What makes a good teacher? You may think the question is simple: a good teacher obviously needs to be kind, and teaches the subject well. But being a good teacher has more depth to it.
While being kind and teaching well is good, that alone does not what make a good teacher. Being knowledgeable, supportive, and patient are also key to being a good teacher, because honestly who wants a teacher that gives you no support and little to nothing information.
Having a teacher who you know cares about you and your well being, and wants you to succeed in life is a good feeling. To know more about what students feel is a good teacher to them I have asked students around Eisenhower high school what they think of the question and this is what they had to say.
One student said “being able to convey what they are teaching well. having both a stern voice they can use but being able to make their class inviting.” Having a teacher that makes a class feels inviting but can still maintain the class makes a student feel comfortable and more open to learning.
When I asked another student the same question they replied with “Open minded teachers will be able to understand your situation and not tolerate bullcrap. Teachers that connect with their students make a better learning environment and their class one to look forward to. Patient & helpful teachers make sure their students fully understand the material before letting them move on.” As you can see although their answers are explained differently they have the same concepts.
So although you might think it’s an easy question to answer, being a good teacher is not easy. You must put the effort in as well. With no effort put in, are you really trying to make your students feel safe and comfortable?
