You are on the verge of finding a school for your child here in Calgary and you suddenly thought of which qualities must the teacher have. My experience as an educator for over two decades has given me valuable insight into the characteristics of a good teacher and the skills needed to be a teacher. The role of an elementary teacher extends beyond the confines of the classroom, making significant impacts on the lives of numerous children and their families.
An elementary school teacher is not merely an instructor. They are a mentor, a counselor, and a role model for their students. They are the custodians of young minds, tasked with the responsibility of nurturing curiosity, fostering creativity, instilling values, and promoting lifelong learning.
The Qualities
Teachers must be able to handle the students well if they want to have successful class management. They must possess the following qualities:
Patient
They say that patience is a virtue and this is essential to have for teachers. Yes, people have different levels of tolerance and there are different students’ attitudes. In my years of teaching, one thing has become abundantly clear: patience and flexibility are not just desirable traits in a teacher, they are essential. Teaching young learners is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Each child is unique, with their own set of strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles.
A patient teacher understands that learning is a journey, not a race. They give their students the time and space they need to absorb new concepts, make mistakes, and learn from them. They do not rush the learning process, but rather, respect the pace at which each child learns.
Flexibility, on the other hand, is about adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of the classroom. It involves tailoring teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of the students, being open to new ideas and approaches, and being willing to step out of the comfort zone to enhance learning outcomes.
Creative
In teaching students, teachers must not run out of ways how to make the class interesting. This will make the students’ interest keep going while you are discussing your lessons. Always remember that great creativity makes any discussion interesting, the same goes with schools’ discussion.
Teachers must think of ways how to avoid their students from experiencing boredom. Having said so, the activities must be unique and fun without compromising the learning of the students.
Collaborative
Teachers work in a group inside and outside the classroom. Inside the classroom, it is the students who teachers work with while it is their co-teachers inside the faculty room. So it is safe to say that teachers work in groups rather than solely alone.
Empathy
Students undergo emotional changes and they vary depending on a lot of factors. Having said so, teachers must understand the situation of every student. Every failing mark and absenteeism has its own story.
A teacher must not immediately put a failing mark instead try to understand the situation. This only entails that putting a failing mark is the last resort when nothing else works.
Knowledge
an effective teacher possesses a deep knowledge of their subject matter and a passion for teaching. They have the ability to make complex concepts simple and interesting for young learners. They continually update their knowledge to stay relevant and effective.
Practical Tips to Develop Good Teaching Characteristics
Developing the characteristics of a good teacher is a journey, not a destination. It requires continuous effort, reflection, and improvement. Here are some practical tips to help you on this journey:
- Stay updated with your subject matter and teaching methodologies. Attend workshops, take online courses, and read professional journals.
- Cultivate patience and empathy. Understand that each child is unique and respect their pace of learning.
- Work on your communication skills. Practice active listening, clear articulation, and non-verbal communication.
- Be creative in your teaching methods. Use a variety of tools and resources to make learning fun and engaging.
- Be open to feedback and learn from it. Value your students’ feedback and use it to improve your teaching methods.
- Cultivate a love for learning. Be curious, ask questions, and seek to learn and grow continually.
Conclusion
Teachers are the core of every school. They perform a very important task in ensuring that learning takes place. The responsibility of the teacher is crucial for the child’s future. So it is important for parents to know if the teacher has these qualities.
The good thing about education in Calgary is that it continues to improve throughout the years. The continued pursuit of better education is what the government and the education sector are aiming which is a good thing.