What is a good teacher?
Depending on one’s perspective, this question has many valid answers. A child might say that a good teacher makes learning fun, is fair, and assigns no homework. A parent might say that a good teacher is organized, has good control of the class, and challenges students. Administrators might say that a good teacher follows district guidelines, presents district curriculum effectively, and contributes to the school community. The school building manager might say a good teacher is tidy, has students clean up after themselves, and makes reasonable demands on his/her time.
Good teachers come in a variety of sizes, shapes,
A good teacher, first and foremost, sees each student as an individual with hopes, dreams, strengths, and vulnerabilities
A good teacher knows her students on many levels. She learns all she can about their academic strengths and needs, but even more about their interests, fears, hopes, and worries.
A good teacher helps her students to develop, achieve, and maintain strong self-esteem.
A good teacher allows her students to see and get to know her real self.
A good teacher remembers that each of her students is somebody’s precious child.
A good teacher makes learning exciting. She helps each student find areas of interest to explore and master.
A good teacher knows that no one can be a good teacher to every student every day, but she continues to try – knowing that if she can be a good teacher to every student many days that she has been successful.
Originally published in the KEA Katalyst, May 1998
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