Many people choose to become teachers because they want to make a difference in the lives of children and young adults. These individuals value their jobs, but without the right skills, it can be difficult to succeed as a teacher. If you’re considering becoming a teacher, or you’re currently working as one and would like to improve your skills, here are seven skills that every good teacher must have . . .
1) Patience
It’s a little-known fact that, in many ways, teaching is one of the most difficult professions around. Not only do teachers have to run their own classes and teach students at different levels, but they are also often required to tutor students one-on-one. This can be mentally and physically taxing—thus it’s important for teachers to learn patience so that they can stay focused on what matters most: helping their students succeed.
2) Communication
Communication is a foundational element of teaching that cannot be neglected. It’s important to speak clearly, and it’s equally as important to listen well. Not only will these elements help you communicate with your students, but they will also help improve your communication with other faculty members, administrators, and parents. Moreover, it is crucial for teachers to think on their feet so that they can make last-minute adjustments if needed.
3) Confidence
A good teacher needs to be confident and believe in what they are teaching. When students can see that their teachers believe in what they are saying, it makes a big difference. If your children think you don’t know what you are talking about, then chances are, neither will they. Having confidence means also having patience because not all kids learn at a rapid pace; some need more time than others to absorb and understand something new. As a parent, if you want your child to do well in school, make sure he or she has a teacher who is able to instill confidence in them.
4) Motivation
It's hard to teach something you're not passionate about. Teaching is often most effective when there's an element of personal interest, where it comes from a place of shared passion. Personal enthusiasm is contagious, and will help your students take more interest in what you're teaching as well. The number-one best way to inspire others: sharing your own experiences with them. Connecting with your students on a human level is always going to be far more effective than simply presenting information from an academic standpoint.
5) Empathy
The ability to feel and understand other people’s feelings. You may be able to get your students excited about subjects such as math or history, but if you can’t relate to them, it won’t make a difference. You need to be able to put yourself in their place, particularly if they don’t share your excitement for a subject.
6) Calmness
It’s easy to get flustered and frustrated in a classroom filled with students, but a teacher can never let on that they’re feeling even a little bit exasperated. Students will only feed off of your discomfort. And if you show signs of being easily flustered, it doesn’t matter how well you can teach—your students will be thrown off and won’t listen. So stay calm, no matter what happens. Your students will appreciate it.
7) Flexibility
As a teacher, you need to be flexible and willing to meet your students where they’re at. In order to maximize your success with them, you need to identify what their interests are and teach in ways that match their learning styles.
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