The Most Important Characteristics of a Good Teacher, Essay Example

This paper sets out the main characteristics of what describes a good teacher.  It is examined from the perspective of School, College and University teachers.  It primarily takes the holistic view and discusses some of the traits of a good teacher.  An effective teacher requires many different skillsets and the ability to control stressful environments.  In addition the Teacher should demonstrate personality traits of empathy, understanding, care and utmost dedication to the profession served.  The persona of the teacher needs to exude these qualities so as inspire confidence and respect from students and peers alike.

It is vital that any teacher is a good communicator.  The teacher should be fluent in expressing ideas, concepts and explanations.  This means good verbal and interaction skills with a diverse range of people.  The Teacher should be a voice of moderation and retain a tranquil atmosphere that is conducive to learning.  A good Teacher does not lose his/her temper and never yells or throw obstacles at students.  The Teacher needs to have a good sense of humour as this simplifies communications and helps to break the ice. Humour can also be used as an instrument of teaching.  It is important for the Teacher to have good time management skills. Do not turn up late for lectures or lessons, ensure papers are graded in a timely manner, avoid over-runs and delaying other classes, tutorials or lectures.

One of the most important aspects of a good teacher is command over the subject matter being taught. You must be a subject matter expert and be comfortable with explaining the detail and understanding of specifics.  This is particularly important in tutorials and lectures.  The Teacher must adopt an equitable nature and treat everybody fairly; personal traits must be free from racial intolerance or bigotry. In addition assessment must be performance based and exclude personal likes or dislikes of students.  The Teacher should strive for continued professional development in order to maintain mastery of both teaching skills and currency of the subject matter. Finally, in addition to leadership skills the Teacher needs to balance friendship with disciplinary skills in the teacher / student relationship. The question of knowing when to be supportive and when to take command of situations.  The ability to teach the student authority, respect and tolerance of others is an incremental part of the teaching process.

There are also certain softer skills that you require in the qualities of being a good teacher. The ability to be empathetic thereby understanding the students feeling or difficulties and relating problem solving solutions to meet these needs. The need to be a good listener, hence you need to receive as well as transmit information.  One maths lecturer I knew wrote endless mathematical equations on a blackboard and whilst he thought it was all clear and well explained over 80% of his audience struggled to understand his lectures.  He never took the time to ask!  The concept of motivation  is infectious.  If you are seen as a driving force, want to succeed and prepared to go that extra mile then others will surely follow.

In conclusion, teachers are in great demand because of the multiple skills and talents that you need in order to be successful at the job.  Mediocrity is not really an option in teaching and you have to continuously strive to stay at the top of your profession. This means being a good researcher and enhancing your knowledge of the subject matter.  Improving your interpersonal skills and expanding your horizons to embrace a network from peer groups, other educational institutions and other subject matter experts.  There are many extra curricula activities required that include:  attending teacher conferences, conducting research field trips, striving for higher academic credentials, writing in journals and books,  maintaining a literary and educational profile.  A job that extends well beyond the professional working day.