What makes a teacher a "good teacher"? What are the qualities of a good teacher? I've asked you some questions on my Instagram account @the_language_bee and this post is the result of our conversation, your thoughts, experience and needs.
Before starting, and since I am a teacher myself, I would like to share my two cents on the matter as I don't mean and won't use this article to either denigrate or diminish the hardworking teachers that every day, every hour, try their best and do their best to lead our way into this very confusing journey that life has become.
Rather, I invite you to read this post with an open mind: we're here to learn together and in sharing and debating there is as much learning as there is in an enclosed space we call a "classroom".
Indeed, my goal as a teacher (and always a student) myself is to create a conversation and spark some ideas, thoughts and that little energy that could help us reflect on our roles as teachers, students and human beings.
Teaching, as they say, is a lifestyle that can really change the lives of who is involved in such a process.
So with an open mind and a bunch of data gathered from our online conversations, I share this post with you: let's keep learning together.
As I have found myself studying to become a teacher's trainer, I've often reflected - or was asked to - on the qualities but also personality of a "good teacher".
Although it's hard, I'd need to leave out any comment and critics towards both teachers and the school system: this is not a place to judge, but one to share and reflect.
Self-reflection in a big component of a teacher's development and so it should be in the life of a busy student.
Disclaimer: I don't believe a single teacher can do everything without the participation of their students, a structure, some study strategies and clear goals. But that's a different story, one for another coffee and chat time. Whilst today, I'd like to focus on the teacher's profile, especially as it is perceived by you, the students.
So what makes a good teacher? Is it their degree and experience? Or is it their empathy, kindness, and understanding towards their students? In the case of an English language teacher, is it their passion for the language or their ability to create a safe environment for their students to learn and grow in?
The poll I've run on my Instagram page, shares complex yet beautiful results that - at traits - pleasantly surprise me.
Compliments aside, I'm so glad that people are looking at us - teachers - in a more comprehensive, profound and open-minded way.
Friendliness and empathy
Certainly, a good teacher must have the necessary skills and knowledge to teach their subject. But beyond that, 77% of you said that they must also possess qualities such as friendliness, empathy, communication skills and they must love their job.
Inclusivity and adaptability
They must be able to create a safe, inclusive space, adapt to different learning styles and resources (48%)
In an English class, for example, a good teacher must not only teach grammar and vocabulary but also provide opportunities for students to learn more about themselves, find a suitable study method and feel safe, listened to and heard.
Personally, I believe that creating an environment where my students feel safe and seen is key to boost confidence, motivate the learner(s) and pave the road to a better and more open communication.
I've taught all sorts of different students, worked in companies as well as universities and schools, if there is one thing people worry about is not being seen or even being left behind. Especially when learning a language they aren't always acquainted with or feel unsure about using: does she understand me? Will my peers make fun of me? What will that student think? Am I too young/old?
Creating a learning experience that makes you feel accepted and guided is an answer that has often come up during the survey and although a bit surprised I was super happy to read it, as this is exactly what I strive for in my classes. Learning English is learning to communicate, hence learning about yourself, others, the world and life.
And perhaps most importantly, a good teacher must create a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes and asking questions in order to understand themselves and the world.
Using different resources, being creative and a good communicator
In today's world, with the rise of online learning, being able to use different resources, being creative and a good communicator are also crucial qualities for a good teacher. They must be able to navigate technology and provide engaging and effective lessons through virtual platforms. They must also be able to provide students with the same level of support and attention as they would in a physical classroom through creative and varied tasks (58%).
I won't mention the pandemic again as I think too many articles have already been written about online courses and classes, but we're seeing an enormous change in terms of work-life balance as more and more people are choosing online learning/courses thanks to their flexibility, accessibility and personalisation.
I love both - online and in person - but online classes are great for on-the-go, busy teachers juggling family, school life, private classes and, more recently, new adventures such as blogging and writing for scientific purposes, like me.
On the other hand, however, an online teacher must remember that a student's attention span varies greatly when sat in front or a screen and that to keep them motivated and engaged it's better to use different tools rather than a video and chat only. For example, I like to practise all four skills through conversation, watching videos, playing games, reading stories or even drawing, singing, moving around the room and using actual, everyday objects. Alternating grammar activities to theory, writing to self-reflective tasks, speaking to listening while also giving feedback and the right amount of homework is what makes online more engaging and motivating, despite the physical distance.
Inspire the students
Ultimately, what makes a "good" teacher is their ability to produce results: they must be passionate about the language. And perhaps most importantly, they must be able to inspire their students to learn more.
And I couldn't agree more with this last sentence.
A teacher who loves their job wants to share their passion for learning because before becoming a teacher they have been students themselves. Right? Yes, except that only happens in an ideal world.
I'll tell you a secret: I wasn't the most studious or devoted student of the bunch, but I was curious and believed wholeheartedly that understanding how "the world works" was key as my own reality at that time was really complex, some days a bit dark, but generally strange. That is why I taught myself how to understand and solve problems or how to look at things in different ways: because I wanted to be equipped to face the world by myself and reach my goals.
Your reality might be way simpler and teaching English might not be your goal, I understand that, but that doesn't change the fact we all need to work hard to reach our goals and having a teacher able to help and inspire you will show you how to work hard(er) and look at the world as a more malleable and less scary place.
In the grand scheme of life, a teacher might nor have the same importance of a parent, but they can surely equip you with the strength, confidence and knowledge you'll need to approach different situations in life.
A good teacher will not only help their students achieve academic success but also foster personal growth and development. They will go above and beyond to ensure their students feel valued and supported in their learning journey.
In conclusion, as you have highlighted, being a good teacher requires a combination of skills, experience, and personal qualities such as empathy, kindness, and passion.
In an English language learning context, helping the students to reach their full potential is becoming more and more important. And what really struck me was the fact that, during our survey, nobody really mentioned the ability to translate sentences or being a grammar wizard, but the ability to connect with the class/student and help them reach their goals.
Being knowledgeable is surely important, but also something a teacher acquires through experience, courses, self-study as well as academic education, while being able to engage and support your students is something that nobody really teaches us while we train, yet, as it can be observed, it's key to guide the students through their learning journey.
Sarah Catherine
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