HOW TO BECOME A GREAT TEACHER

ROMINA CRISEL M. RIVERA

To become a great teacher doesn’t mean you have to be perfect, that you are unbeatable and is above the rest. A great teacher is far more than what you know, it is more on what you feel.

Yes, it is important that a teacher is knowledgeable but all teachers are expected to be knowledgeable in their field to be able to transfer information needed by the learners and that does not make you great. To become a great teacher, you should teach from the heart.

Be compassionate. Show that you care for them. If you show them compassion, they will also show compassion, not only to you but also to others. Learners copy what you show them.

Be patient. As they say, “patience is a virtue” and this may be the motto of most teachers. The most important trait that you should have is patience. Not every learner understands what you teach in one go, there will always a number who needs longer time to learn things. You should be patient in teaching them and patient in dealing with naughty learners. Do not get mad, instead try to understand them.

Be inspiring. Inspire them to be the best version of themselves. Live what you teach them and they will do the same.

Be teachable. A great teacher is willing to learn from others. No one knows everything. There are things that we do not know and we do not need to be ashamed about it, instead be a teachable teacher and ask for the help of others. This will expand your knowledge and will have additional things to teach.

Not anyone can become a teacher. Only those who have compassion and unlimited patience qualifies. I often here other professionals saying “I do not have enough patience that you have. Imagine having only one naughty child is already a pain, what more if you have more than thirty children in a room.” And hearing this makes me proud of becoming a teacher.

We can all be great in our own ways.

-oOoThe author is Teacher III at Bical Elementary School