Among the recommendations were the following key points:

• Develop rigorous qualifications for teachers.
• Train evaluators to assess teachers and provide meaningful feedback.
• Ensure the highest-need schools have access to excellent teachers.
• Encourage and reward teacher knowledge and skills.
• Provide financial support to educator recruitment programs.

Implementing these recommendations is a slow process dependent upon legislation as well as increased funding from the federal and state governments, and a will to implement changes at the school district level. Parents can work together to keep the superintendent, their school board members, and their state legislators focused on the goal of having a high-quality teacher in every classroom.

Resources on teacher quality

Give Kids Good Schools This Internet-based campaign, a project of the Public Education Network, makes it easy for parents and community members to lobby government officials to take action to improve the quality of teachers.

Resolving Conflict With Your Child’s Teacher A concise resource from Scholastic on effective ways to deal with differences in opinion between yourself and your child’s teacher.

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards This organization provides information on voluntary advanced national certification for teachers. Learn more about the program and how you can encourage teachers in your school to obtain National Board Certification.

McEwan, Elaine K., 10 Traits of Highly Successful Schools , Waterbrook Press, 1999 This book provides concrete tools and an abundance of resources on how to evaluate teachers and schools.

Bennett, William J., The Educated Child , Simon & Schuster, 1999 What is a good education? In this guide, in addition to learning the signs of a good school and warning signs of a bad teacher, you’ll learn what good schools teach and what you can do to improve your school.

Intrator, Sam M., Stories of the Courage to Teach , Jossey-Bass, 2002 This book is a collection of short, eloquent essays written by teachers from the heart. Full of passionate stories, the essays reveal why teachers teach and the challenges they face.

What Makes a Good Teacher? by Zagyváné Szűcs Ida Universal Journal of Educational Research 2017

“ What Makes a Great Teacher? ” by Amanda Ripley The Atlantic , February 2010

“ What Makes a Great Teacher? ” by Erin Young Phi Delta Kappa , February 2009

“ What makes a good teacher? ” British Journal of Educational Psychology , November 2018

“ Teacher Effectiveness in the Every Student Succeeds Act: A Discussion Guide “, Center on Great Teachers and Leaders at American Institutes for Research, November 2016

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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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• 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.

Students must have found Qualities of a Good Teacher Essay useful for improving their essay writing skills. Visit BYJU’S website to get the latest updates and study materials for CBSE/ICSE/State Board/Competitive Exams.

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Home / Essay Samples / Education / Teacher / What Sets Apart Great Teachers: Essential Qualities

What Sets Apart Great Teachers: Essential Qualities

• Category: Life , Education , Sociology
• Topic: Skills , Teacher , Teacher-Student Relationships

Pages: 2 (1034 words)

• Downloads: -->

Introduction

What is a teacher, what is the purpose of a primary school teacher, what is a good teacher, what are the teacher expectations for their pupils.

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