TEACHING is a complex talent. When talking about what makes a good teacher, we think about many qualifications they must have in order to be outstanding and promote change and learning in their students, we think in those who really made a difference in our lives. However, among several qualifications, teachers must show something that is essential… PASSION.
Passion moves you from one step to another, and helps you love what you are doing, love your students, love your community and colleagues, love learning new things, and most important, love what you do.
Great teachers work tirelessly to create a challenging, nurturing environment for their students. The more I watch great teachers, the more I am convinced that teaching has less to do with our knowledge and skills than with our attitude toward our students, our subject, and our work.
Great teachers are warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring, they respect their students and love them as they are. These teachers have high expectations for all students, and create a sense of community and belonging within their classroom.
Great teachers have a passion for learning, they keep studying and doing research, learning from their colleagues, and always search for the best way to reach each of their students in the class. Their passion goes beyond their class, they collaborate with other teachers and professionals, and are skilled leaders. Great teachers are always willing to incorporate new ideas, are not afraid of change, they focus on decision making and teamwork.
Anyone can easily believe that teaching is the simplest thing in the world, until one tries to do it. If you have a real passion for teaching, keep working hard, you have the essential skill to keep growing in the field.
From:
Nine Characteristics of a Great Teacher
By: Maria Orlando, EdD in Philosophy of Teaching
