What Makes a Great Teacher?
Throughout my tertiary studies, practicum rounds and teaching experiences, I have spent a lot of time thinking about the craft and practice of teaching.
I have been very fortunate to meet many exemplary teachers and to consider what makes them successful and effective teachers. What I have discovered is that good teaching often has less to do with our knowledge and skills than with our attitude towards our students, our subject and our work.
Reflecting upon my teaching practices and beliefs, I believe I am a teacher is/has a:
Passion for teaching and learning
I have been very fortunate to meet many exemplary teachers and to consider what makes them successful and effective teachers. What I have discovered is that good teaching often has less to do with our knowledge and skills than with our attitude towards our students, our subject and our work.
Reflecting upon my teaching practices and beliefs, I believe I am a teacher is/has a:
Passion for teaching and learning
- energy, enthusiasm and excitement about knowledge and learning
- exudes a strong passion for my subject methods
- understands the importance of high quality education in a child's life
- sound knowledge base of literacy, numeracy and other curriculum areas
- solid awareness of how students acquire knowledge
- understanding of different methods and tools to teach
- high-level of confidence and interest in experimenting and in doing things differently
- enjoyment in working with children and adolescents
- ability to relate to and genuine make connections with my students
- willingness to learn 'how' to teach rather than 'what' to teach
- self-reflective with the confidence to ask for advice
- work with mentors/more experienced teachers and benefit from their wisdom and experience
- share current innovative practices acquired from my education course and teaching experiences
- sensitivity to others- both students and staff
- genuine understanding of the need to make positive connections with students, staff and parents
- excellent personal presentation in demeanour, speech and confidence.