If someone asks what makes a good teacher, you will more than likely have some pretty concrete ideas. Naturally, good teachers have a wonderful ability to motivate students enough to want to learn and above average teachers show them the best way to learn by using methods that are relevant and memorable. It is about being both devoted to and passionate about your career and possessing the ability to pass that passion on to your students.

Some instructors realize that you need to treat the students as “consumers of knowledge,” always being at the top of your game by using resources both inside and outside your particular area of education. But, it is not just about reading journals or manuals; it is more about leaving your comfort zone and immersing yourself in the entire community.

Other traits of a good teacher include leadership, being a good listener, asking questions, being responsive and of course, remembering that every single class and student is different. You should push students to excel while still remaining human, professional and being respectful of others. You should be able to elicit responses and help the quieter students to develop their academic potential.

Keep in mind that good teaching is not necessarily about having a set agenda or being too rigid. Instead, teachers should remain flexible, not be afraid to experiment and be able to adjust to whatever the circumstances may be; remembering that while grades are important, many learning opportunities and experiences are not graded. You should be able to deviate from your scheduled lecture or other plans easily if there is a better way for students to learn.

Should teaching involve style and entertainment? Most say yes, but it should still have meaning and substance. A good teacher uses some imagination when it comes to helping their students grasp the fundamentals of literacy, science and math. Imagine that the class is an orchestra where each student not only plays a different instrument but plays them at varying levels of proficiency and you are the conductor that brings it all together. If you ask teachers why they are educators, then you will likely hear that it is not for the money or because they have to; rather it is because they enjoy it and can’t imagine doing anything else.

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