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The Most Important Qualities That Make a Good Teacher

July 30, 2023

Teachers significantly impact the lives of their learners. They challenge their students to confidently think outside the box and counter new challenges. 

A good teacher will also support their learners when they take in new challenges and fail. They build their confidence to try again, inspire creativity, and encourage exploration and competition. 

Teaching is not a job but a calling. It is, therefore, crucial to acquire and perfect the required skills to efficiently inspire and grow students in their classrooms. 

Good teachers model behaviors of patience, empathy, communication, and understanding. Qualities that they can help grow in their learners. 

In this article, we discuss ten qualities of good teachers that should serve as motivation if you hope to impact the lives of your learners positively. 

The Value of a Teacher’s Role

A teacher’s role is essential not only in the education system but also later on in the lives of their students. 

You can make a difference in your student’s life by influencing everything, from educational goals to after-school success. 

Good teachers help their students reach more success, understand themselves better, and make well-thought decisions that will help them make the right choices to propel them to greater heights in life. 

To be good at your job as a teacher, you must love it. Passion is infectious; your students will feel passionate about the subject if you are passionate about it. 

Also, you can cultivate self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth in your learners in your daily interactions. 

Your interactions with your students also guide them into laying the foundation for meaningful relationships, understanding their feelings, and navigating challenging situations. 

10 Qualities of a Good Teacher

Outstanding teachers have certain qualities that make them rise above the rest of their student’s lives. Such teachers have a way of remaining in our memories no matter how far removed from our school years. 

Studies from the Economic Policy Institute show that good teachers contribute more to student achievement than learning facilities and school leadership. 

Here are our top ten qualities that make a good teacher:

1. Great communicators

When you possess excellent communication skills, you will know how to teach your subject in a learner-friendly and engaging way. 

This will, in turn, improve their understanding and achievement as it will bring you closer to them and help them present any concerns they may have regarding any learned content. 

For instance, a finance class will be easier to understand if the teacher uses everyday examples with which the students are familiar. 

2. Experts in their field

Your students will be motivated to learn if you are an expert in your field. If you love your teaching area, you will show that expertise in the classroom. 

Once you have mastered the content in your subject area, you can use different angles to explain the subject matter; hence be very resourceful when teaching. 

For instance, a math teacher can use the rows and columns in the class to enhance understanding of matrices. 

3. Collaboration

Collaboration in teaching creates a growth-based learning environment that increases student learning processes.

You should work closely with other teachers and your students if you aim for great results. 

Collaborating with other teachers helps you learn from each other, allowing you to brainstorm new ideas. This is significant in improving learner outcomes. 

A good teacher is also interested in learning from parents about their students. This equips you with an understanding of how to help your students better.

Empathy is how you understand your learner’s emotional, social, and intellectual situations. A good teacher can respond empathetically to a learner’s admirable and ugly emotions without losing focus on student learning. 

For instance, if your best student failed a test. Your first instinct might be to reprimand them and for an explanation for their poor performance. On the other hand, consider putting yourself in their situation, imagine how they are feeling, and empathize with them. 

Seek to understand how they feel about the dismal performance, what they think they did wrong, and then suggest ways to improve the result. Assure them that they have a chance to turn things around. 

When your learners feel physically, mentally, and emotionally safe, they will engage better in your subject as they feel loved and understood. 

You can grow your empathetic touch by reading books on such, taking courses on empathy, and attending seminars that build on this. 

5. Loving challenges

A great teacher loves challenges. A classroom environment is full of varied challenges; therefore, embracing them is a sure way to manage them. 

Once you love your challenges, you will teach your learners more effectively. This is because a teacher who loves challenges will grow to challenge students. Students love challenges, provided they are presented in a kind spirit. 

You can draw your students to love challenges by asking thought-provoking questions that get learners to think about sequencing and predictions. 

Challenging them will push them to work harder, improve, and achieve beyond their imagination. 

6. Creativity

Although not all subject areas promote creativity, they can all be taught creatively. 

For instance, a biology teacher teaching about different kinds of plants would take students to the natural habitat to exploit the topic practically. Also, a literature teacher would more creatively use film to enhance the mental correlation of a play the learners are reading as a literary text. 

A science teacher would use real solutions more creatively when teaching learners to test for bases and acids. Learners always appreciate the extra mile. 

When you creatively motivate your learners, they are motivated to do this in education and their lives after school. 

7. Constant growth 

Teachers need a growth mindset that prepares them for the classroom environment. Continuous learning will equip you with invaluable knowledge to progressively inspire your students. The growth mindset is essential because it will enable you to collaborate with your learners with the understanding that they can learn it to a higher level. 

A view that continuous growth is essential will create a love of learning and resilience in just one area. It empowers your learners to believe they can develop their abilities with brains and talents as starting points. 

The need for growth will motivate you to focus on creativity and intelligence, the two factors that result in success in both your academic and professional lives. 

8. Patience

When managing learners, your patience is constantly tested. You will also deal with learners, parents, and colleagues with differing perspectives, backgrounds, and characters. This requires patience. 

For instance, with your learners and their parents, you must be patient in repeatedly dealing with the same questions and issues.

Also, some of your learners will have difficulties understanding various concepts; it’s essential that you keep going but should continuously try out new ways of helping them succeed. 

9. Adaptability

Your environment as a teacher is constantly evolving. This demands that you continually adapt to the constant changes and adjust your teaching methods to suit the age and intellect of your learners. 

Also, with the continuously changing educational frameworks, being able to adopt those changes makes you a good teacher. 

Adaptability is also one of the essential skills that you will require if you are educating learners of varying grade levels or those with different learning styles. 

10. Respect

Many educators imply respect, but few understand how to use it in the classroom. 

As a good teacher, you must be mindful of any imbalance in respect and ensure that your students feel respected and heard. 

In stories from American Teacher Week , Maggie remembers her seventh-grade language teacher for the respect she fostered and reflected on her students. The feeling that her teacher valued and respected each of them taught her a valuable lesson about the significance of fostering the respect you demand.

Desired Classroom Skills

Besides the teaching and communication skills you should possess as a good teacher, excellent class management skills are critical.  

Some of the desired class management skills include:

• Setting high but achievable expectations for your students – You can do this by teaching them about growth mindsets. They should believe that success is within their control. Reinforce in them daily that they can succeed if they put in the effort. 
• Good planning skills – With good planning skills, you will help students identify their goals and guide them in deciding what their priority is. Teach them how to plan their learning by breaking their tasks into steps to make them more manageable. Teaching learners how to plan will also eliminate uncertainty in the mind, which in most learners results in procrastination. 
• Creating a sense of community- A sense of community will create a social connection and a sense of belonging among your learners. You can establish this community within your students by consistently holding class meetings every morning to focus on building social and emotional skills and establishing relationships among them. 

Common Weaknesses of Teachers

Teachers, even the most experienced, are helpful with some weaknesses. Every teacher would like to see themselves as being perfect, but admitting that we are all flawed in different ways is the first step to becoming better teachers tomorrow. 

Here are some common weaknesses in teachers: 

Perfectionism

Making mistakes is a normal part of human life. Perfectionism is a fear-based pattern whose short-term rewards are getting the job done and exceeding expectations. Its long-term effects, however, include burnout, compromised quality of work, and missed deadlines. 

Being afraid to make mistakes primes us for burnout and overwhelms us with fear, factors that distort our functioning as teachers. 

Dealing with others as a perfectionist is challenging since you will always want them to do things your way, allowing little room for the ideas and imperfections of others. 

Perfectionism also prevents you from taking constructive criticism from colleagues who may want to share relevant observations on your interaction. 

Though no one is perfect, some teachers seem to have it together, and this may be the basis for our comparison. Comparison can hinder your success as a teacher if you are constantly comparing yourself with colleagues you view as perfect. 

Learning helpful hints and new ideas from teachers with the strengths we would like to possess would help you overcome comparison.

For instance, if a colleague is better at relating with learners and they look up to her more for guidance, instead of getting all jealous and bitter at her, seek to know what she does differently to get the students to open up to her. 

Spontaneous

If you are a spontaneous teacher, you act without planning but will rely on previous experience teaching diverse classes and using different approaches to teaching. 

Spontaneity in learning is not all bad, as it helps adjust the power imbalances in a typical classroom. Spontaneous teaching, however, can have some adverse effects on learning. This can result in a lack of structure to your lesson and poor lesson organization. It may also limit your degree of learner assessment of learner progress and achievement. 

To avoid the adverse effects of spontaneity, find a balance between flexibility and structure in the lesson. Consider the individual learner’s needs and learning abilities when deciding on the instructional method. 

Becoming a Good Teacher

A chosen path can guide you into becoming a better teacher. Many specialties are available, so knowing what grade you want to teach and what subject area you are passionate about is essential. 

Here are some steps to take toward becoming a good teacher. 

Bachelor’s Degree 

A bachelor’s degree is crucial to becoming a good teacher. Though most states will require a bachelor’s degree in education, alternative routes to licensure are also available. 

 It will allow you to learn essential skills that will help you become a better teacher. Such include:

• Cognitive skills : A degree program grows your ability to recall, integrate, and analyze information. You will be able to foster critical and creative thinking skills that guide fluency, originality, flexibility, and adaptability in developing and adjusting to learner programs. 
• Communication skills: Acquiring communication skills enables you to interact and collaborate effectively with your learners in delivering and assessing knowledge acquisition. Efficient communication is necessary when also engaging with students’ families and colleagues. 
• Research skills: The skills to initiate and complete data collection concerning learner performance and curricula are essential in effective instruction. A bachelor’s degree program will guide you into effectively demonstrating, considering consequences, information presentation, and record keeping. 
• Social skills: A good teacher is sensitive to ethical and integral processes of establishing functional relationships with all the school community members. The program will develop compassion, empathy, interpersonal skills, and internal motivation, skills you will require to impact your learners and effectively relate with your colleagues positively. 

Here is a list of some bachelor’s degrees that would guide you into initial certification as a teacher:

• Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
• Bachelor of Special Ed. and Elementary Education
• Bachelor of Special Education (mild to moderate)
• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education (middle grades)
• Bachelor of Science in Science Education (Secondary Biological Science)
• Bachelor of Arts in Music Education
• Bachelor of Science in STEM Education

Master’s Degree

Besides attaining a bachelor’s degree, aspiring teachers should also think about acquiring a master’s degree. A master’s degree will upgrade your knowledge and help you learn more about your subject area. You will also acquire more effective ways of curriculum instruction. 

Teaching Certification

To get hired after completing your degree program, getting certified to teach in the state where you are interested in teaching is essential. 

Getting certified gives you credibility as a teacher and is one of the states’ quality measures for hiring teachers. 

Most states will therefore require teachers to have certificates to teach. 

Teachers are crucial in changing lives, inspiring dreams, and pushing individuals to realize their potential. Teachers educate the next generation, promoting positive attitudes that shape society. 

Middle School Teacher Salary in Texas in 2023

July 30, 2023 by bryan

Texas Teachers Certification Areas

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The 10 Most Important Qualities of a Good Teacher, According to Real Educators

This is what it takes to succeed in this challenging career.

It’s a standard teacher interview question : “What do you think is the most important quality of a good teacher?” While everyone has a different answer, there are some that come up more often than others. We asked a group of experienced educators and administrators to share their thoughts on the key qualities of a good teacher. Here’s what they had to say.

1. Patience

This was far and away the most commonly mentioned characteristic by educators in our survey. “Patience can be used in virtually every situation,” says high school ELA teacher Ann Cox. “If a teacher is able to remain calm, consider others’ point of view, and think through scenarios, they will be able to navigate just about anything that comes their way.”

She continues: “Patience helps teachers not to react in the moment when students are off task, disrespectful, etc. It’s also helpful when dealing with angry parents so you don’t say or do something you might regret later. And patience is definitely needed when sitting through meetings and professional development sessions!”

For ELA teacher Kenly CG, patience means “paying attention to each student’s needs and showing that you care about your students’ learning.” UK special school teacher Sarah Brown also advises “remaining calm, listening and observing students’ needs, repeating instructions, and modelling again when necessary.”

Learn more: 7 Ways To Cultivate Patience at Calm

2. Empathy and Compassion

These two traits were a close second behind patience when we asked about the qualities of a good teacher. “They have to know you care before they can learn from you,” explains middle school teacher Samantha Wheeler. As a special ed teacher from New York notes: “You have to teach the child before you can teach the curriculum.”

“Empathy is a constant exercise in stepping outside of yourself and your perspective to see the children you teach for who they are,” notes Indiana preschool teacher Maile C. Quinton. “Contact talks. Get down on the same level as a child, listen to what they say, and emphasize their shared feelings by validating them. Don’t try to silver lining everything—you can validate a situation, a moment, an emotion without condoning a behavior or a problem. Empathy isn’t sympathy.”

Learn more: Cultivating Empathy at American Psychological Association

3. Flexibility and Adaptability

Being open-minded to change is critical in this field. So many of the educators we surveyed agree with this North Carolina ESL teacher: “There is nothing constant in teaching. Good teachers have to be able to adapt to the changing needs of students, to new administrators, new curricula, new colleagues, and new technology.”

“With so many different needs from students and parents, teachers need to be flexible to accommodate and meet students where they are at,” says elementary school counselor Lisa K, while high school English teacher Nicole P. adds, “There are often times where you need to think on your feet, so being flexible is important to go with the flow in different situations.” ADVERTISEMENT

Elementary special ed teacher Brianna Vuori sums it up like this: “We can only begin to predict what the future will hold and with that what we need to prepare students for, so adaptability is critical to being able to survive and thrive in this ever-changing profession.”

Learn more: Teachers, To Succeed, It’s Important To Be Flexible at EdWeek

Teaching can be a tough gig, and you’ll need to be dedicated and passionate in order to thrive. “Passion is what drives us forward and what sees us through rough times,” emphasizes ELS department head Katerina T. “It is the driving force behind every lesson plan or decision we make and what lies at the foundation of life-changing relationships with our students.”

“Teachers that have passion will always find a way to meet the demands of the job,” says Florida teacher Jamie Cabaniss. “Teachers can lean on their passions when feeling frustrated and burnt out. Passions are what reignite us to get back in the classroom to teach our hearts out.”

Preschool teacher Christina H. couldn’t agree more. “You have to have a love and passion for what you are doing,” she declares. “Teaching isn’t just ‘teaching.’ It is also being a second mom (or dad), a counselor, a referee, a nurse, and so much more. To wear these many hats, you need to love what you are doing. You also need to love your students to help them succeed. Loving them on their best and worst days is what will make you successful.”

Learn more: 5 Ways Educators Can Grow and Sustain a Passion for Teaching at NSHSS

5. Kindness

Over and over again, educators emphasized kindness as one of the most important qualities of a good teacher. “We are in the business of teaching human beings. We must teach them to be good people,” stresses Adam Peterson, Illinois music teacher and tutor.

Tina Jones agrees: “Teachers need to be kind, caring, compassionate and understanding. In our world today, with kids getting so much information and misinformation via social media, children need examples of those qualities more than ever.”

Learn more: The Case for Professional Kindness in Teaching at Teacher magazine

6. Collaboration

“Good teachers need to be able to give ideas, ask for help, share, and communicate with coworkers and families,” advises one Washington second grade teacher. “Be able to take suggestions, offer help, and not take things personally.”

Teachers regularly have to work collaboratively, and not just with their fellow colleagues and administrators. Developing strong, collaborative relationships with parents and families is vital. To succeed in this field, you need to learn to work well as part of a team.

Learn more: The Importance of Teacher Collaboration at American University School of Education

7. Professionalism

It probably feels like professionalism should be a given in any job, but it’s one of the most important qualities of a good teacher because you need to gain and maintain the respect of students, families, and administration. “Some days are going to be frustrating, discouraging, and stressful,” warns an Ohio 7th grade science teacher, “but you need to remain professional by staying calm and encouraging and being a good mentor for your students.”

Learn more: The Five P’s of Professionalism in Teaching at Grand Canyon University

8. Sense of Humor

There’s no doubt about it, teachers do best when they have a sense of humor. “Laughing at yourself is a great relief, and laughing with children builds trust with them,” says Maile C. Quinton. Find ways to bring humor into your classroom, and you’ll find that students relax and learn a little more easily. (Plus, it’s much easier to deal with the small daily annoyances of teaching when you learn to laugh them off!)

Learn more: Engaging Students With Humor at Association for Psychological Science

9. Open-Mindedness

“Be open to learning from more (and even less) experienced teachers, and open to trying out new teaching and classroom management methods,” recommends middle school ELA teacher Abigail Perry.

“We are building relationships with a diverse student population,” notes Cheryl Rizzo, a middle school ELA teacher. “This can be a source of stress or create divide. However, with an open mind, it can create new opportunities or a chance to grow. Teachers are open-minded when they allow students to have a voice and take an active part in their education.”

Part of being open-minded means demonstrating a willingness to grow and a dedication to growth mindset. According to a literacy coach from North Carolina: “This job requires constant reflection, learning, and growth.”

Learn more: How To Be Open-Minded and Why It Matters at Very Well Mind

10. Resilience

Marilyn Weber, a retired principal from Massachusetts, names this as the quality she looked for in a good teacher. “In order to navigate the world of education with all its related constituencies and responsibilities, an educator needs to be knowledgeable, flexible, an impeccable communicator, and should be able to withstand all the highs and lows of what comes their way and needs to be accomplished,” she states. She added that educators must be able to “do so without allowing any of that to shake their confidence and resolve in order to do what’s best for their students.”

That’s a tall order! Fortunately, Andrea Perry, a certified coach for educator well-being, has some advice. “Develop emotional intelligence. It’s critical for keeping our calm and being proactive, not reactive. This supports the teacher not only in serving their students well but also helps them remain joyfully in the profession as well.”

Learn more: How To Be Resilient at Work at Positive Psychology

More Qualities of a Good Teacher To Consider

These qualities of a good teacher didn’t make the top 10, but they’re definitely worthwhile attributes for every educator to cultivate:

• Inclusive mindset: “There is such a huge stigma against disabilities and it is often hushed away, which creates shame. All children are general education first and receive special education services second. Build a classroom community with respect by explaining differences to students and celebrating everyone’s strengths. True inclusivity helps all students grow, not just the students in a special education classroom. True inclusivity should help you as a teacher grow.” —Katie M., Functional Life Skills Teacher
• Love for all children: “A good teacher must truly like kids, even the naughty ones. Too often teachers only seem to like the ‘good’ kids or the ones from ‘good’ families. They attribute the student’s behavior to something personal or bad about them. Instead, those are the kids in whom we need to diligently look for the good.” —Kathryn Roe, retired educator and administrator
• Love of learning
• Problem-solving skills
• Hopefulness
• Imagination
• Reliability
• Knowledge of content and pedagogy
• High expectations

What do you feel are the most important qualities of a good teacher? Come share your thoughts in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, the complete guide to becoming a teacher, from choosing a college to landing a job ..

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Teacher — What Makes a Great Teacher

What Makes a Great Teacher

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Published: Sep 12, 2023

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Respect for students, creating a sense of community and belonging, providing a welcoming learning environment, commitment to ongoing learning and professional development, adaptability to diverse learners, challenges in teaching, opportunities for growth.

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Qualities of a Good Teacher: The 14 Qualities That Top Our List

When you think back on your own education, there’s probably a teacher who stands out as an exceptional source of encouragement and inspiration. Maybe it was a college professor who inspired you to change your career field — or, maybe it was a kindergarten teacher whose simple acts of kindness made a positive difference in your childhood. But no matter what grade you were in or what subject you were studying, chances are your favorite teacher possessed many of the skills and characteristics that are featured on this list, which breaks down the qualities of a good teacher in detail.

In This Article:

What makes a good teacher, the top 14 qualities that make a good teacher, a good teacher starts with a solid education, keeping your teaching skills fresh with professional development, 15 soft and hard skills important for teachers to develop, the journey to becoming a good teacher.

Read on as we explore the top character traits and teaching skills that educators need in 2032 and beyond. We’ve also included an overview of the credentials, degrees, and qualifications that are required to become a teacher, both in California and out of state. Whether it’s a skill you need to brush up on, a credential you need to earn, or maybe even a character trait you want to work on developing, this guide offers dozens of ideas for areas where you can start improving as an educator — and start improving your resume at the same time.

Whether they’re teaching advanced calculus or how to count to 10, effective teachers share certain universal traits in common. For example, all great educators have the ability to listen actively — not only to their students, but also to their colleagues, school administrators, and students’ family members. We’ll talk more about active listening and why it matters below, along with several other traits that teachers should try to exemplify.

According to Robert Lee, Ed.D., Dean of the Sanford College of Education , “A good teacher possesses qualities such as strong communication skills, empathy, and a passion for lifelong learning. These attributes not only foster a positive and engaging classroom environment but also enhance student success and inspire a love of learning. Good teachers also possess a deep understanding of their subject matter and can take that knowledge and make it culturally relevant for students as they develop engaging lessons. Good teachers inspire and motivate students to reach their full potential while creating an inclusive learning environment where each student is seen, valued, cared for, and respected.”

While some are less tangible than others — and potentially, more challenging to cultivate — all of them are equally worthwhile for teachers to actively develop and practice. Read on as we break down more than a dozen of the most important traits for educators, including:

• Active listening
• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Focus on growth
• Lifelong learning
• Preparedness

You don’t need to have a specific personality type to be an inspiring and effective teacher. However, there are some useful traits you should work on developing or strengthening if your goal is to be a more engaging and successful educator.

1. Adaptability

Adaptability is a must for teachers, who need to continuously evaluate what’s working for their students — and even more importantly, what isn’t working. Being adaptable and flexible allows you to flow between different theories of learning and modes of teaching — something we’ll discuss momentarily — without becoming immobilized by stress or indecision.

Empathy is the ability to understand what another person is feeling or experiencing — put simply, putting yourself in another person’s shoes. As a teacher, it’s vital to practice empathy instead of making assumptions — for instance, making efforts to understand and address the root issue that’s causing a student to fall behind their peers, perform more poorly than they used to, or lash out in class.

3. Patience

Patience is important both to possess and to model for your students — who, as we discussed in our post on theories of learning, may view you as a role model and emulate your behavior. Having a reserve of patience will make it easier for you to work through each student’s unique struggles and challenges, which may be difficult or slow-going to overcome.

4. Engagement

Students are perceptive from an extremely young age and can easily tell when teachers are bored by or apathetic toward their own material. If you want to generate engagement and enthusiasm in your class, it’s imperative to exemplify those traits yourself, showing your students an infectious passion for learning — and all the exciting discoveries and hobbies that it can unlock for them!

5. Active Listening

Active listening is vital if you want to effectively diagnose and help overcome students’ unique obstacles and challenges. Seek feedback, encourage honesty, provide ways for students to contact you easily, and be attentive whenever you listen, always trying to read between the lines and assess body language while you’re communicating. Learn more about how and why you should improve your active listening skills .

6. Lifelong Learning

The best educators aren’t just interested in teaching — they also have a passion for lifelong learning, which is reflected in their enthusiasm and engagement as instructors. Continued learning and professional development deliver invaluable insight, keeping professionals “sharp” and reminding teachers of the real-world challenges that their students may be facing — creating a pathway for greater empathy. Discover more about the importance of lifelong learning and how different theories of learning could help you teach — or understand — new information.

7. Free of Bias

As an educator, you’ll be responsible for teaching an extraordinarily wide range of students. To combat inequality and discrimination and ensure fairness, you need to assess your students’ needs in a way that is free from bias — something that requires you to continuously check in with your own judgments and assumptions about others.

8. Respectful Attitude

Even in classrooms of adult learners, there’s still an inherent imbalance of power that exists between students and teachers. It’s imperative for educators to be mindful of this imbalance and ensure that students feel respected and heard for the people they are and what they contribute to the classroom.

9. Creativity

Creativity goes hand in hand with adaptability — another key trait we explored on this list. Whether you teach first graders or doctoral students, you’ll need the ability to innovate, think outside the box, and find novel solutions to challenges, which will empower you to meet a wider range of students’ needs. Being creative as an educator will also help you to foster creativity in your students — an essential skill they’ll need for countless career paths.

10. Collaborative

From parent-teacher conferences and department meetings to teaching dozens or hundreds of students every day, education is an intensely collaborative field by nature, involving a constant interplay between students, teachers, administrators, and family members. If your goal is to become an educator or transition into an educational leadership position, you’ll need strong collaborative skills to ensure you can work well with others consistently.

11. Preparation

In line with being flexible and adaptable, it’s important to be prepared for a wide range of scenarios and challenges in the classroom. You can increase your overall level of preparedness as an educator by learning about your students’ strengths and challenges, and ensuring that you consider how each of your students could be affected by your lesson plans.

12. Promote a Growth Mindset

In 2006, psychologist Carol Dweck introduced the concept of “growth mindsets” vs. “fixed mindsets” in her book Mindset: The Psychology of Success. According to Dweck, individuals with a fixed mindset perceive assets like intelligence as being determined early in life, which can cause obstacles or challenges to seem insurmountable or overwhelming. In contrast to a fixed mindset, individuals who have a growth mindset believe that traits like intelligence and creativity can be developed with practice.

13. Meet Students Where They Are

Your students will come to you from different backgrounds, skill sets, and challenges — and you need to be ready to meet them, whichever point they’ve reached in their learning. That means having the ability to accommodate students who learn at different paces, using different styles and methods, within the same classroom or group. This is another area where traits like adaptability, empathy, and patience come into play for educators.

14. Cross-Discipline Teaching

Drawing on multiple subjects and disciplines shows students how businesses operate — and how problem-solving works — in the real world, grounding their learning in practical real-life scenarios.

If you don’t possess all of these traits already, don’t panic — just be mindful that there may be some areas where you could benefit from a little practice. Whether your goal is to tune up weak skills, refine strong ones, or develop new abilities, a degree or credential program provides the perfect opportunity to acquire the qualifications and experience you need to go further in your chosen career path.

Here are just a few of the teaching credentials or degrees that graduate and undergraduate students can pursue at National University. Each option combines rigorous coursework and research with an academic seminar or field experience component, where the student has the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of — and ability to apply — the subject material they’ve covered throughout the program.

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BAECE)

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education at National University is an NCATE-accredited degree program that may be completed online or on-campus. Coursework covers topics such as Early Cognition; Early Language and Literacy; Observing, Assessing, and Planning; Children with Special Needs; Designing Emergent Curriculum; and Nature, Numbers, and Technology. For additional details about the program, explore the BAECE program page or contact our admissions office to request more information.

Master of Arts in Education (MAE)

The Master of Arts in Education , or MAE, is an NCATE-accredited program with the option to conveniently complete coursework online. The MAE is designed for students who want to acquire field experience, conduct original research, and build on their undergraduate degree with a rigorous, high-level study of the historical, philosophical, psychological, and social foundations of today’s education industry. Program coursework includes topics such as Early Childhood Education Learning and Development; Foundations of Adult Learners; Community Development in Higher Education; Media Rich Instruction; Identity, Inclusion, and Equity; and Applied Critical Thinking. To learn more about the online or on-campus MAE program at National University, get in touch with our enrollment counselors today.

Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Teaching Credential

National University offers both Single Subject and Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials , along with a wide variety of additional teaching credentials to help you reach your goals. The credential you need depends on the classes or grade levels you intend to teach and in what state, along with other factors. For example, according to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), you’ll need a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential to become an elementary school teacher, whereas anyone who “want[s] to teach in high school in California must earn a Single Subject Teaching Credential.” Finally, “Individuals who want to teach special education students in California must earn an Education Specialist Instruction Credential,” per CTC guidelines.

According to the online education resource Teaching-Certificate , “Although the…California Commission on Teacher Credentialing used to require 150 hours of professional growth to renew a clear credential, clear credentials may now be renewed without verifying any professional or continuing education requirements.” However, that doesn’t mean educators should overlook opportunities for continued learning. While no longer a CTC requirement, continuing education has several benefits for teachers and school administrators, like increasing your marketability, providing you with professional networking opportunities, and creating a path to learn and practice new skills — while keeping your old ones up-to-date.

Before we look at these skills in closer detail, it’s important to point out that the CTC requirements above are specific to California, and that the continuing education or professional development requirements for educators may differ in your state. For example, the state of Nevada requires educators to complete “15 hours each calendar year of professional development or the equivalent of in-service training.” Be sure to check with the credentialing organization in your state, like California’s Commission on Teaching Credentialing, to ensure you meet the criteria for maintaining and renewing your teaching license.

As an educator, you meet a new group of students every year — and every year, there are new developments around the science and psychology of learning. In short, students’ needs change over time, like the way that social media and mobile devices have become key learning tools among Gen Z students compared to previous generations. The student population is also becoming more diverse , not only in terms of race but also disability, along with international students and online students .

The bottom line for educators? In the face of a changing industry and student population, along with the growing importance of educational technology, teachers need to develop — and maintain — a wide range of skills to keep up. So what are the essential hard and soft skills of a teacher, and what sorts of credentials and qualifications does an educator need to obtain? Here are 15 examples, including seven hard skills and eight soft skills for teachers to master.

• Ability to practice varied teaching modes and methods
• Administrative skills
• Communication
• Classroom management skills
• Computer and technological skills
• Educational degrees and qualifications
• Emotional intelligence
• Leadership skills
• Knowledge of the curriculum
• Problem-solving skills
• Teaching certificates and credentials
• Time management skills
• Writing and grammar skills

8 Important Soft Skills for Teachers

Important soft skills for teachers include time management skills, leadership skills, having a strong work ethic, problem solving abilities, high emotional intelligence, and possessing the knowledge and adaptability needed to employ a variety of teaching modes and methods.

1. Communication — Verbal, nonverbal, and written communication are fundamental for any educator. Not only does clear communication enable you to learn about your students, how they learn, and what challenges or motivates them most — it also empowers you to dialogue with parents and families, share information with your colleagues and administrators more productively, and create a more inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

2. Time Management —You expect your students to complete their assignments on time — so it’s vital that you model the same skills. Effective time management, which you can read tips about here , will help you ensure that tasks like grading papers, composing quizzes, and meeting with students are completed in a timely fashion that aligns with your curriculum and lesson plan calendar.

3. Strong Work Ethic — Teachers can be expected to carry heavy workloads. It’s essential to possess a strong work ethic to help you manage the demands of the role.

4. Problem Solving — From unexpected technical issues to bullying and conflicts between students, teachers are frequently confronted with unplanned situations that need to be resolved so that learning can continue. You’ll need robust problem-solving skills to ensure that you’re prepared to address a wide range of impediments to learning.

5. Leadership — From the renowned scholar leading a master’s-level course, to the kindergarten teacher leading their class together in a singing exercise, teachers are leaders for their students. You’ll need strong leadership skills to keep your students organized, engaged, and on-task while demonstrating respectful attitudes toward their instructors and peers.

6. Variety of Teaching Methods — Teachers need the ability to employ a variety of teaching methods to meet students’ equally varied needs, ranging from teacher-directed (like lectures and worked examples) to student-directed (like collaborative and project-based learning). For example, it’s important to be familiar with traditional methods of learning vs. inquiry-based learning . You can learn more about teaching methods and how to implement them in our guide to theories of learning.

7. Variety of Teaching Modes — Educators should be familiar with — and develop teaching strategies that are adapted to — the various VARK “modalities of learning,” an acronym that refers to “Visual, Aural, Read/write, and Kinesthetic” modes of learning. You can read more about VARK modalities here .

8. Emotional Intelligence — Emotional intelligence is a broad term that describes a person’s ability to understand, analyze, and manage their own emotional responses. Emotional intelligence is critical for teachers, who need to maintain professionalism and demonstrate leadership even when placed under high-pressure, high-stress situations.

7 Important Hard Skills for Teachers

Examples of important hard skills for teachers to develop and hone include computer skills and technological competence, classroom management skills, administrative skills, writing and grammar skills, and thorough knowledge and understanding of the curriculum. Educators also need to obtain the appropriate certificates, credentials, degrees, and additional qualifications, which we’ll discuss briefly below.

1. Computer and Technology Skills — Computers and other technology play increasing roles in education, a topic we explored in our article on educational technology . Technological proficiency is vital for teachers in any subject, especially if you plan on teaching online or media-rich courses.

2. Classroom Management — Conveying information is only part of your job as an educator. You’re also responsible for managing your classroom and student behavior, particularly for educators who teach younger children. Classroom management skills are essential for maintaining an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment that supports learning for all of your students.

3. Administrative Skills — Administrative skills include skills such as strategic thinking, strong organization and time management, and the ability to lead effectively while communicating clearly. These types of skills are useful for both school administrators and educators, with several (like time management) receiving their own places on this list!

4. Writing and Grammar Skills — It isn’t just English or creative writing teachers who need a firm grasp of grammar and spelling. You’ll need strong writing skills for routine tasks like emailing parents and administrators, correcting students’ assignments, sharing demonstrations on the board, and possibly even requesting grants or other funding.

5. Certificates and Credentials — In addition to earning your degree, you’ll also need to earn certain certificates and credentials depending on factors like where and what you’d like to teach. For example, to quote the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), “Individuals who want to teach in high school in California must earn a Single Subject Teaching Credential .” For more detailed information on that subject, we recommend exploring our overview of multiple and single subject teacher education credentials available at National University.

6. Qualifications and Degrees — Most teaching positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, with certain types of teaching positions or academic employers requiring a master’s or even doctoral degree. National University offers a range of accredited online and on-campus degree programs in education to help prepare you for a career in teaching or school administration, like preparing you for professional exam requirements. Learn more about the process of becoming a teacher, or explore the state’s requirements for becoming a teacher in California.

7. Curricular Knowledge — It’s essential to have extensive and in-depth knowledge of your curriculum so that you can lead meaningful discussions and help your students connect larger ideas together. For example, you’ll need to be fluent in any foreign language that you intend to teach.

These are just a few of the many examples of good teacher qualities and skills to possess — no matter what subject you teach or at what grade level. Discover more about what it takes to become an educator by applying to a credential or degree program at National University today.

Teaching begins with learning. Do both at the same time by earning your teaching degree or credential from National University. Through the Sanford College of Education, we offer a wide range of teacher credentials, associate’s degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and master’s degree programs — all with regional accreditation, financial aid options for students, and the ability to complete coursework partially or 100% online.

Follow your passion while making an impact on young (or not-so-young) minds. Talk to our admissions counselors about applying to National University and enrolling in our BAECE, MAE, or other teaching credentials and degree programs.

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The Heart of Teaching: What It Means to Be a Great Teacher

Kindness, empathy, and a focus on building community are among the qualities of a great teacher.

What does it mean to be a great teacher? Of course credentials, knowledge, critical thinking, and all other faculties of intelligence are important. However, a great teacher should be much more than credentials, experience, and intelligence.

What lies in the heart of a great teacher?

You are kind:  A great teacher shows kindness to students, colleagues, parents, and those around her or him. My favorite saying is “kindness makes the world go around.” It truly changes the environment in the classroom and school. Being a kind teacher helps students feel welcomed, cared for, and loved.

You are compassionate:  Teaching is a very humanistic profession, and compassion is the utmost feeling of understanding and showing others you are concerned about them. A compassionate teacher models that characteristic to the students with her or his actions, and as a result students will be more open to understanding the world around them.

You are empathetic:  Empathy is an important trait to have and to try to develop in ourselves and our students. Being able to put yourself in someone’s shoes and see things from their perspective can have a powerful impact on our decisions and actions.

You are positive:  Being a positive person is not an easy task. Being a positive teacher is even harder when we’re always met with problems with very limited solutions. However, staying positive when it’s tough can have a tremendous positive impact on the students and everyone around us. Looking on the bright side always seems to help make things better.

You are a builder:  A great teacher bridges gaps and builds relationships, friendships, and a community. Teachers always look to make things better and improve things in and outside of the classroom. Building a community is something a great teacher seeks to do in the classroom and extends that to the entire school and its community.

You inspire:  Everyone looks at a great teacher and wants to be a better teacher, a better student, and even a better person. A great teacher uncovers hidden treasures, possibilities, and magic right before everyone’s eyes.

This piece was originally submitted to our community forums by a reader. Due to audience interest, we’ve preserved it. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own.

What Makes a Great Teacher Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

The quality of education depends not only on the chosen educational institution but also on the person who will teach the children. Any teacher’s primary objective should be to assist each student in growing as an individual, learning to adjust to changes quickly, achieving their personal goals, and contributing to society. Teaching goes beyond simply imparting information and skills to pupils. Therefore, teachers must be effective communicators, constantly grow their knowledge, and creatively approach their work.

The pedagogical activity involves constant and long-term communication between teachers and children. Terronez (2017) questioned students about qualities that teachers should have to be great teachers, and one of the students answered: “The great teachers help students if they notice a struggle.” The ability to establish emotional contact, take the initiative in communication, and identify a student’s psychological condition from external cues are all examples of qualities teachers must possess. Teachers must be able to communicate effectively to be able to assist children when necessary.

A teacher’s professional development is an essential aspect of their career. A good teacher needs to be passionate about their academic field. As Terronez (2017) claims, “A great teacher loves to teach, and loves to learn.” Educators must constantly enhance their knowledge and proficiency to provide the best possible education to children. Gagnon (2019) also states that lifelong learning demonstrates a teacher’s dedication and compassion. Teachers act as role models for students; therefore, demonstrating the initiative to learn will benefit children.

The student will learn the material far more quickly and effectively if they are engaged in the learning process. Therefore, interesting and entertaining teachers are usually admired by their students (Terronez, 2017). Singing a song during a lesson and making a hilarious joke about the subject might liven up the classroom and draw students’ attention. Gagnon (2019) and Roberto (2021) agree that active learning helps assimilate the material better. Teachers may set up contests, discussions, games, and team projects to get students excited about learning (Roberto, 2019). The lesson will be more engaging when visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles are applied.

Gagnon, D. (2019). 10 qualities of a good teacher . Southern New Hampshire University.

Roberto, M. (2021). Engaging students on the first day and every day. Harvard Business Publishing Education.

Terronez, A. (2017). What makes a good teacher great? [Video]. Youtube.

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The 5 most important qualities of a good teacher

Being a great teacher boils down to 5 non-negotiable qualities. From my experience teaching and watching other teachers, I present them to you here.

Over the years, I’ve taught in many environments and through different mediums.

I’ve taught:

• Online and offline
• In private and in public forum
• Through writing and speaking
• 1-on-1 and in group

Currnetly, my primary teaching platform is this blog. I share life lessons that I picked up from growing up poor, boxing professionally, playing chess, and getting a Physics degree.

But for three years, I also tutored high school students in various levels of math and science. Not only did my students improve their grades, but they also began to understand how to learn and the art of learning.

My basic philosophy of teaching is this:

To take what I’ve learned the hard way, and break it down so that you can learn it the easy way.

And those three years of tutoring proved this to be an effective teaching philosophy.

What made me a good teacher?

You see, in high school, I barely passed any of my math classes. I decided early on that math was something I’d never get. But then, despite this attitude, I went back to school as an adult to earn a bachelor’s degree in Physics with a minor in Mathematics.

So how did a failing math student eventually earn a degree in Physics, a subject that requires so much math that you automatically get a mathematics minor with the major?

I did it by working hard, taking things slowly, and *believing* that I was capable of learning anything. This was not a belief I had in high school, but it’s one that, when I started tutoring, I tried to help students develop.

I once told a kid I was helping get ready for the Calculus AP exam that I was an excellent role model because I failed Calculus three times before I really understood it, so I knew all of the mistakes that she was going to make. I think the best teachers were once struggling students themselves and that’s how they’re able to help other struggling students.

My students were all over the spectrum in terms of subject matter knowledge.

One day I would tutor a girl who was failing a physics class she wasn’t supposed to be in, and the next day I’d sit down with a guy who needed help acing AP calculus. Working with students of different ability levels, knowledge, confidence, and motivation showed me how to become a more effective teacher.

This post was actually motivated by a note a student gave me during our last session together. I had asked her to list the things that I did that she thought were helpful (feedback is really important if you want to improve). I’ll go further in depth on key points she listed, as well as add things she didn’t cover that I believe contributed to her growth.

So, without further ado, here are the four qualities of a good teacher:

1) Great teachers make themselves irrelevant

When have you truly succeeded as a teacher?

When you’re no longer necessary.

This is an important mindset to have: Your job is to ensure that your student is equipped with both the knowledge and the skills necessary to succeed without your help. When you view your role as an educator this way, it changes your approach to teaching and highlights the important role you play in the student’s learning

Instead of helping them quickly overcome some immediate problem and pass an assessment, you become more concerned with their long-term development. Your goal changes from “helping them solve problems” to “shaping them into effective problem solvers”.

The saying goes:  If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed them for a lifetime.

Don’t give them fish. Don’t even “just” teach them how to fish. Instead, make sure they understand how to gather food anywhere, regardless of the terrain

How does a teacher turn a student into a problem solver?

Regardless of their learning style, I taught all of my students the 3-step problem-solving method. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times this helped me figure what I’m doing on tests and various homework assignments when I was a student.

The 3-step problem-solving method is a slightly more simplified version of the scientific method:

• Figure out what you need to know
• Think about all the things you know related to what you need to know
• Find a relationship between the two.

This simple method for solving academic problems is how you solve every mathematical/scientific problem, regardless of its type or complexity. It’s also how you solve problems in life as well.

The only reason any problem does not yield to this method is misidentification of the problem, inaccuracy, or incomplete information.

I shared this concept with the students so that they could solve difficult problems, many of which they would only encounter on a test, and nowhere else before.

In this age of prepackaged online curricula and Google, students can  look up the answer to almost anything . Problem-solving ability is fading at an alarming rate. Most people now—student or otherwise—just look things up.

That may be a viable strategy if your plan is to be in service (mentally, economically, or otherwise) to someone else, but those who wish to truly have an impact on the world will need to be able to critically solve problems.

As a teacher, you can’t prepare your students for every problem they’ll face, but you can  make sure that they have the ability to think properly in order to work through unfamiliar situations.

This requires helping the student understand the essence of a problem rather than memorize a few canned approaches.

2) Good teachers push students beyond memorization

Here’s how my student put it:

“You make sure I actually know what I’m talking about and have me come up with my own definitions of things if they sound too ‘textbooky’.”

I feel better when my students can talk about smart things in a stupid way.

Or less colloquially, I feel better when my students can discuss higher-order concepts using layman’s terms. I truly believe in the Albert Einstein quote, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it.”

My undergraduate degree is in Physics —arguably the most complicated topic there is—and I’ve yet to encounter an idea that could not be explained (to a relatively high level of precision) so simply that a layman could understand it.

I made it through my studies by making sure that I understood every concept. I knew that I had reached that point when I could draw analogies and make connections that even some of my professors had not pointed out. This is the same standard that I held my tutoring students to.

The first step that you take before moving through the problem is ensuring that the student is able to explain the problem and what is being asked of them. Then, you discuss any equations or formulas that might be useful in solving this particular problem.

My optics professor,  Theodore Corcovilos , once told the class, “Never use an equation if you don’t know how to derive it.” I remember thinking at the time that this was an insane standard. However, he didn’t mean for us to create each equation we use from scratch. It wasn’t until I started tutoring that I understood what he really meant.

He meant for us to fully understand any equation we use rather than just memorize it. This way we’d know exactly when—or when not to—use it.

You see, what my optics professor understood is that memorization creates the illusion of mastery. This is an illusion that only reality can shatter and problem-solving skills can rebuild.

The same idea applies to the teaching of non-academic subjects.

I recently taught a friend how to drive, and I realized that there was no set formula for parallel parking. I tried to give her one, but the parking situations were too variable. The curb would be at different heights, the parking space at different lengths, and we’d sometimes even have to park on the left side of the road.

There are a lot of shitty drivers on the road who basically memorized the way to pass the driver’s exam and can’t drive. I wanted her to know how to drive and be able to adjust to everything—not just get a license. I was, in the purest sense of the word, trying to make myself irrelevant.

As a teacher, you have to make sure that your student’s understanding of an idea is so thorough that they can solve most problems that arise, even if—and in many times, especially—they’ve never faced them before.

Learn the method I used to earn a physics degree, learn Spanish, and win a national boxing title

• I was a terrible math student in high school who wrote off mathematics. I eventually overcame my difficulties and went on to earn a B.A. Physics with a minor in math
• I pieced together the best works on the internet to teach myself Spanish as an adult
• *I didn’t start boxing until the very old age of 22, yet I went on to win a national championship, get a high-paying amateur sponsorship, and get signed by Roc Nation Sports as a profession.

I’ve used this method to progress in mentally and physically demanding domains.

While the specifics may differ, I believe that the general methods for learning are the same in all domains.

This free e-book breaks down the most important techniques I’ve used for learning.

3) Good teachers let their students learn from their own mistakes 

Here’s what my tutoring student said:

“You never treated me like I was stupid, even if I asked stupid questions. And if I told you that I had a stupid question, you always told me that it probably wasn’t stupid.”

Few things are worse than a teacher who makes a student feel like their question is “stupid”. If a student has a question, it’s for one of two reasons: intellectual curiosity on their part, or poor explanation on the teacher’s part. The former should be fostered and the latter should be fixed.

The learning environment you create as a teacher is just as important as your mastery of the subject. Above all, students should feel comfortable making mistakes and asking for clarity.

Many students don’t make progress in a subject because they miss a vital concept they feel should be easily understood. Instead of asking for clarity, the student worries about looking stupid. As a result, they remain much closer to that state than they would have had they only reached out.

The purpose of learning is to eradicate ignorance. The problem is that ignorance is mocked. Ironically, this makes the student apprehensive to admit ignorance about something, increasing the likelihood that they remain that way.

The best way a teacher can improve their student’s results is to  let them fail . In academic settings, this is difficult because grades function more like a criminal record than a feedback mechanism. Kids really believe that getting a C in the 9th grade screws them for life.

I’ve always enjoyed letting my students make mistakes. Even if we’re operating within a time constraint (only an hour for a tutoring session), I feel time used allowing the student to make mistakes is time well spent.

The best way to improve outcomes is by improving the processes that lead to those outcomes. It’s only by observing the errors in their thinking that you’re able to correct them.

It’s easy to correct someone when they’re wrong. A mediocre teacher only stops there. The real challenge is correcting the thinking that leads to incorrect conclusions, and to do so without judgment. This is what better teachers attempt to accomplish.

4) Good teachers challenge their students

In her words:

“Asking me the exact same questions that I ask you. Yes, this can be really annoying sometimes, but it does actually help. Especially because you almost never just straight up give me the answer; just hints. Having to pull the answer to my own question from prior knowledge and stuff in the problem I’m trying to solve helps *actually* learn.”

Fundamentally, teaching is just guiding a person on their own journey of self-development and learning.

Teachers aren’t the ones putting the knowledge or skills into the learner’s mind. The learner does this through their own efforts. Teacher’s merely illuminate the most efficient pathway to acquisition.

If you doubt this, think back to the last time you learned a skill you did not want to learn. I’ll wait. You can make people remember something if it’s shocking or novel enough, but you can’t make people acquire skills they don’t want to acquire.

Unfortunately, there are two common but erroneous ideas that make people give up learning something new:

• How fast you learn something is predictive of your potential ability
• If something doesn’t come easy, you’ll never be any good at it.

These incorrect perspectives have ruined the learning experiences of many curious students across a variety of domains and halted their pursuit of knowledge.

Unfortunately, these are also beliefs that many teachers hold. These teachers believe that if a student can’t learn something as fast as their peers, they are forever doomed in that subject. Even worse, many teachers treat them as such.

Encouragement is replaced by pity. Pity causes the teacher to treat the student as less than capable. The student absorbs this energy and performs accordingly. This downward spiral is easily avoidable, but only if the teacher takes their role seriously from the start.

Why are students so quick to ask questions and look things up?

Very often, students ask questions simply because they’ve let their ability to think atrophy. Whether it be from choice (“Googling” the answer to a problem) or force (buying into the myth that ease of acquisition is predictive of ability), students are quick to avoid struggle and difficulty.

They believe that if it’s difficult, it must not be worth it. But in order to be successful, students need to believe the  exact  opposite of that. That’s why when a student asks you a question, you should consider asking it right back to them.

By doing this, you’re forcing them to come up with *some* type of explanation. At the very least, it forces them to think about the problem. You don’t expect a correct answer, but you *should* expect an attempt at an answer.

Struggling to grasp the solution to a problem is useful because any progress you make towards it is uniquely your own. It’s not memorized, given, or contrived. It’s fought for, earned,  and won’t be quickly forgotten .

When you ask the question back to the student, you’re giving them an opportunity to struggle.

Remember; asking questions is sometimes a reflex rather than an actual inquiry. When you return their question, many students, after thinking about it for a bit, realize they actually know the answer. They just hadn’t thought deeply enough about it.

The idea is to force the student to use what they know, even if they don’t think they know it. This accomplishes a few notable things for the student:

• They reinforce their previous knowledge
• They learn to rely on their own mind and understanding
• They implicitly learn the value of struggling to solve problems

If you can accomplish these things as a teacher, you can rest easy knowing you’ve helped a student develop their thinking skills.

5) Outstanding teachers make their students excited

At this point, I must reiterate that I’m speaking to you as if you’re dealing with students who want to learn. At the very least, they don’t have any serious objections to what you’re teaching.

For students who have no desire or necessity to learn what you’re teaching, then you have to ask yourself a serious question: Am I teaching something worthwhile? Am I teaching in a way that makes people curious?

Your ego may not like what you uncover. Every class is irrelevant to *someone* if it’s part of the cumpulsory education system.

In an ideal world, you’d only get students interested in what you have to say and offer. For people teaching independently, outside of a school or university system, this is usually the case. I’m not talking to you teachers.

This section is for those who teach in some type of system.

If you make it to the level of teaching something as a job, then I’m assuming you find the subject interesting and engaging. Your job as a teacher—above all things—is to transmit that enthusiasm.

Your competence is assumed. You start with de facto authority. Your responsibility is to pique interest in your topic, at least to the point where a student is not resisting your educational efforts.

If your problem is bureaucracy, administration, or student behavior, I feel for you, but those are beyond the scope of this article. If the problem is your student’s retention of material, motivation to succeed, or interest in the material, then you can solve the issue.

I’ve dealt with teachers who weren’t motivated. I’ve dealt with teachers who weren’t competent. Lack of motivation is a bigger problem.

You can fix incompetence if you’re motivated. If you aren’t motivated, you’ll have no desire to fix your inadequecies.

Aim to be the teacher that makes students like something they didn’t originally care about. If you can successfully generate a positive emotional response in this regard, then you’ve accomplished one of the most difficult things in teaching.

Summary of the important qualities and characteristics of a good teacher

A good teacher creates a learning environment where students feel safe to make mistakes. This cultivates the right attitude about education that turns them into life-long learners, beyond the specific subject that the teacher is teaching.

Good teachers are immune to the curse of knowledge. They never forget what it’s like to not know and their patience and communication skills make it so their students never feel rushed and always feel a connection.

The rest is up to you.

Ed Latimore

I’m a writer, competitive chess player, Army veteran, physicist, and former professional heavyweight boxer. My work focuses on self-development, realizing your potential, and sobriety—speaking from personal experience, having overcome both poverty and addiction.

Follow me on Twitter.

Developing foreign language skills

What follows are methods I’ve discovered and used to improve in all of these areas, which have, in turn, made it even easier to use and learn the language.

Pimsleur language system review—old but still good

The Pimsleur language program offers a framework you can use to learn a language. I’ve used the program. Here are my experiences.

Pimsleur vs Duolingo: Choosing the best language learning app

Pimsleur and Duolingo are two popular language-learning apps to help you learn a new language. This guide will help you decide which app will work best for you.

• Qualities Of A Good Teacher Essay

Qualities of a Good Teacher Essay

500+ words qualities of a good teacher essay.

Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the minds of children and, in turn, the quality of education. Teachers are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the subject, establish a positive relationship with students and create an effective learning environment for students to get enriched learning experiences. Their duties also involve conducting an assessment of students, working closely with other teachers to deliver the best knowledge and inculcate values in them. Teachers build a base and strengthen the foundation of their students. With the help of the qualities of a good teacher essay, students will get to know the qualities that teachers have and the role they play in shaping the career of the students. To practise more essays, students can check out the list of CBSE Essays on different topics.

A teacher is an important person in a student’s life. The teacher shapes the student in a similar way as a pot maker shapes the mud pot and makes it perfect for use. Moreover, teachers are an integral part of the education system. They play multiple roles in which they do their duties with full responsibilities. These include facilitating learning material for students, creating a conducive learning environment, designing and preparing lessons, engaging students with the community by performing different activities, and contributing to schools’ development. If they are left with the time, they engage themselves to boost their teaching skills through workshops and training sessions. These activities also make teachers motivated, highly skilled, and well-resourced to perform to the best of their abilities.

One of the important roles of a teacher is to facilitate students’ learning and support them in achieving their learning outcomes. As teachers, many times, they might get puzzled by the fact that, despite putting in the best effort, the students are not performing to the best of their potential. Self-reflection and introspection of teacher’s practices, inside and outside the classroom, will help one understand some of the aspects that require further modification and improvement. The teacher may be already practising some of the innovative pedagogical approaches in the classroom that might be very effective for enriching the teaching-learning process.

The self-assessment of the teachers is also crucial. It helps in the professional growth of teachers as well as serves as a guide to improve their teaching methodology. The role that a teacher expects includes designing the activities for the classroom, resources, learning outcomes, pedagogical strategies and assessment procedures to meet the needs of all students. The teacher helps them understand the subject content and course curriculum and provides relevant learning material for students.

Teachers collaborate with parents, students and communities to develop a positive school environment for students that enhances their physical and mental growth. The teacher engages students in classroom studies in an interactive and innovative way. It results in enhanced student learning and growth. Moreover, teachers also take the initiative by contributing to various activities, which lead to the schools’ and students’ development.

Students must have found Qualities of a Good Teacher Essay useful for improving their essay writing skills. Visit BYJU’S website to get the latest updates and study materials for CBSE/ICSE/State Board/Competitive Exams.

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• Teacher Tips

What Makes a Good Teacher? 15 Qualities You Should Have

Think back to the best teacher you ever had. What qualities did they embody? What skills did you observe?

Teaching any age or skill level can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding professions. It’s no secret that more and more is being asked of teachers, especially in a post-pandemic era, from serving as IT troubleshooters and mentors to mental health advocates.

So what makes a good teacher in 2023? Beyond passing your teacher certification exam , what sets good teachers apart comes down to essential skills. While many different teaching styles and skill sets can make a good educator, a few core qualities of a good teacher are undoubtedly required.

Here, we’ll explore effective teacher characteristics, the hard and soft skills that educators should have, and how you can hone your teaching style. Whether you have decades of experience or you’re a first-year teacher , discover how to be the educator your students remember for years to come.

From rowdy students to administrators with opposing views, you’re bound to have your patience tested a time or two as a teacher. However, patience is one of the most important characteristics a teacher should have as it’s a stepping stone to many other qualities that make a good educator.

To practice patience with your students, try these tips:  

• Get in a positive mindset and leave personal issues outside of the classroom
• Slow down and be responsive, not reactive
• Try to practice calming techniques , like counting to 10, in difficult situations

2. Adaptable

One thing will remain consistent throughout your teaching career: Every day will be different. Whether it’s in-classroom technology or state standards, the education field is constantly evolving. Teachers need to adapt to these changes and adjust their teaching methods and lessons accordingly.

When practicing adaptability in the classroom, you should:

• Be open-minded
• Be aware of different learning styles
• Hone your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet

3. Respectful

Take a minute to remember back in grade school when your teacher ingrained the golden rule in your brain — treat others the way you want to be treated. So while it’s not unrealistic for you to expect your students to be respectful, it’s also important for you to reciprocate that respect.

Here are a few ways you can show respect to your students:

• Provide constructive feedback rather than simply marking answers as wrong
• Be fair and offer choices to students
• Show your students trust by encouraging autonomy

4. Empathetic

According to the American Psychological Association , positive and supportive relationships between students and teachers improves students’ academic success and social development. Empathy is key to building relationships and fostering trust

To empathize with your students, try to:

• Acknowledge and validate your students’ feelings
• Listen without judgment
• Let your students know that your classroom is a safe space

5. Creative

A teacher doesn’t need to be an amazing artist to be creative. Show your creativity in your classroom decor, theme, lesson plans, and so on. Get in tune with your creative side by stepping outside your comfort zone and thinking outside the box.

A few ways you foster creativity in your classroom include:

• Giving children the opportunity to explore and experiment
• Showcasing students’ artwork in the classroom and hallway
• Finding unique ways to use sound cues in your classroom, like using a song as a timer

6. Prepared

A good teacher comes prepared to class — just like their students. Preparation for the day entails planning lessons, materials, and other activities. While much of this preparation takes place outside of the classroom, teachers often have dedicated periods to prepare future lessons and grade assignments.

Here are some tips for being prepared as a teacher:

• Put together the week’s lesson plans at the beginning of the week.
• Study your lectures, notes, and assignments beforehand.
• Provide extra materials and additional resources on the topic.

7. Engaging

If a lesson seems boring to you, it’s safe to say your students will likely feel the same, which is why you need to engage with them.

An effective teacher incorporates varying teaching methods to keep students interested in lessons. For instance, project-based teaching lets students work independently or in groups to apply the knowledge they’ve learned in your class.

Implement these strategies to boost engagement :

• Use humor to capture your students’ attention
• Write creative lesson plans that appeal to the most common learning styles
• Facilitate student-led discussion and ask students why the answer is correct

8. Good Listener

Good listening plays a vital role in effective communication, and it allows teachers to understand their students. When teachers better understand their students, they can tailor their teaching to better meet their individual needs.

Here are a few tips for practicing good listening skills :

• Make eye contact with students as they talk.
• Be observant of verbal and nonverbal cues..
• Give a few seconds before responding to ensure the student’s thought is complete.

VIDEO: 5 Tips for New Teachers 

9. Proactive

Being proactive means anticipating potential problems or needs and having an action plan if the situation occurs. A proactive teacher sets practices to avoid challenging situations — often disruptive behaviors — when possible.

You can be proactive as a teacher with these research-backed strategies:

• Greet students at the door when they arrive to set a positive tone for the day.
• Foster relationships with your students so they know you care.
• Establish behavioral expectations and explain the consequences of poor behaviors.

10. Collaborative

Collaboration is vital in most workplaces, and teaching is no different. Schools have several teachers, paraprofessionals , and administrators that work together to create a safe, educational environment for students. When teachers share their knowledge with one another, it creates a well-rounded learning experience for students.

Prioritize collaboration in your teaching career by:

• Getting to know your colleagues within the school and touch base often, especially if you share students
• Being open-minded to constructive criticism and suggestions from peers
• Planning group projects for students to practice collaborating with one another

11. Self-Reflective

While peer and supervisor critique helps educators identify blind-spots, it shouldn’t replace self-reflection. Self-reflection isn’t easy, but it allows you to think critically and boost self-awareness. Practice looking within to identify room for improvement in teaching methods, attitude, and communication.

A few ways you can practice self-reflection are:

• Keep a journal to record what worked well and what to improve upon each day.
• Participate in peer reviews and ask colleagues for feedback, or record your lessons (if allowed).
• Identify repetitive student behaviors or questions to indicate areas for improvement.

12. Growth Mindset

Being self-reflective and prioritizing personal growth go hand in hand. A growth mindset is the concept that you can always better yourself. Individuals who hold a growth mindset approach challenges as opportunities to learn. They view challenges as a way to teach the brain to work harder and, in turn, see improvements in their abilities .

As a teacher, you may always strive to be better, but it’s important to foster that same growth mindset in students. You can do this by:

• Normalizing mistakes and struggles as a way to grow
• Adding the word “yet” to your vocabulary and discouraging the word “can’t”
• Setting achievable goals for your students as a whole and individually

13. Knowledgeable  

As a teacher, you must dedicate yourself to a lifetime of learning and become a fountain of information — after all, you are an expert in your subject, whether it’s history , science , or so on.

Work on widening your knowledge by:

• Reading books on teaching best practices and specific subjects
• Attending education conferences and enrolling in teaching workshops
• Sharing what you’ve learned with other educators

14. Accessible  

To be a good teacher, you must be accessible. You want your students to know they can always come to you, whether to chat about life outside the classroom or get help on homework. As a teacher, you should be there when your students need you.

Show that you are available to your students by:

• Walking around the classroom and checking with students individually while they complete heads-down work
• Encouraging students to come to you with questions
• Telling your students when you have free periods

15. Goal-Driven

A teacher’s main goal is the success of their students. But within that lies everyday goals like acting as a positive influence and hitting specific test grades. You can set goals for students and for yourself as their teacher.

Some examples of achievable goals you could set:

• Be more organized and write the week’s lessons planned out on Sundays.
• Facilitate more productive lessons and encourage active participation through student-led dialogue.
• Introduce more well-rounded lessons utilizing movement, music, art, and critical thinking.

Skills of a Teacher

There’s no shortage of skills needed to be a teacher in the classroom today, from hard skills like computer and writing proficiencies to soft skills like time management and critical thinking.

Hard Skills

Hard skills are taught through education or training, may be measurable, and are often technical. Think of these skills as the absolute requirements you need to do a job or task. For instance, if you are a barista, you need to be able to make a latte.

Examples of hard skills for teachers include:

• Professional certification
• Proficiency in technology
• Grammar and writing skills
• Expertise in your field of study
• Classroom management

Soft Skills

Soft skills are more difficult to measure. They’re similar to personal characteristics that can help make a teacher better at their job. They may be natural to you as a person, but you can also learn them through experience.

Other examples of soft skills for teachers include:

• Effective verbal communication
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Inclusivity
• Emotional intelligence

What Makes the Best Teacher, Ever?

The best teachers prioritize student-teacher relationships because students who feel valued tend to focus better and enjoy learning. When you embody these qualities and skills, it makes you a stronger educator and sets a good example for students to take into adulthood.

If you’re a new graduate looking to start your teaching career, use these 15 qualities and 10 skills to build your teacher resume and land your first interviews as a teacher .

CTA: Looking to become a teacher? Start your journey today with our state-specific study guides to ace your certification test.

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• NES Middle Grades Social Science (202)
• NES Middle Grades Mathematics (203)
• NES Middle Grades General Science (204)
• NES Middle Grades General Science (205)
• NES English Language Arts (301)
• NES History (302)
• NES Social Science (303)
• NES Mathematics (304)
• NES Biology (305)
• NES Chemistry (306)
• NES Earth and Space Science (307)
• NES Physics (308)
• NES General Science (311)
• NES Health (505)
• NES Health (509)
• NES Physical Education (506)
• NES ESOL (507)
• NES Special Education (601)
• NES Special Education (602)
• Praxis Paraprofessional (1755)
• WEST Special Education (070)

Ace your Foundations of Reading exam with full confidence on test day

Get access to the Foundations of Reading study guide for one low monthly price. The study guide is tailored to your unique learning style and comes with engaging content, practice tests, and test-taking strategies to help you ace your exam.

• Alabama Foundations of Reading (190)
• Arizona Foundations of Reading (190)
• Arkansas Foundations of Reading (190)
• Connecticut Foundations of Reading (190)
• Massachusetts Foundations of Reading (190)
• Mississippi Foundations of Reading (190)
• New Hampshire Foundations of Reading (190)
• North Carolina Foundations of Reading (190)
• Ohio Foundations of Reading (190)
• Rhode Island Foundations of Reading (190)
• Utah Foundations of Reading (190)
• Wisconsin Foundations of Reading (190)

Ace your Arizona exam with full confidence on test day

Get full access to the Arizona catalog with a 240 subscription at one low monthly price. Each subscription includes the following NES test titles, so you can ace one or more exams on a single subscription.

Ace your California exam with full confidence on test day

Get full access to the California catalog with a 240 subscription at one low monthly price. Each subscription includes the following CSET, CBEST, CTEL and RICA test titles, so you can ace one or more exams on a single subscription.

• CSET Multiple Subjects Subtest I (101)
• CSET Multiple Subjects Subtest II (214)
• CSET Multiple Subjects Subtest III (225)
• CBEST: Mathematics
• CBEST: Reading
• CBEST: Writing
• CTEL 1 Language and Language Development (031)
• CTEL 2 Assessment and Instruction (032)
• CTEL 3 Culture and Inclusion (033)
• CSET Social Science Subtest I (114)
• CSET Social Science Subtest II (115)
• CSET Social Science Subtest III (116)
• CSET English Subtest I (105)
• CSET English Subtest II (106)
• CSET Physical Education Subtest I (129)
• CSET Physical Education Subtest II (130)
• CSET Physical Education Subtest III (131)
• CSET Health Science Subtest I (178)
• CSET Health Science Subtest II (179)
• CSET Health Science Subtest III (180)
• CSET Mathematics (211-213)
• RICA Written Examination Exam
• CSET: Foundational-Level General Science (215)
• California Assessment of Professional Knowledge (APK): Elementary
• California Assessment of Professional Knowledge (APK): Secondary

Ace your FTCE exam with full confidence on test day

Get full access to the FTCE catalog with a 240 subscription at one low monthly price. Each subscription includes the following FTCE & FELE test titles, so you can ace one or more exams on a single subscription.

• FTCE General Knowledge: Mathematics (828)
• FTCE General Knowledge: English Language Skills (826)
• FTCE General Knowledge: Reading (827)
• FTCE General Knowledge: Essay (825)
• FTCE Reading K-12 (035)
• FTCE Professional Education (083)
• FTCE Prekindergarten / Primary PK-3 (053)
• FTCE PK-3 Subtest 1: Developmental Knowledge (531)
• FTCE PK-3 Subtest 2: Language Arts and Reading (532)
• FTCE PK-3: Subtest 3: Mathematics (533)
• FTCE PK-3: Subtest 4: Science (534)
• FTCE Elementary Education K-6 (060) Subtest 1: Language Arts and Reading (601)
• FTCE Elementary Education K-6 (060) Subtest 2: Social Science (602)
• FTCE Elementary Education K-6 (060) Subtest 3: Science (603)
• FTCE Elementary Education K-6 (060) Subtest 4: Mathematics (604)
• FELE Florida Educational Leadership Examination Complete 084
• FTCE Exceptional Student Education (ESE) K-12 (061)
• FELE Subtest 1: Leadership for Student Learning (084)
• FELE Subtest 2: Organizational Development (084)
• FELE Subtest 3: Systems Leadership (084)
• FTCE Middle Grades English 5–9 (014)
• FTCE Middle Grades 5-9 Mathematics (025)
• FTCE Middle Grades 5-9 General Science (004)
• FTCE Biology 6-12 (002)
• FTCE English 6-12 (013)
• FTCE Mathematics 6-12 (026)
• FTCE Social Science 6-12 (037)
• FTCE ESOL K-12 (047)
• FTCE Physical Education K-12 (063)
• FTCE Middle Grades Social Science 5-9 (038)
• FTCE Chemistry 6-12( 003)
• FTCE Earth/Space Science 6-12 (008)
• FTCE Physics 6-12 (053)
• FTCE Health K-12 (019)

Ace your GACE exam with full confidence on test day

Get full access to the GACE catalog with a 240 subscription at one low monthly price. Each subscription includes the following GACE test titles, so you can ace one or more exams on a single subscription.

• GACE Program Admission Assessment Reading (210)
• GACE Program Admission Assessment Mathematics (211)
• GACE Program Admission Assessment Writing (212)
• GACE Elementary Education Test I (001)
• GACE Elementary Education Test II (002)
• GACE Middle Grades Language Arts (011)
• GACE Middle Grades Reading (012)
• GACE Middle Grades Mathematics (013)
• GACE Middle Grades Science (014)
• GACE Middle Grades Social Science (015)
• GACE Mathematics (522)
• GACE Science (524)
• GACE History (534)
• GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages Test I (119)
• GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages Test II (120)
• GACE Special Education General Curriculum Test I (081)
• GACE Special Education General Curriculum Test II (082)
• GACE Special Education Reading, English Language Arts, Social Studies (087)
• GACE Special Education Mathematics and Science (088)
• GACE Special Education General Curriculum/Elementary Education Test I (003)
• GACE Special Education General Curriculum/Elementary Education Test II (004)
• GACE Paraprofessional (177)

Ace your ILTS exam with full confidence on test day

Get full access to the ILTS catalog with a 240 subscription at one low monthly price. Each subscription includes the following ILTS test titles, so you can ace one or more exams on a single subscription.

• ILTS Elementary Education (305)
• ILTS Early Childhood Education (206)
• ILTS Middle Grades Language Arts (201)
• ILTS Middle Grades Mathematics (202)
• ILTS Middle Grades Science (203)
• ILTS Middle Grades Social Science (204)
• ILTS Mathematics (208)
• ILTS Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (290)
• ILTS English as a New Language (250)

Ace your MTEL exam with full confidence on test day

Get full access to the MTEL catalog with a 240 subscription at one low monthly price. Each subscription includes the following MTEL test titles, so you can ace one or more exams on a single subscription.

• MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills: Reading (101)
• MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills: Writing (201)
• MTEL General Curriculum Mathematics Subtest (178)
• MTEL General Curriculum Multi-Subject Subtest (278)
• MTEL Foundations of Reading (190)
• MTEL English as a Second Language (054)
• MTEL Middle School Humanities (076)
• NES Essential Academic Skills: Reading
• NES Essential Academic Skills: Writing
• Praxis English to Speakers of Other Languages (5362)
• CASA Writing (803)
• CASA Reading (801)

Ace your MTTC exam with full confidence on test day

Get full access to the MTTC catalog with a 240 subscription at one low monthly price. Each subscription includes the following MTTC test titles, so you can ace one or more exams on a single subscription.

• MTTC Elementary Education (103)
• MTTC Social Studies (Secondary) (084)
• MTTC Mathematics (Secondary) (022)
• MTTC Mathematics (Elementary) (089)
• MTTC Language Arts (Elementary) (090)
• MTTC Social Studies (Elementary) (105)
• MTTC Integrated Science (Secondary) (094)
• MTTC Integrated Science (Elementary) (093)
• MTTC Lower Elementary (PK–3) Education Subtest 1: Professional Knowledge and Skills (117)
• MTTC Lower Elementary (PK–3) Education Subtest 2: Literacy (118)
• MTTC Lower Elementary (PK–3) Education Subtest 3: Mathematics (119)
• MTTC Lower Elementary (PK–3) Education Subtest 4: Science and Social Studies (120)
• MTTC English as a Second Language (126)
• MTTC Upper Elementary (3–6) Education Subtest 1 (121)
• MTTC Upper Elementary (3–6) Education Subtest 2 (122)
• MTTC Upper Elementary (3–6) Education Subtest 3 (123)
• MTTC Upper Elementary (3–6) Education Subtest 4 (124)
• MTTC Bilingual Education (125)

Ace your MTLE exam with full confidence on test day

Get full access to the MTLE catalog with a 240 subscription at one low monthly price. Each subscription includes the following MTLE test titles, so you can ace one or more exams on a single subscription.

• MTLE Elementary Education Subtest 1 (191)
• MTLE Elementary Education Subtest 2 (192)
• MTLE Elementary Education Subtest 3 (193)
• MTLE Pedagogy: Elementary (Grades K–6) - Subtest 1 (012)
• MTLE Pedagogy: Elementary (Grades K–6) - Subtest 2 (013)
• MTLE Pedagogy: Secondary (Grades 5–12) - Subtest 1 (209)
• MTLE Pedagogy: Secondary (Grades 5–12) - Subtest 2 (210)
• MTLE Middle Level Social Studies (Grades 5-8) Subtest 1 (032)
• MTLE Middle Level Social Studies (Grades 5-8) Subtest 2 (033)
• MTLE Middle Level Communication Arts/Literature Subtest 1 (196)
• MTLE Middle Level Communication Arts/Literature Subtest 2 (197)
• MTLE Middle Level Mathematics Subtest 1 (217)
• MTLE Middle Level Mathematics Subtest 2 (218)
• MTLE Middle Level Science Subtest 1 (036)
• MTLE Middle Level Science Subtest 2 (037)
• MTLE English as a Second Language Subtest I (194)
• MTLE English as a Second Language Subtest II (194)
• MTLE Mathematics (Grades 5–12) (054)
• NES Essential Academic Skills: Mathematics

Ace your Missouri exam with full confidence on test day

Get full access to the Missouri catalog with a 240 subscription at one low monthly price. Each subscription includes the following MEGA & Praxis test titles, so you can ace one or more exams on a single subscription.

• Praxis Elementary Education: Teaching Reading (7002)
• Praxis Elementary Education: Mathematics (7003)
• Praxis Chemistry Content Knowledge (5246)
• Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): Grades 7-12 (5624)
• Praxis Social Studies (5081)
• Praxis: ParaPro Assessment (1755)

Ace your NYSTCE exam with full confidence on test day

Get full access to the NYSTCE catalog with a 240 subscription at one low monthly price. Each subscription includes the following NYSTCE test titles, so you can ace one or more exams on a single subscription.

• NYSTCE Educating All Students (EAS) (201)
• NYSTCE Students with Disabilities (060) - Coming Soon!
• NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) - Coming Soon!
• NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (Grade 1–Grade 6) - Coming Soon!
• NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Secondary Teachers (Grade 7–Grade 12) - Coming Soon!

Ace your NC exams with full confidence on test day

Get full access to the North Carolina catalog with a 240 subscription at one low monthly price. Each subscription includes the following Praxis & Pearson test titles, so you can ace one or more exams on a single subscription.

• Praxis Core Academic Skills For Educators (5752; subtests 5713, 5723, 5733)
• Praxis Elementary Education: Mathematics—CKT (7813)
• Praxis Chemistry (5246)
• Praxis Biology (5236)
• Praxis Mathematics (5165)
• Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081
• Praxis Teaching Reading: K–12 (5206)
• Foundations of Reading (190)

Ace your OAE exam with full confidence on test day

Get full access to the OAE catalog with a 240 subscription at one low monthly price. Each subscription includes the following OAE test titles, so you can ace one or more exams on a single subscription.

• OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge: PK-12 (004)
• OAE Elementary Education Subtest 1 (018)
• OAE Elementary Education Subtest 2 (019)
• OAE Special Education (043)
• OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Middle School 4-9 (002)
• OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Adolescence to Young Adult 7-12 (003)
• OAE English Language Arts (020)
• OAE Intergrated Social Science (025)
• OAE Mathematics (027)
• OAE Middle Grades ELA (028)
• OAE Middle Grades General Science (029)
• OAE Middle Grades Mathematics (030)
• OAE Middle Grades Social Science (031)
• OAE Biology (007)
• OAE English to Speakers of Other Languages (021)
• OAE Intergrated Science (024)
• OAE Health (023)
• OAE Physical Education (034)
• OAE Chemistry (009)
• OAE Earth and Space Science (014)
• OAE Physics (035)
• OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge (PK-5) (057)
• OAE Primary Education PK-5 (055)
• OAE Primary Special Education PK-5 (058)

Ace your Oregon exam with full confidence on test day

Get full access to the Oregon catalog with a 240 subscription at one low monthly price. Each subscription includes the following NES test titles, so you can ace one or more exams on a single subscription.

Ace your TExES exam with full confidence on test day

Get full access to the TExES catalog with a 240 subscription at one low monthly price. Each subscription includes the following TExES & TX PACT test titles, so you can ace one or more exams on a single subscription.

• TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164)
• TExES Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT) (190)
• TExES Chemistry 7-12 (240)
• TExES Core Subjects 4-8 (211)
• TExES Core Subjects 4-8 (211): ELAR (806)
• TExES Core Subjects 4-8 (211): Mathematics (807)
• TExES Core Subjects 4-8 (211): Science (809)
• TExES Core Subjects 4-8 (211): Social Studies (808)
• TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (391)
• TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (391): English Language Arts and Reading
• TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (391): Fine Arts, Health and Physical Education
• TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (391): Mathematics
• TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (391): Science
• TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (391): Social Studies
• TExES Early Childhood: PK-3 (292) EC-3
• TExES ELAR & Social Studies 4-8 (113)
• TExES English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental (154)
• TExES English Language Arts & Reading 4-8 (217)
• TExES English Language Arts & Reading 7-12 (231)
• TExES Health EC-12 (157)
• TExES History 7-12 (233)
• TExES Life Science 7-12 (238)
• TExES Mathematics & Science 4-8 (114)
• TExES Mathematics 4-8 (115)
• TExES Mathematics 7-12 (235)
• TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) (160)
• TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158)
• TExES Physical Science 6-12 (237)
• TExES Principal as Instructional Leader (268)
• TExES Science 4-8 (116)
• TExES Science 7-12 (236)
• TExES Science of Teaching Reading (STR) (293)
• TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118)
• TExES Social Studies 7-12 (232)
• TExES Special Education EC-12 (161)
• TExES Special Education Supplemental (163)

Ace your VCLA and Praxis exams with full confidence on test day

Get full access to the Virginia catalog with a 240 subscription at one low monthly price. Each subscription includes the following Praxis & VCLA test titles, so you can ace one or more exams on a single subscription.

• VCLA Writing Subtest (091)
• VCLA Reading Subtest (092)
• Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001-5005)
• Praxis Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching (7811-7815)
• Praxis Algebra I (5162)

Ace your Washington exam with full confidence on test day

Get full access to the Washington catalog with a 240 subscription at one low monthly price. Each subscription includes the following WEST & NES test titles, so you can ace one or more exams on a single subscription.

• WEST-E Special Education (070)

Test Your Knowledge with 240’s Free Practice Tests

Discover your strengths and weaknesses and build a free personalized study plan. Select your exam series to get started.

Praxis Practice Tests

Choose your exam below to take a free practice test.

• Praxis Core: Reading (5713) Practice Test
• Praxis Core: Mathematics (5733) Practice Test
• Praxis Core: Writing (5723) Practice Test
• Praxis Elementary Education (5001): Reading and Language Arts (5002) Practice Test
• Praxis Elementary Education (5001): Mathematics (5003) Practice Test
• Praxis Elementary Education (5001): Social Studies (5004) Practice Test
• Praxis Elementary Education (5001): Science (5005) Practice Test
• Praxis Elementary Education (7001): Teaching Reading (7002)
• Praxis Elementary Education (7001): Mathematics (7003)
• Praxis Elementary Education (7001): Social Studies (7004)
• Praxis Elementary Education (7001): Science (7005)
• Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) K-6 (5622) Practice Test
• Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) 7-12 (5624) Practice Test
• Praxis ParaPro Assessment (1755) Practice Test
• Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) Practice Test
• Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081) Practice Test
• Praxis English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (5362) Practice Test
• Praxis Special Education: Core Knowledge and Mild to Moderate Applications (5543) Practice Test
• Praxis Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications (5354) Practice Test
• Praxis Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching (7811) Mathematics (7813) Practice Test
• Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): Early Childhood (5621) Practice Test
• Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): Grades 5-9 (5623) Practice Test
• Praxis Early Childhood Education (5025) Practice Test
• Praxis Education of Young Children (5024) Practice Test
• Praxis Middle School English Language Arts (5047) Practice Test
• Praxis Middle School Social Studies (5089) Practice Test
• Praxis Elementary Education: Content Knowledge (5018) Practice Test
• Praxis English Language Arts: Content and Analysis (5039) Practice Test
• Praxis Biology Content Knowledge (5236) Practice Test
• Praxis Health and Physical Education: Content Knowledge (5857) Practice Test
• Praxis General Science (5436) Practice Test
• Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205) Practice Test
• Praxis Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching (7811) Reading and Language Arts (7812) Practice Test
• Praxis Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching (7811) Science (7814) Practice Test
• Praxis Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching (7811) Social Studies (7815) Practice Test
• Praxis Elementary Education: Three Subjects Bundle (5901) – Mathematics (5903) (AL and CO only) Practice Test
• Praxis Elementary Education: Three Subjects Bundle (5901) – Social Studies (5904) (AL and CO only) Practice Test
• Praxis Elementary Education: Three Subjects Bundle (5901) – Science (5905) (AL and CO only) Practice Test
• Praxis Middle School Science (5442) Practice Test
• Praxis Social Studies Content and Interpretation (5086) Practice Test
• Praxis World and U.S. History: Content Knowledge (5941) Practice Test
• Praxis Physical Education: Content Knowledge (5091) Practice Test
• Praxis Physical Education: Content and Design (5095) Practice Test
• Praxis Chemistry: Content Knowledge (5246) Practice Test
• Praxis Teaching Reading K-12 (5206) Practice Test
• Praxis Health Education (5551) Practice Test
• Praxis Algebra 1 (5162) Practice Test
• Praxis Special Education: Core Knowledge and Severe to Profound Applications (5545) Practice Test
• Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): PreK-12 (5625) Practice Test
• Praxis Early Childhood Assessment (5026) Reading and Language Arts & Social Studies (5027) Practice Test
• Praxis Early Childhood Assessment (5026): Mathematics & Science (5028) Practice Test
• Praxis Elementary Education Assessment (5006) Mathematics & Science (5008) Practice Test
• Praxis Elementary Education Assessment (5006) Reading and Language Arts & Social Studies (5007) Practice Test
• Praxis Middle School Mathematics (5164) Practice Test
• Praxis Mathematics Content Knowledge (5165) Practice Test
• Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge (5355) Practice Test
• Praxis Special Education: Severe to Profound (5547) Practice Test
• Praxis Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (5511) Practice Test
• Praxis School Leaders Licensure Assessment (6990) Practice Test
• Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) Reading Subtest (091) Practice Test
• Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) Writing Subtest (092) Practice Test

NES Practice Tests

• NES Essential Academic Skills: Reading (001) Practice Test
• NES Essential Academic Skills: Writing (002) Practice Test
• NES Essential Academic Skills: Mathematics (003) Practice Test
• NES Essential Academic Skills: Reading (005) Practice Test
• NES Essential Academic Skills: Writing (006) Practice Test
• NES Essential Academic Skills:Mathematics (007) Practice Test
• NES Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Elementary (051) Practice Test
• NES Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Secondary (052) Practice Test
• NES Elementary Education Subtest I (102) Practice Test
• NES Elementary Education Subtest II (103) Practice Test
• NES Middle Grades English Language Arts (201) Practice Test
• NES Middle Grades Social Science (202) Practice Test
• NES Middle Grades Mathematics (203) Practice Test
• NES Middle Grades General Science (204) Practice Test
• NES Middle Grades General Science (205) Practice Test
• NES English Language Arts (301) Practice Test
• NES History (302) Practice Test
• NES Social Science (303) Practice Test
• NES Mathematics (304) Practice Test
• NES Biology (305) Practice Test
• NES Chemistry (306) Practice Test
• NES Earth and Space Science (307) Practice Test
• NES Physics (308) Practice Test
• NES General Science (311) Practice Test
• NES Health (505) Practice Test
• NES Health (509) Practice Test
• NES Physical Education (506) Practice Test
• NES ESOL (507) Practice Test
• NES Special Education (601) Practice Test
• NES Special Education (602) Practice Test
• WEST Special Education (070) Practice Test

Foundations of Reading Practice Tests

• Alabama Foundations of Reading (190) Practice Test
• Arizona Foundations of Reading (190) Practice Test
• Arkansas Foundations of Reading (190) Practice Test
• Connecticut Foundations of Reading (190) Practice Test
• Massachusetts Foundations of Reading (190) Practice Test
• Mississippi Foundations of Reading (190) Practice Test
• New Hampshire Foundations of Reading (190) Practice Test
• North Carolina Foundations of Reading (190) Practice Test
• Ohio Foundations of Reading (190) Practice Test
• Rhode Island Foundations of Reading (190) Practice Test
• Utah Foundations of Reading (190) Practice Test
• Wisconsin Foundations of Reading (190) Practice Test

AEPA Practice Tests

California practice tests.

• CSET Multiple Subjects Subtest I (101) Practice Test
• CSET Multiple Subjects Subtest II (214) Practice Test
• CSET Multiple Subjects Subtest III (225) Practice Test
• CBEST: Mathematics Practice Test
• CBEST: Reading Practice Test
• CTEL 1 Language and Language Development (031) Practice Test
• CTEL 2 Assessment and Instruction (032) Practice Test
• CTEL 3 Culture and Inclusion (033) Practice Test
• CSET Social Science Subtest I (114) Practice Test
• CSET Social Science Subtest II (115) Practice Test
• CSET Social Science Subtest III (116) Practice Test
• CSET English Subtest I (105) Practice Test
• CSET English Subtest II (106) Practice Test
• CSET Physical Education Subtest I (129) Practice Test
• CSET Physical Education Subtest II (130) Practice Test
• CSET Physical Education Subtest III (131) Practice Test
• CSET Health Science Subtest I (178) Practice Test
• CSET Health Science Subtest II (179) Practice Test
• CSET Health Science Subtest III (180) Practice Test
• CSET Mathematics (211-213) Practice Test
• RICA Written Examination Exam Practice Test
• CSET: Foundational-Level General Science (215) Practice Test
• California Assessment of Professional Knowledge (APK): Elementary Practice Test
• California Assessment of Professional Knowledge (APK): Secondary Practice Test

FTCE Practice Tests

• FTCE General Knowledge: Mathematics (828) Practice Test
• FTCE General Knowledge: English Language Skills (826) Practice Test
• FTCE General Knowledge: Reading (827) Practice Test
• FTCE Reading K-12 (035) Practice Test
• FTCE Professional Education (083) Practice Test
• FTCE PK-3 Subtest 1: Developmental Knowledge (531) Practice Test
• FTCE PK-3 Subtest 2: Language Arts and Reading (532) Practice Test
• FTCE PK-3: Subtest 3: Mathematics (533) Practice Test
• FTCE PK-3: Subtest 4: Science (534) Practice Test
• FTCE Elementary Education K-6 (060) Subtest 1: Language Arts and Reading (601) Practice Test
• FTCE Elementary Education K-6 (060) Subtest 2: Social Science (602) Practice Test
• FTCE Elementary Education K-6 (060) Subtest 3: Science (603) Practice Test
• FTCE Elementary Education K-6 (060) Subtest 4: Mathematics (604) Practice Test
• FTCE Exceptional Student Education (ESE) K-12 (061) Practice Test
• FELE Subtest 1: Leadership for Student Learning (084) Practice Test
• FELE Subtest 2: Organizational Development (084) Practice Test
• FELE Subtest 3: Systems Leadership (084) Practice Test
• FTCE Middle Grades English 5–9 (014) Practice Test
• FTCE Middle Grades 5-9 Mathematics (025) Practice Test
• FTCE Middle Grades 5-9 General Science (004) Practice Test
• FTCE Biology 6-12 (002) Practice Test
• FTCE English 6-12 (013) Practice Test
• FTCE Mathematics 6-12 (026) Practice Test
• FTCE Social Science 6-12 (037) Practice Test
• FTCE ESOL K-12 (047) Practice Test
• FTCE Physical Education K-12 (063) Practice Test
• FTCE Middle Grades Social Science 5-9 (038) Practice Test
• FTCE Chemistry 6-12 (003) Practice Test
• FTCE Earth/Space Science 6-12 (008) Practice Test
• FTCE Physics 6-12 (032) Practice Test
• FTCE Health K-12 (019) Practice Test

GACE Practice Tests

• GACE Program Admission Assessment Reading (210) Practice Test
• GACE Program Admission Assessment Mathematics (211) Practice Test
• GACE Program Admission Assessment Writing (212) Practice Test
• GACE Elementary Education Test I (001) Practice Test
• GACE Elementary Education Test II (002) Practice Test
• GACE Middle Grades Language Arts (011) Practice Test
• GACE Middle Grades Reading (012) Practice Test
• GACE Middle Grades Mathematics (013) Practice Test
• GACE Middle Grades Science (014) Practice Test
• GACE Middle Grades Social Science (015) Practice Test
• GACE Mathematics (522) Practice Test
• GACE Science (524) Practice Test
• GACE History (534) Practice Test
• GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages Test I (119) Practice Test
• GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages Test II (120) Practice Test
• GACE Special Education General Curriculum Test I (081) Practice Test
• GACE Special Education General Curriculum Test II (082) Practice Test
• GACE Special Education Reading, English Language Arts, Social Studies (087) Practice Test
• GACE Special Education Mathematics and Science (088) Practice Test
• GACE Special Education General Curriculum/Elementary Education Test I (003) Practice Test
• GACE Special Education General Curriculum/Elementary Education Test II (004) Practice Test
• GACE Special Education Adapted Curriculum: Test I (083) Practice Test
• GACE Special Education Adapted Curriculum: Test II (084) Practice Test
• GACE Paraprofessional (177) Practice Test

ILTS Practice Tests

• ILTS Elementary Education (305) Practice Test
• ILTS Early Childhood Education (206) Practice Test
• ILTS Middle Grades Language Arts (201) Practice Test
• ILTS Middle Grades Mathematics (202) Practice Test
• ILTS Middle Grades Science (203) Practice Test
• ILTS Middle Grades Social Science (204) Practice Test
• ILTS Mathematics (208) Practice Test
• ILTS Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (290) Practice Test
• ILTS English as a New Language (250) Practice Test

Missori Practice Tests

• Praxis Chemistry Content Knowledge (5246) Practice Test
• Praxis English to Speakers of Other Languages (5362) Practice Test
• Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): Grades 7-12 (5624) Practice Test
• Praxis Social Studies (5081) Practice Test
• Praxis: ParaPro Assessment (1755) Practice Test

MTEL Practice Tests

• MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills: Reading (101) Practice Test
• MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills: Writing (201) Practice Test
• MTEL General Curriculum Mathematics Subtest (178) Practice Test
• MTEL General Curriculum Multi-Subject Subtest (278) Practice Test
• MTEL Foundations of Reading (190) Practice Test
• MTEL English as a Second Language (054) Practice Test
• MTEL Middle School Humanities (076) Practice Test
• NES Essential Academic Skills: Reading Practice Test
• NES Essential Academic Skills: Writing Practice Test

MTLE Practice Tests

• MTLE Elementary Education Subtest 1 (191) Practice Test
• MTLE Elementary Education Subtest 2 (192) Practice Test
• MTLE Elementary Education Subtest 3 (193) Practice Test
• MTLE Pedagogy: Elementary (Grades K–6) - Subtest 1 (012) Practice Test
• MTLE Pedagogy: Elementary (Grades K–6) - Subtest 2 (013) Practice Test
• MTLE Pedagogy: Secondary (Grades 5–12) - Subtest 1 (209) Practice Test
• MTLE Pedagogy: Secondary (Grades 5–12) - Subtest 2 (210) Practice Test
• MTLE Middle Level Social Studies (Grades 5-8) Subtest 1 (032) Practice Test
• MTLE Middle Level Social Studies (Grades 5-8) Subtest 2 (033) Practice Test
• MTLE Middle Level Communication Arts/Literature Subtest 1 (196) Practice Test
• MTLE Middle Level Communication Arts/Literature Subtest 2 (197) Practice Test
• MTLE Middle Level Mathematics Subtest 1 (217) Practice Test
• MTLE Middle Level Mathematics Subtest 2 (218) Practice Test
• MTLE Middle Level Science Subtest 1 (036) Practice Test
• MTLE Middle Level Science Subtest 2 (037) Practice Test
• MTLE English as a Second Language Subtest I (194) Practice Test
• MTLE English as a Second Language Subtest II (194) Practice Test
• NES Essential Academic Skills: Mathematics Practice Test

MTTC Practice Tests

• MTTC Elementary Education (103) Practice Test
• MTTC Social Studies (Secondary) (084) Practice Test
• MTTC Mathematics (Secondary) (022) Practice Test
• MTTC Mathematics (Elementary) (089) Practice Test
• MTTC Language Arts (Elementary) (090) Practice Test
• MTTC Social Studies (Elementary) (105) Practice Test
• MTTC Integrated Science (Secondary) (094) Practice Test
• MTTC Integrated Science (Elementary) (093) Practice Test
• MTTC Lower Elementary (PK–3) Education Subtest 1: Professional Knowledge and Skills (117) Practice Test
• MTTC Lower Elementary (PK–3) Education Subtest 2: Literacy (118) Practice Test
• MTTC Lower Elementary (PK–3) Education Subtest 3: Mathematics (119) Practice Test
• MTTC Lower Elementary (PK–3) Education Subtest 4: Science and Social Studies (120) Practice Test
• MTTC English as a Second Language (126) Practice Test
• MTTC Upper Elementary (3–6) Education Subtest 1 (121) Practice Test
• MTTC Upper Elementary (3–6) Education Subtest 2 (122) Practice Test
• MTTC Upper Elementary (3–6) Education Subtest 3 (123) Practice Test
• MTTC Upper Elementary (3–6) Education Subtest 4 (124) Practice Test
• MTTC Bilingual Education (125) Practice Test

North Carolina Practice Tests

• Foundations of Reading (190) Practice Test
• Praxis Teaching Reading: K-12 (5206) Practice Test
• General Curriculum: Mathematics (003) Practice Test

NYSTCE Practice Tests

• NYSTCE Educating All Students (EAS) (201) Practice Test

OAE Practice Tests

• OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Early Childhood PK-3 (001) Practice Test
• OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge: PK-12 (004) Practice Test
• OAE Elementary Education Subtest 1 (018) Practice Test
• OAE Elementary Education Subtest 2 (019) Practice Test
• OAE Special Education (043) Practice Test
• OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Middle School 4-9 (002) Practice Test
• OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Adolescence to Young Adult 7-12 (003) Practice Test
• OAE English Language Arts (020) Practice Test
• OAE Intergrated Social Science (025) Practice Test
• OAE Mathematics (027) Practice Test
• OAE Middle Grades ELA (028) Practice Test
• OAE Middle Grades General Science (029) Practice Test
• OAE Middle Grades Mathematics (030) Practice Test
• OAE Middle Grades Social Science (031) Practice Test
• OAE Biology (007) Practice Test
• OAE English to Speakers of Other Languages (021) Practice Test
• OAE Intergrated Science (024) Practice Test
• OAE Health (023) Practice Test
• OAE Physical Education (034) Practice Test
• OAE Chemistry (009) Practice Test
• OAE Earth and Space Science (014) Practice Test
• OAE Physics (035) Practice Test
• OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge (PK-5) (057) Practice Test
• OAE Primary Education PK-5 (055) Practice Test
• OAE Primary Special Education PK-5 (058) Practice Test

ORELA Practice Tests

Texes practice tests.

• TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) Practice Test
• TExES Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT)(190) Practice Test
• TExES Chemistry 7-12 (240) Practice Test
• TExES Core Subjects 4-8 (211): ELAR (806) Practice Test
• TExES Core Subjects 4-8 (211): Mathematics (807) Practice Test
• TExES Core Subjects 4-8 (211): Science (809) Practice Test
• TExES Core Subjects 4-8 (211): Social Studies (808) Practice Test
• TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (391): English Language Arts and Reading Practice Test
• TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (391): Fine Arts, Health and Physical Education Practice Test
• TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (391): Mathematics Practice Test
• TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (391): Science Practice Test
• TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (391): Social Studies Practice Test
• TExES Early Childhood: PK-3 (292) EC-3 Practice Test
• TExES ELAR & Social Studies 4-8 (113) Practice Test
• TExES English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental (154) Practice Test
• TExES English Language Arts & Reading 4-8 (217) Practice Test
• TExES English Language Arts & Reading 7-12 (231) Practice Test
• TExES Health EC-12 (157) Practice Test
• TExES History 7-12 (233) Practice Test
• TExES Life Science 7-12 (238) Practice Test
• TExES Mathematics & Science 4-8 (114) Practice Test
• TExES Mathematics 4-8 (115) Practice Test
• TExES Mathematics 7-12 (235) Practice Test
• TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) (160) Practice Test
• TExES Physical Education EC-12 (158) Practice Test
• TExES Physical Science 6-12 (237) Practice Test
• TExES Principal as Instructional Leader (268) Practice Test
• TExES Science 4-8 (116) Practice Test
• TExES Science 7-12 (236) Practice Test
• TExES Science of Teaching Reading (STR) (293) Practice Test
• TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) Practice Test
• TExES Social Studies 7-12 (232) Practice Test
• TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) Practice Test
• TExES Special Education Supplemental (163) Practice Test
• TX PACT: Chemistry 7-12 (740) Practice Test
• TX PACT: Core Subjects 4-8 (790) Practice Test
• TX PACT: English Language Arts and Reading 4-8 (717) Practice Test
• TX PACT: English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (731) Practice Test
• TX PACT: Essential Academic Skills: Mathematics (703) Practice Test
• TX PACT: Essential Academic Skills: Reading (701) Practice Test
• TX PACT: Essential Academic Skills: Writing (702) Practice Test
• TX PACT: History 7-12 (733) Practice Test
• TX PACT: Life Science 7-12 (738) Practice Test
• TX PACT: Mathematics 4-8 (715) Practice Test
• TX PACT: Mathematics 7-12 (735) Practice Test
• TX PACT: Physics 7-12 (739) Practice Test
• TX PACT: Science 4-8 (716) Practice Test
• TX PACT: Science 7-12 (736) Practice Test
• TX PACT: Social Studies 4-8 (718) Practice Test
• TX PACT: Social Studies 7-12 (732) Practice Test

VCLA Practice Tests

West practice tests.

• WEST-E Special Education (070) Practice Test

Student Essays

8 Essays On Qualities of Good Teacher [ Role & Importance ] 2024

While to talk about the qualities of a good teacher, is akin to talk about the beauty of sun or the moon!. There are countless qualities which can be found in a good teacher. We can’t limit it like 10 points, 20 or 50 qualities of a good teacher and like that.

However, there can the most important & common qualities that are found among every good teacher. To continue with, we have written a complete essay on qualities of a good teacher.

Essay on Qualities of a Good Teacher | Role & Importance of Good teacher in Life

Teaching is a very noble profession. Teachers have the ability to emerge the capabilities of students and make them a better person of society.

The qualities of a good teacher are observed through their values, behavior, teaching style and attitude. There are certain qualities which a teacher should possess if he wants to be remembered as a good teacher.

Qualities of a Good Teacher

A good teacher does not care about his routine. If the class is lacking somewhere in subject then he will take extra classes too without caring about his time. For him, his students are his priority.

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He neither likes sugarcoated words of his student nor likes to do any extra favors for his favorite students. All students are equal in his eyes and he does not believe in favoritism. He knows his students very well. He listens to every problem of his students and try to solve his problems.

A teacher should be an ideal example for his students. He should be empathetic towards his students. A student cannot do better in exams if he is scared of his teacher.

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He might study because of fear but there is no point in that because he will forget all the work later. Therefore, a teacher should not implement harsh methods on his students.

He should teach them with care and kindness. A student will automatically study with more attention if the subject is of his favorite teacher who is nice to everyone.

If he wants his students to be punctual then he should stay punctual first. He should arrive in class on time to teach his students punctuality. If he wants his students to be disciplined and obedient then he should first stay disciplined too.

Students observe their teachers so much. They follow their actions because teachers are supposed to show them a better pathway towards life.

A good teacher should always remain neat and tidy. If a teacher is tidy and sweet then he automatically draws the attention of his students. He should maintain good relation with his students and other teachers.

A student needs a teacher that will not give up on him and that is why a teacher should always be encouraging and supportive. He should encourage his students not only to study what is in the books but to pursue the areas of their interest and then appreciate their efforts.

A good teacher should have excellent communication skills so that he can add humor and pace to the class. Students will not be afraid of making mistakes in this type of environment. They can make a lot of progress because they can easily take chances to learn a lot of new things.

A teacher’s pronunciation, lecture delivering style and attitude should be impressive. He should have good grip on his subjects and know how to teach his subjects in a more effective way.

He should also attend seminars, educational workshops and conferences to increase his professional efficiency. He should be emotionally stable because if he is unstable then he will not be able to do justice to his work. He should not always rely on books for knowledge but use other sources too to update information in his field and bring new information to classroom.

He should have passion to teach his students. How can a teacher expect his students to learn well when he is not passionate enough to deliver his lectures with interest.

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Teachers play an important role in the success of every country. They are the ones responsible for shaping the future of their students. They should have good teaching qualities in order to perform their duties well.

Qualities of a Good Teacher Essay:

A good teacher is someone who possesses a combination of knowledge, skills and personal qualities to effectively guide students towards academic success. Being a teacher requires much more than just delivering lessons and grading assignments. It takes passion, dedication and some unique qualities to become an exceptional educator. In this essay, we will discuss the qualities that make a good teacher.

Passion for Teaching

One of the most important qualities of a good teacher is their passion for teaching. A passionate teacher not only loves what they do but also inspires their students with their enthusiasm. They see teaching as more than just a job but rather as a calling to make a positive impact in the lives of young learners.

Subject Matter Expertise

Having in-depth knowledge about the subject they teach is another quality of a good teacher. They are experts in their field and constantly update themselves with new information and techniques. This enables them to deliver high-quality instruction, answer students’ questions effectively, and keep the class engaged.

Effective Communication Skills

A good teacher knows how to communicate with their students effectively. They use different methods of communication such as verbal, written, and nonverbal to convey information clearly and engage students in learning. They also listen attentively to their students’ queries and provide constructive feedback.

Adaptability

Every student is unique, and a good teacher understands this fact. They adapt their teaching styles and methods according to the needs of each individual student. A flexible approach allows them to cater to different learning styles of students, making sure that every student gets the help and support they need to succeed.

Patience and Empathy

Teaching can be challenging, especially when dealing with diverse groups of students. A good teacher is patient and empathetic towards their students’ struggles and needs. They take the time to understand their students’ perspectives, address their concerns, and create a safe learning environment for everyone.

Continuous Learning

A good teacher never stops learning. They constantly seek opportunities to enhance their skills, learn new teaching strategies, and improve their knowledge in their subject area. This not only benefits their students but also keeps them motivated and passionate about teaching.

Leadership Skills

Teachers are leaders in the classroom, guiding students towards academic success. A good teacher possesses strong leadership skills such as effective decision-making, organization, and problem-solving abilities. These skills not only help in managing the classroom but also serve as a positive example for students to follow.

Positive Attitude

A good teacher maintains a positive attitude towards their students, colleagues, and teaching profession in general. They are enthusiastic, optimistic and have a growth mindset which inspires their students to do the same. Their positivity creates a welcoming and encouraging learning environment where students can thrive.

In conclusion, being a good teacher requires more than just academic qualifications. It takes passion, subject matter expertise, effective communication skills, adaptability, patience and empathy, continuous learning, leadership abilities and a positive attitude to truly make a difference in students’ lives.

Role of a Teacher Essay:

Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the lives of their students. They are not only responsible for imparting knowledge and education, but also for instilling important values and skills in their students. A teacher’s influence can have a lasting impact on their students, making this profession one of the most important and noble ones.

The primary role of a teacher is to facilitate learning. They create lesson plans, conduct lectures, and design activities that help students understand and retain information effectively. Teachers also guide students towards relevant resources and encourage them to develop critical thinking skills.

Apart from academic learning, teachers also play a vital role in the social development of their students. They act as mentors and counselors, helping students navigate through challenges and build confidence . Teachers also promote a sense of community and belonging in their classrooms, fostering a positive learning environment.

Moreover, teachers act as role models for their students. They demonstrate important values such as empathy, compassion, and respect, which students can emulate in their own lives. Teachers also serve as motivators and inspire their students to dream big and work towards achieving their goals.

In addition to these roles, teachers are also responsible for assessing the progress of their students. Through tests, assignments, and projects, teachers evaluate the understanding and skills of their students. This allows them to identify areas that need improvement and provide personalized guidance to each student.

Furthermore, teachers are constantly adapting and improving their teaching methods to cater to the diverse needs of their students. They create inclusive learning environments and accommodate different learning styles to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

In conclusion, the role of a teacher goes far beyond simply imparting knowledge. They are instrumental in shaping the minds and hearts of their students, preparing them for future success and instilling important values that will guide them throughout their lives.

Characteristics of a Good Teacher Essay:

A good teacher is not just someone who imparts knowledge, but they are also a mentor and role model for their students. They possess certain characteristics that make them stand out and have a positive impact on their students’ lives. In this essay, we will discuss the key traits of a good teacher.

1. Passionate:

A good teacher is passionate about teaching and has a genuine love for their subject. This passion translates into enthusiasm in the classroom, making learning more engaging and interesting for students.

2. Knowledgeable:

An effective teacher has an in-depth understanding of the subject matter they are teaching. They continuously seek to expand their knowledge and stay updated with new developments in their field.

3. Effective Communicator:

Communication is a vital skill for any teacher. Good teachers are able to effectively explain complex concepts and ideas in a way that is easy for students to understand.

4. Patient:

Patience is a virtue, especially when dealing with students from different backgrounds and learning abilities. A good teacher understands that every student learns at their own pace and is patient enough to provide individual attention and support.

5. Creative:

A great teacher knows how to make learning fun and engaging by incorporating creative teaching methods. They come up with innovative ways to present information and stimulate critical thinking among their students.

6. Empathetic:

A good teacher is empathetic towards their students’ needs and concerns. They listen attentively, show understanding, and provide support whenever necessary.

7. Flexible:

Teaching can be unpredictable, and a good teacher is always prepared to adapt to any situation. They are flexible in their approach and can adjust their teaching methods to cater to the diverse needs of their students.

8. Inspiring:

A great teacher inspires their students to reach for their full potential and achieve success. They motivate and encourage their students, instilling confidence and a desire for continuous learning.

9. Lifelong Learner:

Lastly, a good teacher is a lifelong learner themselves. They understand that education is an ongoing process, and they continuously strive to improve their skills and knowledge.

In conclusion, being a good teacher goes beyond having a degree or extensive knowledge in a subject. It requires passion, patience, creativity, empathy, and many other qualities that make them stand out and have a positive impact on their students’ lives. As the saying goes, “Teachers who love teaching, teach children to love learning.” So, let us appreciate and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our teachers in shaping the minds of future generations. They truly are the heart of education.

Essay on my Favorite Teacher 200 Words:

My favorite teacher is Mrs. Smith, my English teacher from last year. She was unlike any other teacher I’ve ever had, and she made a lasting impact on me.

Mrs. Smith was always so enthusiastic about teaching, and it showed in her lessons. Every day, she would come into class with a big smile on her face, ready to teach us something new. She made sure that each lesson was engaging and interactive, making learning fun for all of us.

What set Mrs. Smith apart from others was her ability to connect with her students. She took the time to get to know each one of us personally and always showed genuine interest in our lives outside of school. Her caring nature made us feel comfortable enough to share our thoughts and opinions in class.

One of the things I admired most about Mrs. Smith was her dedication to helping her students succeed. She would always go above and beyond to ensure that we understood the material and were able to apply it in our assignments. Her encouragement and support gave me the confidence to excel in English, a subject that I previously struggled with.

Even though she was our teacher, Mrs. Smith never stopped learning herself. She constantly encouraged us to think critically and explore new ideas, pushing us out of our comfort zones and inspiring us to become better learners.

I will always be grateful for having Mrs. Smith as my teacher. She not only taught me English but also valuable life lessons that have stayed with me even after graduating from her class. She is a true role model and an exceptional educator. I am lucky to have had her as my favorite teacher.

I am a Teacher Essay:

As a teacher, I have the responsibility of shaping young minds and preparing them for the future. It is a job that requires great patience, dedication, and passion. Every day, I am presented with new challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact on my students’ lives.

One of the greatest joys of being a teacher is seeing my students grow and develop into confident individuals who are equipped with knowledge and skills to succeed in life. It is heartwarming to know that I have played a small part in their journey towards achieving their goals.

But being a teacher is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s also about instilling values such as respect, empathy, and perseverance. These values will stay with my students long after they leave my classroom and will shape them into responsible citizens of society.

As a teacher, I am not only a facilitator of learning but also a role model for my students. I strive to be an example of continuous learning, growth, and adaptability. In this ever-changing world, it is essential for teachers to stay updated with the latest teaching methods and technologies to better engage and inspire their students.

In addition to being a source of knowledge and guidance, I also see myself as a mentor for my students. I am there to listen, support, and guide them through their challenges and triumphs. Being able to make meaningful connections with my students is what makes teaching such a rewarding profession.

Moreover, being a teacher means being part of a larger community – the education community. Through collaboration with other educators, I am constantly learning and improving my teaching practices. It is through this support system that I am able to continuously strive for excellence in my role as a teacher.

In conclusion, being a teacher goes beyond the classroom walls. It is a fulfilling and dynamic profession that allows me to make a positive impact on the lives of my students and contribute to shaping the future generation.

Bad Teacher Essay:

A bad teacher can have a negative impact on students, both academically and emotionally. They may struggle to engage their students, fail to effectively teach the material, or use inappropriate methods of discipline.

One of the most common characteristics of a bad teacher is lack of enthusiasm and passion for teaching. This can be seen in their monotone lectures, uninspired lesson plans, and disinterest in student progress. As a result, students may become disengaged and lose interest in learning.

Another issue with bad teachers is their inability to effectively communicate information. They may struggle to explain concepts clearly or provide proper guidance when students have questions. This can lead to confusion and frustration among students, as they are unable to fully grasp the material being taught.

Bad teachers may also resort to inappropriate methods of discipline, such as yelling, shaming, or favoritism. This can create a negative and uncomfortable learning environment for students, causing them to feel anxious and unmotivated.

In addition to academic consequences, a bad teacher can also have emotional impacts on their students. Negative experiences with a teacher can lead to low self-esteem and confidence in the classroom. It can also cause students to develop a dislike for certain subjects or school in general.

It is important for schools and educational institutions to properly screen and train their teachers to prevent these negative effects on students. Teachers should be passionate, knowledgeable, and effective communicators who genuinely care about the success of their students.

Teachers Makes a Difference Essay:

Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of students. They are not just limited to imparting knowledge, but also work towards building strong character and instilling important values in their students. A good teacher can make all the difference in a student’s life.

Firstly, teachers act as mentors and guides for their students. They provide them with guidance and support, helping them navigate through difficult situations and challenges. Their words of encouragement and motivation can uplift a student’s spirit and give them the confidence to achieve their goals.

Secondly, teachers serve as role models for their students. They lead by example and inspire their students to become better individuals. A teacher who is passionate about their subject can ignite similar interest in their students, encouraging them to excel. Moreover, teachers also teach important life skills such as discipline, time management and teamwork by setting high standards for themselves and their students.

Furthermore, teachers have the ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each student and tailor their teaching methods accordingly. They understand that every student is unique and may require different approaches to learning. This personalized attention can help struggling students improve and excel in their academics.

In conclusion, a teacher’s role extends far beyond just educating students. They are true agents of change who shape the future generation. Their dedication, passion and hard work make all the difference in a student’s life by molding them into responsible citizens with bright futures ahead of them.

Q: What makes a good teacher (essay, 150 words)?

A: A good teacher possesses qualities such as expertise in their subject, effective communication, patience, adaptability, and a genuine passion for teaching. They inspire and empower students, fostering a love for learning while creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment.

Q: Who is a good teacher (short note)?

A: A good teacher is someone who is knowledgeable, skilled at communicating, patient, and passionate about teaching. They inspire and educate students, creating a positive learning experience.

Q: How can I write a good teacher?

A: To become a good teacher, one should focus on continuous learning, effective communication, empathy, adaptability to diverse student needs, and a genuine love for teaching. These qualities can help you become an effective and inspiring educator.

Q: Who is a good teacher?

A: A good teacher is someone who possesses strong subject knowledge, effective teaching skills, patience, the ability to inspire students, adaptability, and a passion for their profession. They make a positive impact on their students’ learning and personal growth.

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10 Qualities of a Good Teacher

A good teacher can make a world of difference in a student's life, impacting everything from their classroom learning to their long-term success. If you're considering a career in education – or looking to boost it with a Master of Education  (MEd) – it's important to explore the qualities of a good teacher.

Research from the Economic Policy Institute shows that good teachers are the single most important factor that contributes to student achievement in the classroom, more important than facilities, school resources and even school leadership.

A study from the American Economics Association (AEA) found that improvements in teacher quality positively impact everything from the quality of colleges students attend to students’ future salaries, the quality of their neighborhood and even their future participation rates in 401k savings plans ( AEA PDF source ).

So, What Makes a Good Teacher?

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) education faculty and university students shared their thoughts on the qualities that make effective teachers stand out.

1. Good Teachers Are Strong Communicators.

Tanguay got his start as a high school math teacher and said that many students came to his class feeling afraid of math, discouraged by their prior experiences and too overwhelmed to approach the subject positively. 

By communicating with students at the beginning of the year about how math applies to their favorite hobbies, sports and future careers, Tanguay said his students were able to approach the subject in a more enjoyable way that better supported their learning.

“I’m a firm believer in communication in all forms,” he said. “As a leader, communication is a tool for overcoming fear.”

2. Good Teachers Listen Well.

Great communication doesn't stop when the teacher is done talking. Listening well is one of the most important skills needed to be a teacher. 

“Teachers that are skilled in listening and observing often pick up on what isn’t being said, such as any anxieties a student may have, and can then help the student build their skills and confidence levels," said student  Kristine Ducote , who is earning her bachelor's in criminal justice .

Student Latricia Maddox , who is studying for a bachelor's in business , said that effective listening skills also help a teacher better understand their students and tailor lessons to reach them how they learn best. 

“If an educator can truly hear a student, they can learn how to reach them where they are,” she said. “This will open the door for them to receive and learn the lesson that is being taught.”

3. Good Teachers Focus on Collaboration.

Working in education means you’re never truly working alone. From paraprofessionals and teaching assistants to other classroom teachers and school leaders, working as a teacher often means working effectively in a group. It's also important to keep an open mind and learn from other educators. 

The key to success in this kind of environment, Tanguay said, is the ability to collaborate. "You really need to be able to fill various roles in order to collaborate effectively," he said. "If you already have someone on your team who is going to be the one to critique all of the suggestions made, then you don't need to join in on that. Instead, maybe you need to be the person who is going to come up with creative ideas. You need to have that flexibility."

4. Good Teachers Are Adaptable.

Effective teachers need to be able to work in a constantly evolving environment and adjust their teaching methods based on the age of their students, the resources available and changing curriculum, practices and requirements.

As a teacher since the 1980s, SNHU education professor and on campus undergraduate program chairman Dr. Audrey Rogers said she’s seen tremendous changes in the education field throughout her career, particularly with the rise in access to the internet, computers and other technology. What is teaching going to look like in another 30 years? The only thing certain, Rogers said, is change.

“Change is a constant,” she said. “Learning how to adapt and adjust, that’s been one of the skills that’s been most helpful in my career. It’s about keeping my finger on the pulse of who my students are over time and all the trends, standards and new research, and being able to continually improve.”

Adaptability is also one of the key skills needed to be a teacher who may be educating students of varying grade levels or different learning styles, Tanguay said. 

“You have to be able to adapt based upon your audience,” he said. 

5. Good Teachers Are Engaging.

Being able to engage students with humor, creative lessons and a strong classroom presence is an important part of what makes someone a good teacher, Tanguay said. 

“If you were to envision that teacher that you would want in your life, even now, you’re going to want someone who is very engaging in front of the classroom,” he said. “A good teacher will perform for their students to keep them going... It’s not about sitting back and just lecturing, it’s about engaging in the work.”

What an engaging teacher looks like will vary depending on grade level and subject matter, Tanguay said. 

In kindergarten, an engaging teacher might be one who gets down on the floor to do activities with their students on their level. In high school, an engaging teacher may be one who thinks outside the box, adds humor to their lessons and finds creative ways to bring learning into the real world.

6. Good Teachers Show Empathy.

Another key to engaging students and improving their learning is to treat each student as an individual, by being empathetic and understanding to what may be going on in their lives, Tanguay said. 

“We need to take a moment to think back and think about what could be going on in this student’s life,” he said. “It’s so important to be observant, attentive, empathetic and always have a positive attitude.” 

“Something that may be easy for one student may not be so easy for someone else,” she said. “Everyone learns differently, whether it be faster or slower than normal, learns better by writing, reading or hands-on. Teachers need to always keep this in mind and always pay close attention to ensure each student is on the track they need to be.”

7. Good Teachers Have Patience.

No matter what grade level you're teaching, your patience will be tested while working as an educator.  

Whether you’re managing classroom behavior, working with colleagues with different views, or communicating student issues or progress with parents, patience is one of the most important skills to practice as a teacher. 

“More often than not you actually have to have more patience with the parents than you do with the students,” Tanguay said. “Parents are coming in with their perceptions of what happened to them when they were students or previous experiences that may have been detrimental to their child... You have to be patient and understanding of them.”

8. Good Teachers Value Real-World Learning.

Teachers who bring their students’ learning into the real world are often some of the most engaging. But it’s important for teachers to bring their own learning into the real world, too.

One of the best preparations for effective teaching is to ensure that education students get plenty of classroom experience early on in their degree programs, Rogers said.

For education majors  in SNHU's on campus program, this preparation includes embedded coursework that begins in a student's freshmen year. They spend time at a local school once a week to collaborate with teacher partners and apply their learning to the classroom. A year-long student teaching experience is also a powerful way to ensure soon-to-be teachers have the time to hone their teaching skills, Rogers said.

"Our students have that benefit of seeing the practical application (of) what they're learning in the moment they're learning it," she said.

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9. good teachers share best practices..

A willingness to share knowledge and experiences with others is one of the most important qualities of a good teacher, Rogers said. 

Education is a hands-on field and often requires experimentation within the classroom to discover which methods of communicating with students work best. Part of being an effective teacher is sharing your findings and best practices with others in the field, Rogers said.

“I always challenge my students to think, ‘What is your contribution?’” she said. “Are you brave enough to post on Twitter about your ideas on technology integration in the classroom? Your willingness to share your practice, to keep an open door, to be transparent and to be observed are an important part of your teaching.”

10. Good Teachers Are Lifelong Learners.

One of the key skills needed to be a good teacher is a dedication to continued education and a love of learning. 

Whether you’re learning more about your subject area, learning new methods of communication or even exploring how to bring more technology into your classroom, continuing to expand your own knowledge is key to expanding that of your students.

“Those dedicated to their subjects with a passion for learning make the best teachers," said student Jennifer Gardner , who is earning a bachelor's in mathematics . “They also need to have a desire to pass on that knowledge.” 

Ducote said it’s important for teachers to never feel as though they’ve learned it all, and to remain open to new experiences.

“No matter your education level, you can learn something from everyone you encounter, including fellow educators as well as students,” she said. “Being willing to continually add tools to your toolbox – even unconventional ones at times – will keep things new and exciting, as well as giving you excellent skills.”

Learn the Characteristics of Effective Teaching

If you’re interested in starting a career in education, it’s important to first focus on your own learning. Whether you’re seeking a bachelor's degree in education, an education master’s degree or even a Doctor of Education  (EdD), building a strong foundation of knowledge and real-world experiences is key to becoming a good teacher.

No matter where your career path takes you – whether to an elementary school, secondary school or even to the university level – your teaching can have a profound impact on the lives of students, and your education is the foundation for that work.

“Teachers make such a huge impact on their students’ lives,” said student Donna Whisman , who is earning her bachelor's in communication . “I believe that being a teacher is a very special gift, and those that have that gift make a positive, lasting impression on the lives of their students that can totally change the trajectory of their lives.”

Danielle Gagnon is a freelance writer focused on higher education. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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Essential Qualities of a Good Teacher

Teachers Need to be Self-Aware, Perceptive, and Knowledgeable

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Measurable and Measuring

To be self-aware, to perceive, understand and value differences, to analyze and diagnose student learning, to negotiate and take risks in teaching, to have a depth of subject matter knowledge.

• M.Ed., Educational Administration, Northeastern State University
• B.Ed., Elementary Education, Oklahoma State University

Educational studies suggest that the essential qualities of good teachers include the ability to be self-aware of one's biases; to perceive, understand and accept differences in others; to analyze and diagnose student understanding and adapt as required; to negotiate and take risks in their teaching; and to have a strong conceptual understanding of their subject matter.

Most teachers are paid according to their experience and educational attainment, but as educator Thomas Luschei has demonstrated, there is little evidence that more than 3-5 years of experience boost teachers' ability to increase student test scores or grades. Other measurable attributes such as how well the teachers did on their qualifying examinations, or what level of education a teacher has attained also do not significantly impact the student's performance in classrooms.

So although there is little consensus in the education profession about which measurable features make a good teacher, several studies have identified inherent traits and practices which assist teachers in reaching their students.

American teacher-educator Stephanie Kay Sachs believes that an effective teacher needs to have a basic sociocultural awareness of and acceptance of their own and other's cultural identity. Teachers need to be able to facilitate the development of a positive self-ethnic identity and be aware their own personal biases and prejudices. They should use self-inquiry to examine the relationship between their fundamental values, attitudes, and beliefs, particularly with regard to their teaching. This inner bias affects all interactions with students but does not prohibit teachers from learning from their students or vice versa.

Educator Catherine Carter adds that an effective way for teachers to understand their processes and motivation is to define an apt metaphor for the role they perform. For example, she says, some teachers think of themselves as gardeners, potters shaping clay, mechanics working on engines, business managers, or workshop artists, supervising other artists in their growth.

Teachers who understand their own biases says Sachs, are in a better position to view their students' experiences as valuable and meaningful and integrate the realities of the students' lives, experiences, and cultures into the classroom and subject matter.

The effective teacher builds perceptions of her own personal influence and power over factors that contribute to student learning. In addition, she must build conceptual interpersonal skills to respond to the complexities of the school environment. The experiences of both teachers and students with individuals of differing social, ethnic, cultural, and geographic backgrounds can serve as a lens through which future interactions can be viewed.

Teacher Richard S. Prawat suggests that teachers must be able to pay close attention to student's learning processes, to analyze how students are learning and diagnose issues that prevent understanding. Assessments must be undertaken not on tests per se, but rather as the teachers engage students in active learning, allowing debate, discussion, research, writing, evaluation, and experimentation.

Compiling results from a report of the Committee on Teacher Education for the National Academy of Education, Linda Darling-Hammond and Joan Baratz-Snowden suggest teachers must make their expectations for high-quality work known, and provide constant feedback as they revise their work towards these standards. In the end, the goal is to create a well-functioning, respectful classroom that allows students to work productively.

Sachs suggests that building on the ability to perceive where students are failing to fully understand, an effective teacher must not be afraid to seek out tasks for herself and the students that are optimal for their skills and abilities, recognizing that those efforts may not be successful. These teachers are the pioneers and trailblazers, she says, individuals who are challenge-oriented.

Negotiation involves moving students in a certain direction, towards a view of reality which is shared by those in the disciplinary community. At the same time, teachers must recognize when some obstacles to such learning are misconceptions or faulty reasoning which need to be highlighted, or when a child is simply using her own informal ways of knowing which should be encouraged. This, says Prawat, is the essential paradox of teaching: to challenge the child with new ways of thinking, but negotiate a way for that student to not dismiss alternate ideas. Overcoming these obstacles must be a collaborative enterprise between student and teacher, where uncertainty and conflict are important, growth-producing commodities.

Particularly in the maths and sciences, educator Prawat stresses that teachers need to have rich networks of knowledge in their subject matter, organized around key ideas that could provide a conceptual basis for understanding.

Teachers obtain that by bringing focus and coherence to the subject matter and allowing themselves to be more conceptual in their approach to learning. In this manner, they transform it into something meaningful for students.

• Carter, Catherine. " Priest, Prostitute, Plumber? The Construction of Teachers as Saints. " English Education 42.1 (2009): 61–90. Print.
• Darling-Hammond, Linda, and Joan Baratz-Snowden. " A Good Teacher in Every Classroom: Preparing the Highly Qualified Teachers Our Children Deserve ." Educational Horizons 85.2 (2007): 111–32. Print.
• Goldhaber, Dan. "The Mystery of Good Teaching." Education Next Spring 2002 (2002): 1–5. Print.
• Luschei, Thomas F. " In Search of Good Teachers: Patterns of Teacher Quality in Two Mexican States. " Comparative Education Review 56.1 (2012): 69–97. Print.
• Prawat, Richard S. " Teaching for Understanding: Three Key Attributes ." Teaching and Teacher Education 5.4 (1989): 315–28. Print.
• Robinson, Richard, et al. " The Effective Teacher Revisited ." The Reading Teacher 45.6 (1992): 448–48. Print.
• Sachs, Stephanie Kay. " Evaluation of Teacher Attributes as Predictors of Success in Urban Schools. " Journal of Teacher Education 55.2 (2004): 177–87. Print.
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Essay on What Makes A Good Teacher

Students are often asked to write an essay on What Makes A Good Teacher in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on What Makes A Good Teacher

A good teacher must have patience. Teaching different students who learn at their own pace requires the ability to wait calmly. When a teacher is patient, students feel more comfortable asking questions and making mistakes, which is a big part of learning.

A teacher needs to know their subject well. This doesn’t just mean knowing a lot of facts. It means understanding the subject deeply enough to explain it in simple ways. When a teacher knows their subject, they can make learning exciting and meaningful.

Kindness is key in teaching. A kind teacher creates a welcoming environment for students. This encourages students to try their best and not be afraid of failure. A kind teacher supports students and helps them grow with encouragement.

Communication

Being able to share ideas clearly is important for a teacher. They need to explain lessons in ways that all students can understand. Good communication also means listening to students and understanding their needs. This helps in solving problems and making learning effective.

250 Words Essay on What Makes A Good Teacher

Qualities of a good teacher.

A good teacher is one who is passionate about teaching and is dedicated to helping students learn. They are patient, understanding, and encouraging, and they make learning fun and engaging. Good teachers are also well-prepared and organized, and they are able to clearly explain complex concepts in a way that students can understand.

Characteristics of a Good Teacher

There are many qualities that make a good teacher, but some of the most important include:

The Impact of Good Teachers

Good teachers have a positive impact on the lives of their students. They help students to develop a love of learning, and they prepare them for success in college, career, and life. Good teachers also make a difference in the community, as they help to create a more informed and engaged citizenry.

In conclusion, good teachers are essential to the success of students and society. They are passionate about teaching, patient, understanding, and encouraging. They are also well-prepared and organized, and they are able to clearly explain complex concepts in a way that students can understand. Good teachers have a positive impact on the lives of their students and make a difference in the community.

500 Words Essay on What Makes A Good Teacher

Understanding the role of a teacher.

A teacher is someone who helps students learn and grow. They play a vital role in shaping the minds of young people and preparing them for the future. Good teachers are passionate about their subjects and are always looking for new ways to make learning fun and engaging. They are patient, understanding, and supportive, and they always put the needs of their students first.

Passion for Learning:

Good teachers love to learn and are always eager to share their knowledge with others. They are excited about their subjects and are able to convey that excitement to their students.

Excellent Communication Skills:

Good teachers are able to communicate effectively with students of all ages and backgrounds. They are able to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise way, and they are able to listen to and understand the needs of their students.

Patience and Understanding:

Enthusiasm and positivity:, creating a positive learning environment.

A positive learning environment is one where students feel safe, respected, and challenged. Good teachers create this type of environment by:

Setting Clear Expectations:

Providing support:, encouraging respect:.

Good teachers encourage respect among their students. They teach students to respect each other and to respect their teachers. They also model respectful behavior themselves.

Making Learning Fun:

Good teachers make learning fun. They use a variety of teaching methods and activities to keep students engaged. They also find ways to make learning relevant to students’ lives.

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Top 10 Qualities of a Good Teacher: Every Teacher Should Have

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Teachers are the nation’s builder and being a great teacher is one of the most incredible things that a man can be. Think about your favourite persons. There must be someone of your teachers in your favourite list. A good teacher is such a person who the students remember and cherish all life long by their hearts. Good teachers are the most important factor in a student’s life behind his achievements.

A good teacher is like a Lightbringer who shows the right path and plays a significant role in building and shaping a student’s life. If you are considering a career in teaching and want to be a good teacher, then you must know the qualities of a good teacher. Every great teacher has unique traits and characteristics. But there are some common personal qualities needed to be a teacher. In this article, you’ll learn about the qualities of a good teacher and how to be a good teacher. 

What Makes A Good Teacher?

The answer isn’t straightforward. There are a lot of qualities and skills that collectively take part in making a good teacher. However, the top 10 qualities of a good teacher have been compiled here to give you a clear overview. Here is the checklist for you. 

The Top 10 Qualities of a Great Teacher

• Communication Skills
• Listening Skills
• Friendly Behaviour
• Adaptation Skills
• PatienceCollaborative
• Motivation Skills
• Engaging Capability
• Perseverance

Teaching is all about passion. Teaching isn’t such a profession that is suitable for all. It is appropriate only for the passionates. You need to have a strong passion for teaching if you want to be a good teacher and this is the first and foremost quality of a good teacher. Teaching is a challenging profession and these challenges are totally different from others. Without being passionate about this profession, you’ll lose your zeal and can’t enjoy it which will hinder you from being a good teacher. 

2. Communication Skills

Just like other professions, teaching also needs good communication skills. And communication skills are one of the most important qualities of a good teacher. As a teacher, you have to deal with your colleagues, students, their guardians and many more. Good communication skills will make your way easy to interact with them. Besides, you need to have a strong communication skill to be effective in your classroom. In your classroom, it’s more very important to deliver things right so that your students can understand everything. 

You may have strong subject knowledge. But if you can’t express it properly to your students, there is no use of your knowledge as a teacher. In this case, you need strong communication skills to deliver right what you know.

3. Listening Skills

Besides a good communicator, a good teacher is also a good listener. As a teacher, your duty isn’t only to stand in front of the class and deliver the topic. Listening well is one of the most important skills needed to be a good teacher. You should give your students spaces to talk, and listen to them what they want to express. This will help you to create a good teacher-student rapport which is important for both of you. 

4. Friendly Behaviour

Another necessary quality of a good teacher is friendly behaviour. Being friendly to your students creates trust and reliance among them. In a school or college, nothing is more beautiful than a strong teacher-student relationship and without having a friendly behaviour, you can’t build that relationship with your students. 

5. Adaptation Skills

Teaching is a constantly evolving profession and full of challenges. You may face curriculum change, inclusions of new syllabuses, and different teaching methods based on the authority’s demand. So, you need to cope with all of these changing conditions. Hence, you need to have strong adaptation skills to be a good teacher. 

6. Patience

Patience is one of the most important qualities of a good teacher. As a teacher, you have to deal with different students from different backgrounds and ages. Each of them has different needs and characteristics and you’ll find it challenging to address all of these. You may find some of your students aren’t getting the things right and taking more time to understand a topic with questioning repeatedly. Besides, some students can be indisciplined and cause trouble in the class. After all, there can be many things that don’t go as you want them. 

So, you need to have strong patience to work under these conditions and this is the behaviour of a good teacher.

7. Collaborative

Teaching means you’re not working alone at all. There are a variety of tasks where you need to collaborate with your fellows, students, and their guardians. This can be from curriculum development to taking classes. So, you should have a strong collaboration skill to be a good teacher. 

8. Motivation Skills

As a teacher, you need to keep your students motivated to stay on the right track and achieve their best. Your motivation and inspiration will lead your students to success, not only in their academic career but also in their every aspect of life. Great teachers have this strong skill of motivation and inspiration. 

9. Engaging Capability

Good teachers have a strong engaging capability. They can easily engage the students with their lessons. They present the subject in a way so that the students can relate them with it and have a hand on experience. This is very helpful in effective learning which is the goal of a good teacher. So, you should have the capability to engage your students with the topic that you’re going to teach them. 

10. Perseverance

Last but not least, perseverance is one of the most essential qualities of a good teacher. To be a good teacher, you have to be persistent with your goals. You should devote yourself to continuous learning to develop more and more. Because there is no end of learning even when you become a teacher yourself. Actually, perseverance is the quality that will lead you to achieve other qualities. So, you should have strong perseverance and willingness to learn to be a good teacher. 

Concluding Remarks

Now, it’s time for wrapping up. After going through this article, you’re now well informed about the qualities of a good teacher and what makes a good teacher. Now you know what to do and which qualities you should have. However, there are many other skills and strengths of a teacher that you should achieve. So, it would be better if you take some skill development training. To assist you in skill development, Teacher’s Training has come up with a variety of online courses, including the Ofqual Regulated “ Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) ” qualification. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s have a look at what we are offering to you.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

A: The primary goal of education is to facilitate student learning and development, ensuring that every student can understand and apply knowledge effectively. Education aims to empower students with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to contribute positively to society.

A: Effective teaching methods actively engage students through interactive approaches that encourage participation, critical thinking, and the real-world application of ideas. This can include a variety of strategies, such as group work, problem-solving tasks, and discussions that relate to students’ everyday experiences in the UK.

A: Teachers require a combination of strong communication skills, patience, flexibility in accommodating different learning styles, creativity in curriculum design, and the ability to manage and motivate a diverse classroom. Teachers in the UK also need a good understanding of the National Curriculum and the ability to adapt it to the needs of their students.

A: The Big Five teacher personality traits include openness to new experiences, conscientiousness in preparation and organisation, proactiveness in engaging with students, willingness to foster a positive classroom environment, and emotional stability to handle challenges calmly.

A: Highly effective teaching is characterised by clear and structured instruction, enthusiasm for the subject matter, adaptability to student needs, strong relationships with students, and the creation of a supportive learning environment.

A: A Primary teacher must have the patience to guide young students, creativity to make learning enjoyable, strong communication skills to express ideas clearly, empathy to understand and support students’ needs, and flexibility to adjust teaching methods as required. Additionally, they should have a strong understanding of child development and the ability to apply this knowledge in the context of the UK’s educational framework.

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The Most Important Characteristics of a Good Teacher, Essay Example

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This paper sets out the main characteristics of what describes a good teacher.  It is examined from the perspective of School, College and University teachers.  It primarily takes the holistic view and discusses some of the traits of a good teacher.  An effective teacher requires many different skillsets and the ability to control stressful environments.  In addition the Teacher should demonstrate personality traits of empathy, understanding, care and utmost dedication to the profession served.  The persona of the teacher needs to exude these qualities so as inspire confidence and respect from students and peers alike.

It is vital that any teacher is a good communicator .  The teacher should be fluent in expressing ideas, concepts and explanations.  This means good verbal and interaction skills with a diverse range of people.  The Teacher should be a voice of moderation and retain a tranquil atmosphere that is conducive to learning.  A good Teacher does not lose his/her temper and never yells or throw obstacles at students.  The Teacher needs to have a good sense of humour as this simplifies communications and helps to break the ice. Humour can also be used as an instrument of teaching.  It is important for the Teacher to have good time management skills. Do not turn up late for lectures or lessons, ensure papers are graded in a timely manner, avoid over-runs and delaying other classes, tutorials or lectures.

One of the most important aspects of a good teacher is command over the subject matter being taught. You must be a subject matter expert and be comfortable with explaining the detail and understanding of specifics.  This is particularly important in tutorials and lectures.  The Teacher must adopt an equitable nature and treat everybody fairly; personal traits must be free from racial intolerance or bigotry. In addition assessment must be performance based and exclude personal likes or dislikes of students.  The Teacher should strive for continued professional development in order to maintain mastery of both teaching skills and currency of the subject matter. Finally, in addition to leadership skills the Teacher needs to balance friendship with disciplinary skills in the teacher / student relationship. The question of knowing when to be supportive and when to take command of situations.  The ability to teach the student authority, respect and tolerance of others is an incremental part of the teaching process.

There are also certain softer skills that you require in the qualities of being a good teacher. The ability to be empathetic thereby understanding the students feeling or difficulties and relating problem solving solutions to meet these needs. The need to be a good listener, hence you need to receive as well as transmit information.  One maths lecturer I knew wrote endless mathematical equations on a blackboard and whilst he thought it was all clear and well explained over 80% of his audience struggled to understand his lectures.  He never took the time to ask!  The concept of motivation  is infectious.  If you are seen as a driving force, want to succeed and prepared to go that extra mile then others will surely follow.

In conclusion, teachers are in great demand because of the multiple skills and talents that you need in order to be successful at the job.  Mediocrity is not really an option in teaching and you have to continuously strive to stay at the top of your profession. This means being a good researcher and enhancing your knowledge of the subject matter.  Improving your interpersonal skills and expanding your horizons to embrace a network from peer groups, other educational institutions and other subject matter experts.  There are many extra curricula activities required that include:  attending teacher conferences, conducting research field trips, striving for higher academic credentials, writing in journals and books,  maintaining a literary and educational profile.  A job that extends well beyond the professional working day.

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12 Best Qualities of a Good Teacher

1. Empathy and Compassion

2. strong communication skills, 3. patience, 4. adaptability, 5. deep knowledge and passion for the subject matter, 6. innovative thinking, 7. commitment to lifelong learning, 8. classroom management skills, 9. cultural competency, 10. feedback and assessment skills.

What makes an exceptional teacher? Is it the depth of their knowledge, or perhaps something more? In today’s dynamic educational landscape, the qualities of a good teacher extend far beyond traditional teaching metrics. They involve empathy, adaptability, and a passion for fostering inclusive environments where every student feels valued.

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Today, being a great teacher isn’t just about knowing your subject inside out. It’s about connecting with your students, embracing technology, and being adaptable. This blog aims to uncover what makes a truly good teacher. We’ll explore the must-have qualities, the soft skills that make a difference, and the hard skills essential in today’s classrooms.

So, let’s dive into what it takes to not just teach but to leave a mark on the future.

One of the most vital teacher qualities is the ability to understand and connect with students on a personal level. Empathy and compassion involve recognizing each student’s unique challenges and needs, whether they’re struggling academically, socially, or personally. A teacher can demonstrate this by listening to students’ concerns, offering support, and adapting lessons to include diverse perspectives. 

For example, a teacher might notice a student’s interest in a particular topic and incorporate it into the curriculum, making learning more relevant and engaging for that individual.

Effective teaching is rooted in clear and concise communication. This good teacher trait is about more than just delivering content; it’s about engaging students in a way that makes the material understandable and exciting. Strong communication also means explaining complex concepts in simple terms and using various methods, such as visual aids or interactive activities, to reinforce learning. 

An example of this in action is when a teacher uses storytelling to bring historical events to life, making it easier for students to remember and relate to the information.

Patience is a cornerstone among the qualities of a good teacher. It’s the ability to remain calm and composed, even when faced with classroom challenges or endless questions from curious minds. This quality is crucial for creating a learning environment where students feel valued and heard. 

A patient teacher might take extra time to explain a difficult math problem to a student, ensuring they understand the concept before moving on, or might calmly manage disruptions, keeping the class focused and productive.

The educational landscape is constantly changing, and adaptability is key to keeping up. This quality allows teachers to modify their teaching strategies to suit new technologies, curriculum changes, and the diverse learning styles of their students. 

For instance, an adaptable teacher might shift to online teaching tools if they notice students are more engaged with digital content or incorporate current events into lessons to make learning more relevant and immediate. This flexibility keeps lessons fresh and demonstrates a commitment to meeting students where they are.

A fundamental trait among the qualities a teacher should have is a thorough understanding of their subject combined with a genuine passion for it. This combination is infectious, inspiring students to develop a love for learning . When a teacher is excited about their teaching topics, this enthusiasm translates into more engaging and dynamic lessons. 

For example, a history teacher passionate about their subject might dress up as historical figures or use artifacts to bring history to life, thereby sparking students’ interest in learning more about the past.

In today’s fast-paced world, teachers must have the ability to think outside the box. Innovative thinking involves developing creative teaching strategies that make learning more interactive and fun. This could mean incorporating games, technology, or project-based learning to cater to different learning styles and keep students engaged. 

A teacher might use apps to create interactive quizzes instead of traditional paper-and-pencil tests, making assessments more enjoyable and less intimidating for students.

The best teachers view education as a continuous journey. A quality of a good teacher is being committed to lifelong learning, which means staying abreast of the latest educational trends, research, and technologies. This commitment ensures that their teaching methods remain relevant and effective. 

Teachers can model the love of learning to their students by attending workshops, enrolling in professional development courses, or simply reading up on new teaching strategies.

Effective classroom management is essential for creating an environment where all students can learn and thrive. This involves establishing clear classroom rules , setting expectations, and fostering a sense of respect and cooperation among students. Teaching qualities like patience, consistency, and fairness play a significant role in successful classroom management. 

An example of good classroom management is when a teacher uses positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior, helping students understand the value of respect and collaboration.

In an increasingly diverse world, cultural competency is a critical quality of a good teacher. It’s about creating an inclusive classroom environment that respects and celebrates differences among students. This quality enables teachers to effectively communicate and connect with students from various backgrounds, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. 

Incorporating multicultural literature, celebrating different cultural holidays, and encouraging students to share their own experiences are ways to foster an inclusive learning environment.

A critical aspect of good teaching skills is the ability to provide feedback and assess student work in a way that promotes growth and improvement. Constructive feedback helps students understand their strengths and areas for development, guiding them toward achieving their goals . 

For instance, a teacher might use the “sandwich” method—starting with a positive note, followed by constructive criticism, and ending with encouragement—to ensure that feedback is received in a supportive manner. This approach helps students improve and keeps them motivated to learn.

11. Professionalism

Professionalism encompasses a range of behaviors and attitudes, including adhering to ethical standards, maintaining a positive demeanor, and showing respect to students, colleagues, and parents. One of the best teacher qualities is being a role model for students, demonstrating integrity, reliability, and respect in every interaction. 

For example, a teacher might handle a challenging situation with a student privately instead of in front of the class, showing respect for the student’s dignity while addressing the issue.

12. Motivational Skills

The ability to motivate students is among the most impactful characteristics of a good teacher. It involves encouraging students to set high expectations for themselves and supporting them as they work to achieve their full potential. 

A motivational teacher inspires students through positive reinforcement, celebrating their achievements, no matter how small. They might also set challenging yet achievable goals for the class, helping students see the value of hard work and perseverance.

10 Important Soft and Hard Skills Every Teacher Must Have

5 soft skills for teachers.

1. ​​Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is crucial for managing one’s emotions and understanding those of others, which in turn helps build strong relationships within the classroom and beyond. 

Teachers with high emotional intelligence can recognize their students’ emotional and psychological needs, offering support and empathy. This skill allows educators to create a safe and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and understood.

2. Active Listening

Active listening involves fully concentrating on what is being said, understanding the message, responding thoughtfully, and remembering key points. This skill is vital for teachers as it helps them better understand their students’ perspectives, doubts, and queries, making them feel heard and respected. 

By practicing active listening, teachers can provide more personalized support and foster a more engaging learning experience.

3. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking enables teachers to evaluate information objectively and make reasoned judgments. This skill is important for their decision-making and as a model for students. Teachers can encourage students to question assumptions, consider multiple perspectives, and develop their problem-solving skills by demonstrating critical thinking. 

4. Collaboration

The ability to work effectively with colleagues, parents, and the community is indispensable. Collaboration enhances the learning environment by pooling diverse ideas and resources. Teachers who excel in collaboration can more effectively advocate for their students’ needs, develop innovative educational programs, and foster a sense of community within the classroom. 

5. Creativity

Creativity is the ability to generate innovative ideas for teaching and problem-solving. Creative teachers can adapt their teaching methods to suit the varied learning styles of their students, making learning more accessible and enjoyable. 

5 Hard Skills Every Teacher Must Have

1. Curriculum Development

The ability to design effective lesson plans and course materials is crucial for tailoring education to meet the needs of all students. Curriculum development involves structuring educational content that is both comprehensive and engaging, ensuring that lessons align with educational standards and objectives. 

An adept teacher crafts these plans to cover the required syllabus and incorporate elements stimulating students’ curiosity and encouraging deeper understanding.

2. Educational Technology Proficiency

In today’s digital age, proficiency with educational technology is indispensable. This skill enables teachers to leverage digital tools and platforms to enhance the learning experience, making it more interactive and accessible. Whether it’s using online resources for collaborative projects or incorporating multimedia elements into presentations, technology proficiency allows for more dynamic and effective teaching methods.

3. Data Literacy

In education, data literacy refers to the ability to gather, interpret, and use educational data effectively. This skill is crucial for analyzing student performance data, understanding assessment results, and applying this information to refine teaching strategies and improve student outcomes. 

A prime example of how data literacy can be applied in a practical educational setting is using SplashLearn . 

• SplashLearn is an interactive learning platform that provides real-time data on student performance across various subjects. 
• By engaging with SplashLearn, teachers can track individual and class progress in a detailed and accessible manner. 
• SplashLearn’s analytics allow educators to pinpoint specific areas where students may be struggling, facilitating the development of targeted instructional strategies to address these learning gaps .

4. Assessment and Evaluation

Developing and implementing various assessment methods are key to monitoring and supporting student progress. This involves traditional testing and alternative evaluation forms, such as portfolios, presentations, and peer reviews, which can provide a more comprehensive view of student learning. 

Effective teachers use these tools to identify strengths and areas for improvement, guiding their instructional decisions and providing targeted support where needed.

5. Project-Based Learning 

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects. Developing skills in designing and implementing PBL requires teachers to create projects that are complex, require critical thinking, and collaboration, and draw on multiple areas of knowledge. Teachers learn to guide students through extended projects that offer deep engagement with subjects and build a wide range of useful skills.

The journey to embody the qualities of a good teacher involves a continuous commitment to developing soft and hard skills. By nurturing these essential attributes, educators can create a learning environment that is informative, and engaging but also supportive, and inclusive for all students.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a teacher.

A teacher’s strengths often include strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of their subject matter. Weaknesses might involve challenges with technology integration, difficulties in classroom management, or the need for further development in assessment strategies.

What makes you stand out from other teachers?

What makes a teacher stand out is their unique approach to engaging students, their innovative use of technology and teaching methods, and their commitment to personal and professional growth. A standout teacher continuously seeks ways to improve and adapt, making learning a memorable and impactful experience for their students.

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Important qualities of a good school teacher

• IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

What are some important qualities of a good school teacher? Use specific details and examples to explain why these qualities are important.

Sample Answer: It goes without saying that teachers are the emissary of light in the society. Some crucial qualities, like intelligence, leadership and discipline, and objectivity, are bestowed upon the teachers in a way they can solve students’ problem and motivate them in an unbiased way. In this essay, I will provide reasons and explanations as to why I believe these are the important traits of a teacher.

First of all, when it comes to the qualities of teacher, intelligence comes first. A good teacher is intelligent enough to differentiate the levels of students and provide particular solution to the particular student. All students do not belong to the same level. They come from different backgrounds and have different levels of intelligence. An intelligent teacher can explain in detail without unnecessary complexity what the different levels’ students need to know. Let me share my personal experience. In school days, our math teacher, who was smart enough to discern the levels of students, could elaborate on specific concept a particular student needed to be clarified.

Secondly, another utmost important aspect is the leadership and discipline a good teacher is endowed with. With this quality, the teacher can keep students focused, motivated, and well-behaved. For instance, some students lead different lifestyle; accordingly, their behavior could probably be aggressive, introvert or. Another student bullies a good student for his performance. A good teacher smartly handles this situation. He shows the good student how to remain in his goal despite his obstacles. Again, he also motivates a wicked student to make him well behaved.

Last but not at all least, a good teacher possess objectivity to avert his own bias to penetrate his instruction. That is to say that when he gives an advice, evaluates or whatever he does, he needs to avoid his predilection. For example, a teacher tends to be sympathize with a particular student. But when he evaluates exam paper, he should unbiasedly assess them. That means he must treat all students in the same way. Moreover, everybody has some characteristic limitations. So, the teachers need to be careful so that their own limitations do not permeate to their students.

From what has been discussed above it can be easily said that the qualities like wit, guidance, and punctuality, are really important trait. These qualities help teachers to solve students’ problem easily, to control and motivate them without any personal follies.