5 Important Qualities of a Good Teacher
There are several characteristics that all good teachers have. Here is a list of 5 important qualities of a good teacher.
Did you know that the average teacher will affect over 3,000 students during their careers?
It’s the hope of every parent that their children will attend a school with excellent teachers. But consider the following facts:
- Only 38% of students feel school helps them with everyday life
- Only 31% of students think their teachers make learning exciting
- Only 48% of students feel their teacher cares about them as individuals
With numbers like these, is it any wonder parents are so concerned about who’s educating their children?
In this post, we’ll examine the qualities of a good teacher that make them both effective and likable. Read on to learn more!
What Makes a Good Teacher?
What are the best teacher qualities to look for?
Is it a good sense of humor? Strict classroom control? A long list of teaching credentials?
Actually, it’s none of the above. Here are 5 qualities of a great teacher.
1. Are They Adaptable & Flexible?
American education has come a long way since the traditional one-room schoolhouse.
Smartboards and laptops have replaced chalkboards and pencils. Students can log in to their smartphones for interactive games or pop quizzes. Projects get assigned, completed, and graded entirely in the digital world.
Today’s best teachers are able to adapt to their education styles to our rapidly changing world. They stay up to date on the latest developments and resources and update their curriculum accordingly.
Being adaptable also means adapting to the needs of each student. Good teachers understand that each child has a unique personality, background, and learning style.
Rather than taking a “one size fits all” approach, teachers know when and how to make adjustments to their lesson plan or classroom methods. They also create an environment of acceptance that encourages creativity and freedom of expression.
2. Excellent Communication & Observation Skills
It goes without saying that the qualities of a good teacher include the ability to impart knowledge. They should not only be well-versed in their subject but also have the enthusiasm and desire to explain it well.
Equally important, though, is their ability to listen to their students.
Communication doesn’t end when the teacher stops talking. Effective listening skills help the teacher understand her students on an individual level. Then, she can tailor the lesson plan to best meet the learning style and needs of that student.
Good teachers also know how to pick up on things the student doesn’t say. Careful observation allows them to identify underlying barriers to learning, such as shyness or anxiety. Or perhaps the student had a bad experience in the past with a certain subject, such as math, and struggles to learn new concepts.
Identifying these unspoken issues gives teachers the opportunity to instill self-confidence in the child during the learning process.
3. Attentive & Empathetic
Closely tied with observation skills are the teacher qualities of empathy and attentiveness.
While respecting professional boundaries, good teachers seek to understand the reasons behind their students’ actions. They take time to sit back and consider what may be happening in the student’s life that affects their progress or behavior.
The goal of a great teacher is to not only teach their students to survive but to thrive. Students will blossom when they feel that their teacher truly cares about them and their future success.
This is where being attentive and adaptable intersect, as the teacher determines how to best reach each student. Some may learn better from lectures, while others need hands-on experience. The ability to create a blended learning environment is among the qualities of a great teacher.
4. Knows How to Engage Students
A teacher with all the knowledge in the world won’t be effective unless they can keep their students interested and engaged.
Good teachers have a strong classroom presence and know how to hold their students’ attention. That might do this with humor, creative projects, or interactive games.
They understand that a positive classroom environment is one where the students enjoy (or even love) what they’re learning.
Types of engagement will depend on the grade level and subject matter. A first-grade teacher might engage her students by getting down on the floor and playing with them at their level. High school teachers might make science more engaging by tying in a real-world application to each topic.
5. Cultivates & Displays Patience
Last up on our list of qualities of a good teacher is perhaps the most important one—patience.
The best teachers understand that students learn at different paces. What comes easily to one student may not be so easy for another, and a good teacher never tries to rush the learning process.
They know it takes patience to successfully manage classroom behavior. Teachers also need patience to deal with fellow faculty members, especially if they have differing viewpoints.
A patient disposition allows teachers to communicate well with parents about their child’s progress or any behavioral issues. They’re willing to listen as parents express concerns and do their best to understand where they’re coming from.
Where Will You Find These Qualities of a Good Teacher?
Your child’s education is an investment in their future. Under the care of a good teacher, they’re sure to blossom and thrive.
As you consider different schools for your child, refer back to this list of qualities of a good teacher.
The best teachers are adaptable, flexible, and excellent communicators. They’re empathetic and attentive to the needs of their students, and they know how to keep them engaged in the classroom. Patience is also a virtue of great teachers.
At Notre Dame Academy, we employ only the best teachers who are passionate about education and the students they work with. Does that sound like an ideal environment for your child?
Click here to set up a campus tour or learn more about our admissions process.
