Characteristics of a Top Teacher
There are many characteristics, techniques, etc. that make for a successful teacher. These may be as varied as the teachers themselves. However, there are certain time-tested attributes, characteristics, and practices which contribute immensely to teacher success. The following list contains items that students have used to describe their best teachers.
1. Enthusiasm
Students can feel the excitement
Students easily detect the teacher’s love for job and subject
2. Preparation
Teacher knows the subject
Teacher plans and prepares lessons daily
3. Punctuality
Always arrives on time
Begins and ends class on time
Expects and encourages students to arrive on time
4. Support and concern for others
Lets students know that he/she cares about their success
Takes time with students
Allows for creativity
Is friendly and courteous
Is supportive and encouraging
Is smiling, caring, and loving
5. Consistency
Does not miss class
Is consistent in attitude and dealings with students
Is always well prepared to teach class
6. Politeness
Treats students with respect
Does not condescend
Avoids embarrassing students in class
7. Firmness and control
Is firm in a kind manner
Avoids tangents in teaching
8. Does not play favorites
9. Provides personal help
Takes time to explain concepts
Gives individual attention
10. Accepts individual differences
11. Employs an effective delivery
Clarifies for understanding
Creates a sense of fun with the learning task
Eliminates bad, irritating, and/or distracting habits
12. Does not make students lose face
Avoids criticizing students
13. Sets high expectations of students
14. Is humble
15. Is fair
16. Uses variety
Uses a variety of learning activities
Experiments
Allows for spontaneity
17. Has a sense of humor; is relaxed
18. Makes use of engaged time
- Sets a good pace and provides for a change of pace
- Avoids engaging students in “busy work”
19. Use of text
- Is not a slave to the text
- Uses text as a road map
20. Keeps within 1-2 days of the scheduled course outline
21. Provides field trips and other activities
- Applies student experiences to classwork
22. Does not always teach from a sitting or leaning position
23. Maintains appropriate interpersonal relationships with students
- Does not allow students to call him/her by first name
- Does not try to win a popularity contest
- Maintains a healthy teacher-student relationship
- Respects students (remember that sometimes what you think is healthy, fun joking with students may be interpreted by them as disapproval and dislike.)
24. Does not allow just a few students to monopolize or dominate the class
25: Keeps accurate records of:
- Work completed
- Attendance
- Test results
- Grades
