The 11 markers of a good teacher

One of my aims this year is to oversee a university prac student for the first time. By now, I feel competent enough to be able to pass on my “vast knowledge.”

After teaching for half-a-decade, I’ve now got a grasp - through both experience and observation - on what makes for a good teacher.

Presence - A good teacher has authority. They are a presence in the classroom. Kids  change their posture when you approach. Personally, it’s my voice which projects this presence. It’s strong. It’s confident. 

Calm - This presence should be soothing. A calm presence. A calming presence. An adult amongst children. Fair. Predictable.

Passionate - Although you’re calm, you’re not boring. Students should be able to see your enthusiasm for your subject and profession. Your joy for your job and students should be evident.

Knowledgeable - But, your passion must be fuelled by competence. You know your content. You know what you’re teaching and what you’re going to teach next. You also know why you’re teaching it.

A learner - You’re not stagnant in your knowledge. Your keep studying. Keep reading. Keep going to conferences. Keep gleaning snippets from everything to strengthen your knowledge.

Reflective - With the passing of time, you continually seek to improve. To improve your teaching practices. To improve your content delivery. To improve your connection with your students. This only happens if you teach, experiment, reflect, tweak and then repeat.

Knows the systems - You don’t only know your content, but the systems and structures used to apply that information in a manner in which the education department desires. You’ve taught enough, marked enough and heard enough to know the best methods, short-cuts and work-arounds that your students need to hear.

Has perspective - You’re not just the adult because you’re older. You’re also wiser. And you share your wisdom. Wisdom about subject selection. Wisdom about higher education. Wisdom about the workforce. Wisdom about… adulting. Wisdom about the next term, next year and next five years in the life of a student.

Professional - Your look. Your speech. Your actions. 

Prepared - You know what you’re doing. Where you’re going. What you and your students need. You have it with you. In advance.

Collegial - You work well with others. You share resources. You help others. You step up when needed. You’re friendly. You make your workspace welcoming.