Teaching is one of the most demanding jobs today. It is a respectable profession that does not pay handsomely. A great teacher must have a broad knowledge of subject matter and curriculum; the know-how of discipline and classroom management techniques; a passion for teaching and learning; and a desire to make a difference in the lives of young people. This essay will discuss the distinctive traits of great teachers.
First and foremost, great teachers exhibit expertise in the subjects that they are teaching and spend time continuing to gain knowledge in their field. For instance, a teacher in software development must be able to update himself with the latest software knowledge since it is not uncommon to see students who are more advanced in their computing skills than their teachers. If the teacher shows that he is in the continual progress of subject mastery, this will equip him to teach and guide better and motivate the students to learn more on their own.
Secondly, great teachers must also know how to manage the classroom and instill discipline in the students. They prepare their lessons in a clear and structured way so that there will be minimum distractions. They also give clear boundaries to the students and explain what are acceptable behaviours and what are not. Punishment will be meted out and rewards will be given appropriately, consistently and swiftly to motivate the students to develop positive behaviour and discipline for a more productive teaching experience.
Thirdly, effective teachers have a passion for teaching and learning. Instead of rote-learning, great teachers always engage children to keep them interested. They do not allow a few students to dominate the class but use varied and lively approaches in their lesson planning. They encourage students to ask "why" and guide them along as they explore the topics at deeper level. Students usually develop a greater interest in learning about the subjects and excel better in their grades.
Finally, great teachers have an intense desire to make a difference in the lives of their students. Great teachers form strong relationship with their students and show that they genuinely care for their students. They make themselves approachable and available to students even after class. For example, some teachers add their students as friends on Facebook and encourage them to drop them a message if they are in need of any advice. These teachers have become more like a friend or even a confidant to their students.
With all these qualities required, it is no wonder that it is hard to find great teachers. Being an effective and caring teacher is definitely a tall order. This is why it is said that "being a teacher is more of a calling than a profession". It is no wonder that great teachers are rare and few.
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