1NOT MANY of you should become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation].
James 3:1
What Makes a Great Teacher?
Great Teachers are Passionate –great teachers love what they do and it’s evident to everyone that sits under their teaching. Passion spreads like wildfire – teachers with passion caused me to like the subjects I hated. Passion makes all the difference in the world.
Great Teachers Recognize the Importance of Being a Teacher – great teachers are constantly aware of the fact that they can change a students life forever.
Great Teachers Challenge their Students – the best teachers I’ve had – I hated at times because they challenged me, caused me to give my best effort, and stretched me to be all I could be.
Great Teachers Believes in Their Students and Their Students Know it – This isn’t about talk – it’s about action. If a stranger asked your students if they think you genuinely care about them – what would they say? If you don’t believe in the potential of every student – you need to find a new job.
Great Teachers Do Not Treat Everybody the Same – they recognize that students all have different strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and learning curves. Great teachers find out what their students needs are and coach them individually.
Great Teachers Go Out of Their Way – they don’t just pay attention to the students that raise their hands every question or that are the most popular, or even the brightest. They go out of their way to make sure every student feels loved, respected, and that they can do anything they put their minds to.
Great Teachers Want Their Students to go Farther Than Themselves –Teaching is ultimately about the legacy you’ll leave. The ultimate question is: Will my students better equipped for life than I was at their age because of the invested I’ve made in them. Am I enabling them go to farther than I did? Than their parents?
Great Teachers Reproduce Who They Are – Great teachers don’t just read facts and theories out of a textbook and expect to change a students life. Students will forget most the theories and principles you teach them, but they’ll remember who you were, what you stood for, and your character. Remember that more is caught than taught and that everything you do and say will have an impact on a student.
Great Teachers Bring Real Life into the Classroom – I’ve heard the quote, “Those that can’t do, teach, and those who can’t teach – teach gym.” While that is meant to be funny – it has some truth to it. If you’ve never done what you’re teaching – get around professionals that have done it and get as much knowledge from them as you can so you can bring real life into the classroom. Bring them into the classroom and have them give you credibility. Nothing is worse than teaching something you’ve never actually done or attempted.
I got some of these thoughts from some great comments in this post... Thanks guys!
What are your thoughts? What makes a great teacher?
