ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A GREAT TEACHER

BIENVENIDO C. RIVERA, JR.

A great teacher is the one a student remembers and cherishes forever. Teachers have long-lasting impacts on the lives of their students, and the greatest teachers inspire students toward greatness.

To be successful, a great teacher must have an engaging personality and effective teaching style. A great teacher strives hard to engage students and retain their attention to the discussions at hands.

One must also have clear objectives for the day’s lessons. A great teacher establishes clear objectives for each lesson and works to meet those specific objectives during each cl ass.

Another important characteristic of a great teacher is having effective discipline skills that can promote positive attitude, good manners, and conduct in each student.

Having good classroom management skills is also important. A great teacher understands that good classroom management skills can ensure good student behavior, effective study and work habits, and an overall sense of respect in the classroom.

Furthermore, a great teacher maintains open communication with parents and keeps them informed of what is going on in the classroom as far as curriculum, discipline, and other issues. They make themselves available for phone calls, meetings and even regular small talks.

A great teacher also has high expectations of their students and encourages everyone to always work at their best level. He or she must realize that appreciating and supporting students in their everyday learning endeavors is an essential responsibility in helping them and uplifting their level of enthusiasm and eagerness in school.

He or she must also have a thorough and extensive knowledge of the school’s curriculum and other standards they must uphold in the classroom. They ensure their teaching meets those standards and they strive to become one of the best in the faculty and even in the whole institution.

Moreover, this may seem obvious and is sometimes overlooked, but a great teacher has incredible knowledge and interest for the subject matter they are teaching. They are prepared to answer questions and keep the material engaging for the students.

Lastly, a great teacher must possess a passion for children and teaching. A great teacher is passionate about teaching and working with young individuals. They are excited about influencing student’s lives and understand the impact they have. A great teacher develops a strong rapport with students and establishes trusting relationships –a relationship that can last even when the students grow up into successful citizens.

Indeed, that is the main purpose why we teach. As teachers, it is our role, it is our contribution to the world, it is our fulfillment… To mold children and help them become the best they can be, to encourage them to grow and become future leaders, nation builders, and outstanding prime movers.

— oOo— The author is Teacher III at Bacolor Elementary School (Proper)