The Top 10 Qualities Of A Good Teacher
One of my biggest goals is to become a teacher. In fact, it’s part of my personal mission statement: “My mission is to experience life through…teaching others.” I don’t want to be a run-of-the-mill boring teacher, though. Not like the “substitute teachers” of my school days. But what makes a good teacher?
We all know good teachers when we see them, and bad teachers too. I thought back over the teachers I’d loved and why I loved them. There were only a few, but they all had the following qualities in common.
1. Confidence. Belief in ourselves despite setbacks. Teachers encounter situations all the time that could be considered setbacks. Kids can be cruel, to each other and to teachers. They can have attitudes, especially teenagers. I’ve had teachers to were obviously nervous when they taught. Others were shy and only half committed to their subject. But the best teachers laughed off their mistakes: chalk breaking, books dropped, TVs not working. Where some teachers were flustered, the good teachers shrugged and went on about the lesson, sometimes even joking about the mess up. These teachers knew they were human and knew mistakes happen. They didn’t take things personally and let problems get them upset.
2. Patience. Some of my best teachers could have helped students through a mental breakdown. Not that they had to, but that they were so patient, they could have gone the distance. Many a time I, or classmate, would just not be “getting” a particular concept. My best teachers were those who were willing to keep explaining, knowing that eventually it would make sense. They were willing to wait until a distraction calmed students down, or abandon a lesson entirely if it was clear material needed to be revisited. The best teachers just stuck with it, willing to do what it took, no matter how long it took.
3. True compassion for their students. I’m sure we’ve all encountered a bad teacher who didn’t care what our excuse was. Certainly, some excuses weren’t valid, but many were. The best teachers cared about their students as individuals and wanted to help them. They had a sixth sense when a student needed extra attention and gave it gladly. They didn’t expect students to leave thoughts of the outside world at the door to the classroom. They took the time to discuss subjects outside their teaching, knowing that sometimes lessons can still be taught without following the textbook. Good teachers were willing to speak up for us to other teachers, if need be. They cared about us beyond the walls of their classroom.
photo credit: woodleywonderworks
4. Understanding. Good teachers had understanding – not only the sixth sense mentioned above, but true understanding of how to teach. They didn’t have a rigid technique that they insisted on using even if it didn’t help us learn. They were flexible in their teaching style, adapting daily if need be. They understood the little things that affected our ability to learn; the weather, the temperature in the classroom, the time of day. They had an understanding of human nature and the maturity (or lack thereof) of teenagers. Good teachers knew that we hated to be called “young” and therefore pre-judged. They treated us as real people, not just “students.”
5. The ability to look at life in a different way and to explain a topic in a different way. There are many different learning styles. Not everyone gets a subject as taught by every teacher. I’ve taken subjects (chemistry for instance) many times, at many different levels, by many different teachers. I took College Organic Chemistry three times from three different teachers. I can tell you from experience that it was more the skill of the third teacher than the third time taking the class that allowed me to pass. Bad teachers only look a subject matter one way. They teach based on how they learn. This works for some people, but fails for others. The good teachers are ones that are able to teach to different learning styles. If students don’t understand a subject, they teach it a different way. Instead of looking at abstract formulas, they explain with images what the formulas represent. This requires a through understand of their subject, as well as the ability to consider that subject in different ways, which not all teachers are able to do.
6. Dedication to excellence. Good teachers want the best from their students and themselves. They don’t settle for poor grades, knowing it reflects upon their ability to teach just as much upon a student’s ability to excel. The best teachers encourage the sharing of ideas and offer incentives (like not having to do homework for a day) to get students to think outside the box. They don’t tolerate students’ badmouthing other teachers, doing their best to point out that other teachers are human too. They encourage students to be good people, not just good memorizers of text. They want students to learn and be able to apply what they learned, not just be able to pass tests.
7. Unwavering support. The best teachers know that everyone is able to do well if they have the right teacher. They don’t accept that a student is a lost cause. They encourage if you are frustrated and provide true belief that you can get the material. They stand up for individuals against other students, not allowing for in class taunting. Sometimes, they even extend this outside the classroom, although taunts in the hallways are very hard for teachers to combat. The best teachers are there if you need extra help and even encourage it.
8. Willingness to help student achieve. The best teachers are those that don’t stop teaching when the bell rings. They hold extra sessions for SAT prep, they reach out to students after class. They know that some need extra attention or assistance, and they don’t act like it’s not their job. They take that job seriously and know they aren’t just employed to get students to be able to do higher math, but do well in life. They realize that achievement isn’t just a good grade on a test, but a feeling of accomplishment with mastering a subject; they are willing to work with a student for that feeling.
9. Pride in student’s accomplishments. The best teachers let you know they are glad you got a good grade or made the honor’s society. They smile and tell you that you did a good job. They tell other teachers about how you did as well. Outside you may feel embarrassed, but inside you are glowing. The best teachers don’t single out the best students either. They celebrate the accomplishments of everyone, knowing that everyone is capable to doing well. They are upbeat and positive, focusing on how a student did well, not how well they taught. They may know that it was the strength of their teaching that helped a student to achieve, but they act as if the student is completely responsible.
10. Passion for life. The best teachers aren’t just interested in their subject, they are passionate about it. They are also passionate about many other things. They praise good weather and smile when they take a few minutes to discuss last night’s episode of a popular TV show. They have a energy that almost makes them glow and that you want to emulate as much as possible. They approach tasks with a sense of challenge rather than routine. They take the universe’s curve balls and turn them into fun (if possible). They are human, certainly, but they make you feel that there is always a reason to keep going. Things will get better no matter how much they appear to suck at that moment.
As may be clear from the above, the best teacher I ever had was a math teacher. She was all the more exceptional because math is the one subject I hate the most. She told us to call her “Aunt Jackie,” but I had way too much respect to call her anything but “Mrs. Lamp.” She is now a principal of a different High School than she taught at when I was her student, and I suspect she is as good a principal as she was a math teacher.
Another one I think is that they understand learning (though they may not be conscious of this).
The single best book on teaching: When Teaching Becomes Learning by Eric Sotto. (The title is well worth thinking about). Simple, accessible, thorough and solidly founded on good theory.
I agree, they may not be conscious of it. Although, knowing how to tailor their teaching styles does show they understand the different ways students learn, so good teachers to “get it” whether it is conscious or not.
And, thanks for the book recommendation. I’ll have to check that out.
[...] The Top 10 Qualities Of A Good Teacher – Here’s something wonderfully relevant and perfect for you. Sure, there are probably hundreds off qualities that make a good teacher, but the blog Ripples of Improvement has boiled it down to the top 10. How many do you exhibit? (Also, surprisingly not on the list: a sense of humor. Hmm.) [...]
My best teacher WAS in my worst subject, math, and humor was one of his best qualities. What could be funny about math? He managed to write word problems that made you laugh when you read them, easing the anxiety of the test. Just one example. He also was available after class. Mr. Marino, I will never forget him.
[...] blog, Ripples of Improvement provides a list of the Top 10 qualities of a good teacher. 1. Confidence 2. Patience 3. True [...]
i agree with this article very strongly ….all is very true and relevent for us new teachers n the old ones as well
I have a favourite teacher, my french teacher. And she has every one of the above qualities, and more. She can really connect with us and have a relationship without being unprofessional. She demands a lot of respect and we give her all of it. I think that’s one reason why she’s the best!
[...] blog, Ripples of Improvement provides a list of the Top 10 qualities of a good teacher. 1. Confidence 2. Patience 3. True [...]
[...] blog, Ripples of Improvement provides a list of the Top 10 qualities of a good teacher. 1. Confidence 2. Patience 3. True [...]
[...] teachers need to have confidence, patience, understanding, compassion for students, creativity (to be able to make [...]
teachers need to have great understanding for the the students. and better communication with the students!!!!!!!!!!!!
Without doubt this is an exceptionally wonderful article, thought provoking, points & idias worth inculcating, & indeed leaves a lasting impression on the mind. thanks R. K.Pandit
Haim Ginott said, “I have come to the frightening conclusion I am the decisive element in the classroom.”
A good teacher provides an environment where students can acquire knowledge while feeling safe and valued as human beings.
I am Agree with your recommendations regarding teaching metodology but i would like to add that Teacher must be innitiative.
Thanks
Zafar
Hi, Cathy,
i just chanced upon your website as i was looking for some materials for teachers. i will be conducting a full day program for 60 teachers mostly women. Yes, i want to get them to reflect upon their teaching as vocation..not as profession. I want to make it interactive and participatory.
i found the ten qualities a good complete list. i could cull out some more from them as well.
what else would you suggest that i should do to get the teachers to learn together to enrich one another. i am a facilitator basically.
Great teacher you are indeed ! I like your creative and passionate approach to teaching. bye…it is jey in Kolkata, India.
This article is realy a master piece of good articles. I like it very much.
Hi,
Thanks alot abaut the qualities on teachers you have shared, i have come to learn that most of who taught me in primary school never had most of those qualities
and most of them are retired now, i have decided that i will create an awareness to those still teaching because that will improve performance in rural schools here in Kenya. I have learnt so much from the above qualities, and promise to do my best
to change some people.
bye
Mercy.Nairobi,Kenya
Hi,
Thanks for this article. I was actually making research on “managing the teaching profession” when i came across this site. Please tell me, can some qualities serve as roles?
Amara.Lagos,Nigeria
hi ma’am Cathy.
.i’m so happy i read your article about qualities of a good teacher. i found your site very interesting..i hope i can get more information on how to become a effective teacher..
ghen, Philippines
Hello ma’am
I am so happy to read your articles regarding the qualities of a good teacher. I have to join as a lecturer in an Engineering College from next week onwards.
Thanks once again
Sachin Kumar Sharma
thank for your article. My teacher gave me homework about quality of a good teacher. I have been studying for 5 months. Many different of teachers have taught me but I met several best teachers. I read your article if my teacher had that top 10 quality, I will be good student.
I hope, I will meet same as you best teachers. I am writing my essay because you gave me a lot of information.
You are best teacher….; Good luck … Your students proud of you because you teach them for best quality of a good teaching.
MIKI
thanks to your article..!My group used it as one of our references in doing our action Research..!
Very nice great article thank you…
Hi
Wonderful and useful
hi cathy,
i totally agree with your thouths about a good and complete teacher. I apriciate your school of thoughts and experiences.
Thanks & Regards
Muneeb Ahmad
My best teacher was mrs olumo at Bishop Howell Memorial Primary School, CMS compound, Lagos state, Nigeria. I was very wayward but she mentored me and changed me from this. She was very passionate towards me; while others took pleasure in beating me, she went the extra mile talking about my future to persuade me to change. I’m a teacher and had vowed to extend the same affections she shown to me to my students now. Your article is very good.
Very very essential and effective article for a math teacher like me.
Thanks & regards.
hi
It’s nice to go through your article and i would say that its helpful to me as a future teacher
hi cathy , u r a genious . thanks a lot , should a teacher be innovative also ?
Yes, I believe that innovation is a good quality to have. However, it’s not strictly necessary. Many teachers are constrained by curricula that are created by other people. There isn’t a lot of room to do something new; however, it is still possible for a teacher to be an amazing teacher even if they don’t really have the room to be very innovative.
Qualities of a successful T/F:
Knowledgeable, Open minded, passionate, loving,kind, inspiring, tactful, encouraging, tolerant, patient, resourceful, humble, good listener, and a student too… = an awesome T/F…
I am Shridhar from Mumbai I want to know ‘How the qualities can be embeded as a part traing course’?Dig trenches, break stones, lay brick over brick and deal with labor, that all was my comfort. Just after completion of school I joind handy jobs and that was for life. I never dreamt coming across subject far remote from labor. The chapter ‘Education’ got in with establishing school on my farmland.
The headmaster with his twenty pluss gangmen; there was no trace of love for job, teaching, in them but all the other stuff education sphere would never indulge. This made me land on the conundrm ‘Is there any way that makes one work with full intent and capacity for which he draws the pay’? Is that pay hike? Awards? Fear of Evil? Love for God? Or punitive measures? Nothing of the sort could ever make even a tiniest dent in teachers style of working.
Where work is measureable; for instance; in field of engineering:- a job filling of drum or excavating foundation; plausible out put can be mathametically concluded; but how about when you confront teachers holding tenture on the job; where work out put can’t be hit mathametically? Do not bother to think. It is play a game one never can win. The bosses in the field of do-nothingism, their henchmen, say with a supercilious smile don’t you see our school student scoring higher and higher record breaking marks? Are those few; scoring higher marks? Ain’t the results bouncing year after year?
Parents and educationist reveal the opinion ‘it is covert operation’. Teaching has become about proving teachers themselves. They read out text >> provide the answers >> select question>> examin the papers >> shower marks. They have made score the greatest jock in schooling to tickle self-esteem and ascribe performance. What is the outcome? Youths are qualified to show complete apathy.
In quest of developmental education I forgave their representation Though I worked to solve the problem without success.
[One fine morning my Guru and I held a sitting- “Dr. our Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi has no knowledge of science of building dams nor she has ever shot a bulet. How then, Sir!, she builds big dams and wins wars?
“Jagan”, that was a pet name Dr. called me, “how to build a dam, the knowledge part, one can hire on monthly pay at university gate but power to take dicision one has to earn oneself from university of hard knocks. Knowledge and intelligence are two separate concepts. The brain functions in two ways. One to store knowledge , the memorizing function, and the other how to use knoledge the intelligence. To activate the latter part is more important. The others can cram Gita without grasp of single line. But others can not make one intelligent; at the most others can help you being intelligent. The intelligence part one has to earn oneself. That is how some personalities grow big inspite they have knowledge in a field or not.
The men of pure knowledge inclind to subservience and the intelligents choose to selfreliance. Responsibility, difficulties, struggle; cause about intelligence. That is why we try to include do it yourself course for experiences, camping to find solutions, projects handling for responsibilities; in school education. We do not expect every student to reach to the top slot but to help every student reach his top potential and that is sufficient.
“Jagan,” “Right from birth human being may not have any knowledge of the world he steps in. Still he is endowed with overflowing intereest; studious mind and seed of intelligence to learn any thing that requires in the world. On the contrary the education system; in assurence of wisdom; stuns God given power of learning in the name of education”.]
The meeting proved epiphanic.Wheels of resoning started churning the events around education.
Why to put blame on teachers? They cling to the method most convenient to teaching. Be it a contry school or cityslicker cramming systeem; supposedly helpful in lower classes, is continued there after. What fits in assumptive age rebounds in; they can have attitudes; comrehensive age. Many should not be resuscitated. Just let them rest in peace. Define the qualities of a born teacher and accordingly select training strategies in making of a teacher.
To create interest in learning is the best part of teaching; though strenuous; . crazyomi13@yahoo.co.in
i agree with your opinions.thanks………..as i am doing my Med your experiences are valuable
Hi Cathy,
I encountered your article when given an assignment “qualities of a good teacher” I really enjoyed reading your article and views on what you considered to be a “good teacher”. I smiled most of the way and am in training to become a “trained teacher”…I currently teach part-time along with my other job. I do hope that one day one of my students will be kind and gracious to post such endearments of my teaching qualities. Your article was of great help in getting me ‘unstuck’ in my project.
Thanks. You will be a great inspiration to those you connect with”
Evadney Ramdial
Hi I am teacher myself and i would like to put all these into practice when i am posted.Ghana
hii Cathy,
thanks alot for the article , i want to contact u to ask some questions about teaching . i will appreciate it if u could give some advice about problems that i face in my classes.
I’m glad you liked the article. However, I’m not a teacher – yet. This article was my way of putting together what I thought was the top qualities of a good teacher based on teachers I’ve had over the years. I haven’t had an opportunity to put any of these into practice myself.
I have found your material very useful.I am a teacher trainee therfore this material will help me when I begin teaching.Please Iwill like you to be sending me more about the teaching profession through my Email address.kingterror@ymail.com. GHANA
I’m very glad that you have found my article useful. However, I’m not a teacher, so I can’t really send any more information about teaching. However, I have added some links to a couple of books (at the end of the post) that you may find useful.
Good luck!
Hello Miss Cathy!
I have read your article it really convinced me.
Infact I want to become a good teacher. I wish that my student accomplish their exams in good scores.
May I have your more guidance.plzzzz
this is my personal email address. if u dont mind may i have ur email address plz.
with regards,
QASIM KARAMAT
Pakistan
I’m glad that you liked my article; however, as I’ve mentioned above, I’m not yet a teacher. Sometimes I help others out, to tell them how to do something, but not a formal teacher in a classroom. If you need more guidance, I suggest checking out some books, like the two I’ve linked to, or other blogs from people who are already teachers. Thanks!
dear cathy,
ur heart-felt outpourings r wonderful nd appreciable.To me,a great teacher is one who has enviable command over his subject,good manners n personality and above all he z crazy about his profession.
i believe great teachers r those who leave indelible prints on stdS mind.they have variety of teaching techniques at their disposal to discover the latent faculties of their stds.
regards
MUHAMMAD RASHID MANZUR KASUR PAKISTAN
Hi great people.
This is inspiring and uplifting. For a teacher’s motivation and optimum output your ideas are just perfect. Keep it up.
Is cool and inspirational but for now,I’m still teaching in a High School but my mission is to teach in the University…I really need a guide-lines on how I can be a good lecture and necessary qualification. I now the spirit of teaching is in me,cause I can feel in in me.Till I hear from you soon…Thanks.
I believe that teachers can get inspired to teach better through your web page. I am a university undergraduate of Tai Solarin University of Education Nigeria, Ogun State
Hi,Cathy.I study at the University of Prishtina in the second year at the English Departament,and I totally agree with you on those 10 qualities.The most important thing that I will remember as a future teacher is that I will always be there for my students,because I remember a case at High school, where a teacher gave me a bad mark just because I was not able to do an exercise!
I felt horrible,and will never forget that.
It doesn’t matter if we do mistakes because we are all Human Beings.
I wanted to ask you why some teachers actually do these things,when they know that they should not?
Thank you very much.Shpresa from Kosova.
hi,
The topic huge in its meaning and scope, but i may submit few lines here
Teacher is nation builder.The important responsibility of child’s future is in the golden hands of teacher, so character of the teacher is more influential on the growing personality of students and must possess all the good qualities like patience,sense of humor,subject knowledge, discipline etc to become the ideal of his/her students
I am extremely impressed and verify the experiences and suggestions in the article,it includes a lot of experience also. it is beneficial for those who want to learn new things
I think u are right on those 10 qualities of teacher,but i also think he/she should be generous to d student.
I found this article very helpful for doing a report for college. It sounds like we have a lot of the same goals of being a great teacher. I cannot wait for my day in the sun as a teacher and be able to implement all of the knowledge I have gained. Again, great article and good luck in your teaching career!!
hi Cathy,
I like your article very much and i want to thank you. I have appeared for B.Ed. course as i want to be a trained teacher, and your article have help me alot during my interview.
hello there,
thanks for making such a great articles..i’m taking found. for TESL.. i love this article cuz this awake me and make me realise a lots of things…ur article help me in my works and help me in my study…thanks a lot
It’s very inspirational to hear these words. However, isn’t it kind of hopeless to post something like this in the face of what’s actually happening? When the no child left behind initiative was enacted
( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Child_Left_Behind_Act )
did no one do anything. You being a prospective teacher, did you not think this might be a bad direction to follow?
If the bar was lowered, allowing everyone to pass, would not the bar be lowered for college? If everyone from high school graduated, and they all achieved acceptable scores then they should be admitted to college. If the colleges are flooded with students unequipped for academic life then they face economic meltdown if they don’t change the curriculum.
It’s obviously a government decision. Check out what Germany did right before World War II. This has happened in the past. I WANT TO TEACH KIDS IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE! It’s just hard to make that happen in America
I agree with your top- ten-qualities-of-a-teacher list, but not mentioned is an important trait that belongs on the list: imagination. The power to imagine lessons that are engaging, motivating, and intellectually honest, is as critically important as any the current list provides. Add “imagination” to the list.
Sincerely,
Charles V. Kamar
thank you for this great article.i think these top-ten-qualities of a teacher is so difficult for the teachers to be.
I think something important is that a teacher must love his job.IF you do not,how can you have these qualities for being a good teacher?
Great work Cathy. Some teachers don’t know how much influence they have on their pupil, and the need to be yourself at all times and improve personal qualities.
I love the work teachers are doing all over the world and I always think teachers deserve more recognition than they are given. TO ALL TEACHERS OUT THERE, YOU ARE BLESSED AND LOVED BY GOD.
Keep up the good work.
Liz Dayspring
Rep. of Ireland