Qualities of A Good Teacher

Teachers are very key to the development of the nation. The teachings whether from formal or informal settings are very key to the building of great innovators and leaders for the nation’s advancement.

Therefore, it is important to put the best of the best as the custodian of disseminating knowledge to the students.

Our discussion points out different noticeable qualities on how we can differentiate between a good teacher and a bad one. It is possible to make such a claim by close observation of the teaching methods and attributes of teachers.

Also, check out Career Opportunities in Education Management.

So, in this post, you will learn about these observable qualities and use them to help draw your conclusion. 

The Qualities of a Good Teacher

The methods and resources used in teaching may be different from one teacher. However, the qualities of a teacher remain the same regardless of the location, position, or type of school. 

The post is beneficial for aspiring teachers who want to become one, parents/guardians who want to monitor the progress of their children, and finally employers and administrators who want to hire a teacher. 

I have read several publications and listened to many research papers on the qualities of a good teacher. Consequently, I can draw up some conclusions on the major qualities that are peculiar to a good teacher. The qualities of a good teacher include:

Excellent Communication

From my understanding as an individual that was once a student, the communication between students and teachers is not a matter that needs to be taken with levity. A good teacher must possess excellent communication skills to impart knowledge and give instructions. 

A good teacher will know that communication with students is not just about talking to students for hours or testing of oratory capabilities. It is a two-way street where you have to give knowledge and instructions such that they grasp the tiniest and most complex information easily while waiting on their feedback. 

Furthermore, aside from communicating information to students, the teacher ought to be receptive and approachable because those are the basic principles that a good communicator uses.

Therefore, teachers who see themselves as students find it easy to hold forth and back discussions with students on their struggles and achievements in their academics. 

Consistent High Level of Preparedness

One of the hardest activities that most teachers find difficult to do is maintaining a high level of preparedness for class. The quality of teaching a teacher does not start in class but from the time of preparation for the class.

Good teachers know this and they do well to invest their time, energy, and resources to gather the knowledge that helps with their delivery. 

A good teacher values preparation and as a result, it is evident in their teaching. Also, they do not see preparation as a one-time thing or a casual approach. 

What do Good teachers do in preparation for their classes? 

Good teachers in the time of their preparation for classes perform the following set of activities.

• Prepare the lesson plan and notes
• Read on the topic, examining different resource materials.
• Create objective questions to introduce the students to the subject of discussion.
• Prepare questions that will deepen the knowledge of the students
• Create debate discussions relevant to the topic. They go further to create discussion groups to dissect and interact with the topic 
• Develop learning aid materials, especially visual materials.
• Prepare a list of reference materials that students can use for further learning.
• Research on the latest findings in the area to add to the notes 

Class Control and Management Skills

It is an important quality that is not negotiable for anyone who wants to hold the position of a teacher in an educational institution. Class control is the ability of a teacher to handle the helm of affairs of the class constructively and productively.

They set guidelines and routines which keep the student’s attention focused on what is happening at the moment. 

Class control does not need to involve harsh methods, there are constructive strategies to employ in ensuring that the class is in order and well organized. 

Also, check out Career Opportunities in Special Education.

Emotion Control

It is no lie that teaching jobs can be stressful sometimes and as such teachers may want to let out some negative emotions.

Emotions such as anger, and frustration are not permissible in the learning environment, and reason for which a teacher must learn to control their emotions. Therefore, it is good that teachers need to create and maintain a friendly learning environment. 

Empathy

If an individual is not an empathetic person then it is a problem when it comes to relating with the students on an emotional level. The emotional quotient of a teacher must be high enough to address the emotions and conditions of all students in their care.

Teaching goes beyond imparting knowledge only, the emotions of the student need consideration as well. If the latter is not given proper attention, it creates a problem for the former.

Encourager and Motivation Preacher 

Students need a key figure in their lives that will give them a little push and give them assurance about their abilities. Teachers can fill this position and provide motivation and encouraging words for them to succeed academically and in life as a whole.

One thing about motivation and encouragement is that no matter the level and capability of the student, they need motivation and encouragement. 

Perspicuous

Perspicuous speaks about the quality of the teacher to break down complex topics, terms, and practical concepts into bits of information that the students can understand.

Teaching aims to ensure that students have a reasonable amount of information about a subject matter. Therefore, a teacher must achieve this aim irrespective of whether the idea is simple or complex.

Affinity for the Extra Mile 

What I mean by an affinity for the extra mile is that a good teacher is not hundred percent satisfied with mediocrity in all aspects surrounding his job as a teacher. They go the extra mile 

• To improve their student performance: They dedicate extra hours to students with poor performance.
• To update their standards: They understand that teaching methods and principles are subject to review and update. Therefore, they ensure they are in tune with the right and recent developments.
• To develop as a person: They make sure their personality connotes good character that is worthy of being a good role model for their students.

Final Notes on

The important qualities that make a good teacher are numerous but we talked about a few of them in the post. The leaders of tomorrow will not fulfill their purpose if the qualities mentioned here are not inherent in the people trusted with imparting them the knowledge.

Hence, it is important to note the observable qualities that make a good teacher.

Before you go, check out The Importance of Technology.