Think you’ve got all it takes to be a teacher?
Firstly, it is important to identify who a teacher is. A teacher irrespective of its gender, is a person who is capable of teaching students, peers, anyone who is willing to learn despite race, creed, colour, gender, age, etc. There are different types of teaching levels, methods and functions based on criteria, location, social, tertiary institutions, schools so on and so forth. The ability to teach is a unique talent, which one possess no matter the level of students or mode of teaching.
Character traits of a proficient teacher
As teaching goes hand- in hand- with training, one can note that there is a similarity between the two professions. Yes teaching is a profession and therefore it should be done in a professional manner no matter where or how it is taught, thereby a student is able to grasp what is being taught fully and also made to understand whatever subject, language or topic that is been taught. Yet again, as a teacher, it is required of him or her to be well trained, educated, groomed and also to standout as a leader with confidence. A teacher should be well prepared in advance and must be pleasant, punctual and wise too. He or she should understand and observe the classroom atmosphere and be aware of the surroundings, the background and projectthe voice, posture etc. accordingly. Moreover, as the saying goes ‘ not all are born to be teachers’, one must have the talent as well as the passion when teaching. A teacher should be well aware of the age group and level of understanding of each individualwhen teaching.
However, for a student, when it comes to learning, it could be hard and boring, but with the right guidance along with the attitude of the teacher, towards the student, a student could gain higher grades and achieve so much. So, it is expected of a teacher to be responsible in his or her given task or profession in ensuring that the student gains from what is being taught as well as to noting downthe students’ progress, rendering sacrificial serviceto direct, guide, lead and equip a student in the right way. Thereby leading both the teacher and the student to be satisfied altogether.
Making a lasting impact on the life of a student
Furthermore, the world would be lost without teachers. From the early stages in life, from the very alphabet in a language, to read, write and speak, a person is greatly benefited by a teacher from the initial stage of education an individual receives. In the present era there are so many kinds of teachers but none can compare to a human being who is knowledgeable with so much of experience, character, strength, wisdom and the right attitude of mind. The society needs people who are teachers, who can be looked upon with dignity, honour and charisma. As it is the duty of the teacher to ensure the message, lesson, tute or program, be it in music, arts, drama, etc., is properly taughtusing the right methods, tools, time frame to produce the end result in which both the student and teacher is greatly benefited.
Last but not least, a teacher is expected to bring out the best in a student when reaching higher goals and standards, transforming a person from ‘a nobody to somebody’who will go out into the society as a confident, well educated, sought after person who can contribute much to the world we live in.
Jessica Druveni Rainbow Institute of Communication and English