Good Teacher

Teaching is an art and not everyone is artistic. Certainly, there are individuals who have completed their teaching degree program, passed all their tests, read all the articles and written neatly worded essays, but none of that necessarily makes them a good teacher.

Good teachers use all of their senses and all of their sense. They listen and hear what their students are saying and what is not being said. Good teachers observe what works for individual students and they keep an eye open to prevent problems. Good teachers give hugs, especially to younger students. Good teachers will even use their sense of smell to identify students who are being neglected at home. Sad, but true.

Good teachers are required by administrators and school boards to follow specific curriculum maps that set out the material to be taught, the pace at which it is to be taught and using specified materials, whether they suit the students or not. A good teacher will succeed in spite of these short-sighted limitations because they understand that every student is different.

Good teachers document pretty much everything. It's not all about test scores or even homework grades. Good teachers remember birthdays, favorite subjects, personal fears and they recognize achievements. Far too many children enter the school system without discipline, self-confidence or basic good manners. Good teachers will take notes as they go through their days and review those notes and observations, constantly looking for ways to connect with their students and help them succeed.
Good teachers love and respect their students. They have a handful of rules that must be followed and everything else is open to discussion. The Socratic Method is still the best way to share ideas. Good teachers encourage their students to go beyond their comfort zone, to try new ways of doing or looking at things. Good teachers will teach their students that differences can not only be tolerated but learned from, as well.
They change lives. Good teachers help their students to recognize their own gifts and limitations and then show those students how to work around and through problem areas while achieving greatness in their areas of expertise.
Good teachers spark their students' interest in the world, the nation and in their community. Good teachers introduce their students to experiences they wouldn't have otherwise.
Good teachers require their students to respect each other, just as they are respected. Good teachers never lose their temper and are never afraid to laugh. Good teachers are miracle workers.

Posted by Imam