What Makes a Great Teacher?

While this looks like a question that might be asked by a parent or a student, it is actually a common question asked by teachers themselves. How can I do a better job? What am I doing wrong?

If you work in the profession, you wouldn't be doing much right if you haven't experienced imposter syndrome at least once a year (or even once a semester). With this in mind, what DOES make a great teacher?

The first, and most obvious, indicator would be a teaching license provided after the completion of a post graduate diploma in education. This could be the PGCE style program in the UK, a standard post graduate program available globally, or even a newer approach through organizations like Moreland university. The programs (and the issuance of the license) not only prepares the individuals for the possible difficulties faced in actual teaching but also provides a robust background check to ensure the candidates are of good character (emotionally AND legally).

Assuming that the training is there, the next most important thing is a really strong knowledge of the topic AND of the test. Schools are not supposed to be exam factories just churning out passing grades. They are supposed to create a love for the subject and ignite students passions for the topics within. Teachers should ask themselves if they can explain how something applies to students daily lives because this is the best way for them to understand what they are learning. Is EVERYONE in the classroom understanding it and if not, how best to make sure everyone goes away fully informed on what they need to study to fully understand going forward.

A teacher should also use numerous ways of testing students. It isn't all about 2 hour written tests, you can assess the students in other ways. For example, asking questions throughout the class, particularly of students you remember got a question wrong before. If you are going to use this approach, positive reinforcement is key. Remind students that their answer is a good one and encourage them to ask questions even if it slows the lesson down. Some students only think of really good questions in the classroom when dealing directly with the topic while others will only deep dive the content when at home. Be prepared to use multiple sources to inform your grading and when faced with conflicting data, aim to be generous and look for ways to give the highest grade possible.

Finally, there is one big consideration every teacher should have in their minds when teaching. 'If I just gave the students the book and told them to study the topic themselves, would they do better, worse, or the same as if they were in my class studying with me?' Every class and every resource should be a reinforcement to the student that YOU are guiding them, supporting them, and informing them in ways that the textbook alone simply cannot.