Top 10 Qualities and Skills of a Great Teacher
There is always one teacher who stands with student as a source of encouragement and creativity when we think about your education It can be a college professor who inspire you to change future or it can be your teacher whose simple acts of kindness positively impact your childhood. But no matter what grade you were in or what subject you studied, your favorite teacher probably has many of the skills and qualities listed on this list that detail what makes a good teacher.
What makes a good teacher?
Whether they’re teaching math or how to count to 10, effective teachers share certain characteristics. For example, all great teachers have the ability to actively listen—not only to their students, but also to colleagues, school administrators, and student families. Below we talk more about active listening and its importance, as well as several other characteristics that teachers should try to model.
According to Robert Lee, a good teacher has qualities such as strong communication skills, empathy and a passion for lifelong learning. These qualities not only foster a positive and engaging classroom, but also increase student success and inspire a love of learning.” Good teachers also have a deep understanding of their subject and can use that knowledge and make it culturally relevant to students as they develop engaging lessons. Good teachers inspire and motivate students to reach their full potential and create an inclusive learning environment where every student is seen, valued, cared for and respected”.
While some are less tangible than others – and can be more difficult to develop. They all are just as valuable when teachers are actively engaged. Read more as we break down the ten most important characteristics of teachers.
Top 10 Qualities of a Great Teacher
Every student has their own strength and weakness. Also, every teacher has their unique personality and different skill set. However, there are many important qualities that all good teachers tend to have. Teachers who embody the qualities of a role model can improve their students’ learning experiences and outcomes.
1. Versatility
Versatility could be a must for teachers, who got to continuously assess what’s working for their students — and indeed more critically, what isn’t working. Being versatile and flexible permits you to stream between different theories of learning and modes of educating — something we’ll talk about quickly — without getting to be immobilized by push or hesitation.
2. Kindness
Empathy is the capacity to understand what another person is feeling or experiencing – simply put, putting yourself. As a teacher it is important to practice empathy rather than making expectation – for example, trying to understand and solve the basic problem that is causing a student to lag behind their peers, perform less than before, or bully in class.
3. Patience
Tolerance is important both to have and to show for your understudies — who, as we talked about in our post on theories of learning, may see you as a part show and imitate your behavior. Having a save of patience will make it simpler for you to work through each student’s one-of-a-kind battles and challenges, which may be troublesome or slow-going to overcome.
4. Engagement
Students are observant at a very young age and easily notice when teachers do not like their material. If you want to create engagement and enthusiasm in your classroom, it’s imperative that you display these traits yourself and show your students an infectious passion for learning—and all the exciting discoveries and activities it opens up for them.
5. Active Listening
Active listening is important if you want to effectively diagnose and help students overcome their unique obstacles and challenges. Ask for feedback, encourage honesty, make it easy for students to connect with you and be attentive when listening, always try to read between the lines and assess body language when communicating. Read more about how and why you should improve your active listening skills.
6. Lifelong learning
The good educators are not only who interested in teaching – they also have a passion for lifelong learning, which is reflected in their enthusiasm and commitment as a teacher. Continuous learning and professional development provide invaluable knowledge, keep professionals on the cutting edge, and remind teachers of the real challenges their students may face — paving the way for greater empathy. Study more about the importance of lifelong learning and how different learning theories can help you teach or understand new skills.
7. Respectful attitude
Even in adult classrooms there is still an inherent power imbalance between students and teachers. It is imperative that teachers are aware of this imbalance and ensure that students feel valued and heard for who they are and what they contribute to the classroom.
8. Interdisciplinary Teaching
Using multiple disciplines and departments, it shows students how businesses work in the real world and how problem-solving works. They base their learning on practical real-life scenarios.
9. Communication Skills
Good communication skills are essential for teachers to succeed in their profession. As a teacher, you’ll interact with colleagues, students, parents, and others, making strong communication skills crucial. In the classroom, clear communication helps students understand complex concepts. Even with excellent subject knowledge, poor communication can hinder student learning. Therefore, developing communication skills in teaching is vital to convey your knowledge effectively.
10. Motivation Skills
As a teacher, motivating your students is crucial to help them reach their full potential. Your ability to inspire and motivate can make a big difference in their academic success and beyond. Teacher motivation techniques can help students stay focused, build confidence, and achieve their goals. Great teachers possess strong motivation skills in teaching, empowering students to succeed in all areas of life.
What qualifications do you need to become a teacher?
The degree is required to become a teacher depends on the degree level or the subject that you want to teach. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a subject, the required degree is a master’s degree. Here are the basics
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
The Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education degree is designed for students seeking certification or licensure in elementary education (K-5). The basic training program is designed to develop the 9 best qualities of a good teacher discussed above and to produce teachers who are skilled in the latest teaching methods. This includes methods, professional training and field experience. Upon completion of the program, K-12 majors must demonstrate proficiency in primary liberal arts areas, including math, science, writing, communication, and visual arts.
Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education
The Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education is designed for students who wish to obtain a certificate and/or license in secondary education (6-12). High school students must select a content area. This includes Business, English, History and Mathematics. Through the program, future teachers acquire the knowledge, social skills and communication skills to be effective in an educational environment. Learn how to design, implement and evaluate materials and teaching techniques for young learners. Students observe, develop and practice their skills under the guidance of the class teacher in the student’s major area of interest.
Master of Education – Unified Elementary
Elementary Education (license program) is for students preparing to teach in elementary education (K-5) and you already have a bachelor’s degree diploma in any field. This accelerated online program leads to state licensure through rigorous academic training and field experience. The degree is designed to help meet the criteria for a K-5 classroom teacher or K-5 special education (low needs).
Obtaining a Teaching Certificate
Once a student has completed their selected degree, they must obtain a teaching license to teach in public elementary school. To earn a teaching license through the traditional certification route, applicants must have a bachelor degree, complete an approved teacher education program and pass standardized tests for state-appointed teachers.
Conclusion
Great teachers possess a unique combination of qualities and skills that make them effective in inspiring and motivating their students to reach their full potential. From versatility and kindness to active listening and motivation skills, these traits are essential for creating an inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. By embodying these qualities, teachers can make a lasting impact on their students’ lives, shaping not only their academic success but also their personal growth and development. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching journey, cultivating these top qualities and skills of a great teacher will help you become a role model and mentor who makes a difference in the lives of your students.
If you don’t have all of these qualities yet, don’t panic – just remember that some areas could use some practice. Whether your goal is to sharpen weak skills, refine strong ones, or develop a new talent, a degree or credential program offers an excellent opportunity to gain the qualifications and experience you need to advance in your chosen career.
Read Also:
Important Factors Affecting Teaching
How to Become Government Teacher