Choosing just four qualities a
teacher needs is difficult because there are undoubtedly far more than four
qualities needed to be a great teacher. Being funny, entertaining,
exceptionally organized or any number of other positive traits can enhance an
educator’s lessons, but I have decided to leave them out. The four qualities I
have chosen seem the most critical for success, but not exceptionalism.
Patience
seems to be an extremely important characteristic for a teacher for more than
one reason. The first reason, and most obvious, is unruly student behavior.
Eventually, a student will try a teacher’s patience by refusing to cooperate
and the teacher must keep a cool head. When I was in high school, I witnessed a
substitute teacher likely lose his job because an uncooperative student made a
situation confrontational and, rather than deflect, the teacher escalated the
encounter. The teacher pushed the student, who was standing face to face with
the teacher, and a shoving match ensued. Eventually administrators arrived and
broke up the contest, but that teacher was obviously in the wrong because he
did not have the patience to handle the situation correctly. The less obvious
reason to remain patient with students is if students are struggling with the
material. It can be frustrating when you are trying to teach something to
someone and they are just not understanding. In these situations it is
important to remain calm and repeat the lesson or reassess it, as there may be
some faults with the lesson itself.
I
have come to highly appreciate teachers with the ability to create the feeling
of a safe and friendly environment in the classroom. This kind of environment
is critical because it allows for better learning. Students who are unwilling
to ask questions and participate because of embarrassment related to their
peers or because they dislike their unapproachable teacher are less engaged
than students in a better environment. Cultivating a safe and friendly
atmosphere is tricky, but the teacher simply being an affable, relatable person
goes a long way toward creating that environment.
A
teacher being knowledgeable is imperative as well. Knowledge of the content
being taught is not just necessary to teach, but a teacher with extensive
knowledge has always created a sense of respect from me as a student. Knowledge
extends beyond content as well. Knowing how to teach young people effectively
is likely even more important than superior content knowledge.
The
final quality a teacher should possess is a good work ethic. This is especially
true for new teachers who are just beginning their careers. New teachers must
plan an entire school year of lessons and then adjust or replace mediocre or
unsuccessful lessons. Even after a routine has been established after a few
years, new technologies, new teaching methods, new standards, and changes in
the community or classroom may necessitate significant changes to established lessons.
