Algirdas Makarevicius. Great Teacher Characteristics
What are the characteristics of a successful teacher?
A great teacher has the following attributes.
Simple and Honest
The great teacher interprets challenging topics in an accessible way and never claims to know everything. The teacher never strives to impress students with expertise and background. Also, the great teacher never tells lies and is never pretentious, arrogant, bombastic, or impudent.
Kind, Attentive, Helpful, and Considerate
The great teacher sees the value and importance of every individual. The teacher is kind not only to his or her best friends but also to each student, colleague, and student’s parents. The teacher’s kindness and generosity help students feel supported, protected, and loved.
Organized and Consistent
An organized and consistent teacher can clearly formulate their objectives, come to school well-prepared, and consistently arrive on time for classes. Such a teacher conducts lessons in a planned, understandable, and well-structured manner, utilizing the most advanced teaching methodologies.
Demonstrates and Promotes Creativity
The great teacher illustrates and proves but does not just inform or give orders. A great teacher can explain a concept or an assignment and can also demonstrate it. The great teacher presents exciting ideas and draws pictures, charts, diagrams, and maps. The teacher promotes creativity and acts as a facilitator.
Pleasant Character
The great teacher treats all people nicely, not because they are nice but because the teacher himself/herself is nice. Such a teacher affects the students with his or her excellent behavior and acts as a role model.
Positive Attitude
The great teacher is always friendly and usually smiles. The teacher’s positive attitude inspires students to study and provides them moral support and spiritual strength. Being positive in challenging situations can have a remarkably productive and optimistic impact on students’ performance, especially before exams.
Shows Respect and Esteem
A great teacher is sensitive to students and always respects them. He is enthusiastic, accessible, and caring. When a great teacher treats students with respect, he or she also earns their respect.
Tolerant and Self-Disciplined
A great teacher consistently maintains their composure and never exhibits signs of anger, exasperation, resentment, disappointment, or rage. The teacher calmly explains the complicated subject, no matter how many errors or mistakes the learners make. Students will follow a teacher who demonstrates outstanding character through patience and understanding.
Learns and Inspires
Great teachers, understanding that it is impossible and unnecessary to know everything, gain experience and knowledge from their students. Therefore, a great teacher never feels intimidated by the challenging questions posed by students. By learning, the teacher inspires students to develop their lifelong study skills because the teacher is also a lifelong learner. Once the course concludes, the students persist in their studies, demonstrating a keen interest in the teacher's material.
Stimulates Creativity and Critical Thinking
A great teacher involves the learners and encourages creativity and critical thinking skills. Learning is an active process that stimulates creativity and fosters growth. Therefore, such a teacher's motto is 'Learning by doing.’ He or she knows it is impossible to pour information into students’ minds like water is poured into a jar.
An Expert in the Field He or She Teaches
Last but not least, the great teacher is the master of their subject, always works professionally, dedicates a significant amount of time to professional development, skillfully presents learning materials, and inspires learners to study independently.
Algirdas Makarevicius. Reflections: How to Teach English Vocabulary?
Algirdas Makarevicius. How to Teach Debating in the Classroom?
Algirdas Makarevicius. Which English Language Teaching Method to Choose?
A great teacher has the following attributes.
Simple and Honest
The great teacher interprets challenging topics in an accessible way and never claims to know everything. The teacher never strives to impress students with expertise and background. Also, the great teacher never tells lies and is never pretentious, arrogant, bombastic, or impudent.
Kind, Attentive, Helpful, and Considerate
The great teacher sees the value and importance of every individual. The teacher is kind not only to his or her best friends but also to each student, colleague, and student’s parents. The teacher’s kindness and generosity help students feel supported, protected, and loved.
An organized and consistent teacher can clearly formulate their objectives, come to school well-prepared, and consistently arrive on time for classes. Such a teacher conducts lessons in a planned, understandable, and well-structured manner, utilizing the most advanced teaching methodologies.
Demonstrates and Promotes Creativity
The great teacher illustrates and proves but does not just inform or give orders. A great teacher can explain a concept or an assignment and can also demonstrate it. The great teacher presents exciting ideas and draws pictures, charts, diagrams, and maps. The teacher promotes creativity and acts as a facilitator.
Pleasant Character
The great teacher treats all people nicely, not because they are nice but because the teacher himself/herself is nice. Such a teacher affects the students with his or her excellent behavior and acts as a role model.
Positive Attitude
The great teacher is always friendly and usually smiles. The teacher’s positive attitude inspires students to study and provides them moral support and spiritual strength. Being positive in challenging situations can have a remarkably productive and optimistic impact on students’ performance, especially before exams.
Shows Respect and Esteem
A great teacher is sensitive to students and always respects them. He is enthusiastic, accessible, and caring. When a great teacher treats students with respect, he or she also earns their respect.
Tolerant and Self-Disciplined
A great teacher consistently maintains their composure and never exhibits signs of anger, exasperation, resentment, disappointment, or rage. The teacher calmly explains the complicated subject, no matter how many errors or mistakes the learners make. Students will follow a teacher who demonstrates outstanding character through patience and understanding.
Learns and Inspires
Great teachers, understanding that it is impossible and unnecessary to know everything, gain experience and knowledge from their students. Therefore, a great teacher never feels intimidated by the challenging questions posed by students. By learning, the teacher inspires students to develop their lifelong study skills because the teacher is also a lifelong learner. Once the course concludes, the students persist in their studies, demonstrating a keen interest in the teacher's material.
Stimulates Creativity and Critical Thinking
A great teacher involves the learners and encourages creativity and critical thinking skills. Learning is an active process that stimulates creativity and fosters growth. Therefore, such a teacher's motto is 'Learning by doing.’ He or she knows it is impossible to pour information into students’ minds like water is poured into a jar.
An Expert in the Field He or She Teaches
Last but not least, the great teacher is the master of their subject, always works professionally, dedicates a significant amount of time to professional development, skillfully presents learning materials, and inspires learners to study independently.
Algirdas Makarevicius. Reflections: How to Teach English Vocabulary?
Algirdas Makarevicius. How to Teach Debating in the Classroom?
Algirdas Makarevicius. Which English Language Teaching Method to Choose?
