It takes a lot to win over a classroom full of teens, or pre-teens. You have to find the fine line between assertiveness and patience and trust me, kids will test your patience. Luckily, the best teachers are well equipped with plenty of problem-solving skills, traits, and passion to secure their careers.

Is Your Classroom a Safe Place

The most important thing you can do is make your classroom feel safe. Don’t underestimate the appreciation your students will feel when they know you and your classroom are a haven. Some students can’t wait to go to school. Students need to have a place to go when they aren’t ok, so why not make it to your class? (Ray, 2017). Below are the six areas that have a lasting effect on your students.

 Are you passionate about teaching?

The most incredible teachers we’ve ever met are intentionally mindful and the most passionate. They’re not only passionate about their students, about helping them learn and grow but they’re passionate about their own SMART goals. Furthering their education, going to conferences, and being active members of the faculty. The most passionate teachers strive to better themselves not only for themselves but also for their student’s sake (Randstad, 2022).

 Do you have Patience?

Patience is a virtue. Some teachers seem to have more patience than the rest of us. Learning can be a challenge therefore creating scaffolds, and finding various ways to support students is key. Modeling that behavior allows for students to have patience for one another in order to digest the material. This is why we love teachers and every day should be teachers’ appreciation day.

Do you have Admiration & Respect for your students?

Being a role model for your students takes vulnerability and transparency. Sharing your successes and failures is not always easy but it builds trust and when students can trust that you are human they value that visibility and many times share their stories with you. Also, it allows you the freedom of knowing when to dish out some tough love. If you see an area of concern or event when students have mentally checked out of your class, it’s important to address it with them, and let them know you’re there to cheer them on (Ray, 2017). When teachers believe in their students we know that “Magic Happens!”

Are you Coaching students to motivate them?

The best teacher-leaders not only inspire, but they coach their followers. Students are always inspired, they look up to their teachers and many times you will see them model your lead. It takes a special person to identify studnets who maybe struggle to connect with you and their peers to foster that relationship and connectedness. What they get from you is so much deeper. Its personal life experience mixed with professional coaching. You get to lead them forward in the right direction and they admire you even more for it.

Have you personalized classroom instruction?

We know every student is unique, and highlight their skills and cherish them for it. Students are mini-humans looking to explore the world to find their place in it. Every student has a valuable experience that should be highlighted and treasured. Teachers must find ways to celebrate each student’s intersectionality and experience. It’s an effort made in which everyone benefits in the relationship. Every year, I get to watch my students grow to become successful citizens, they check in on me from time to time yet, I am so humbled to have a small influence in their lives even if it was for only one year.

References

 Editorial Team. (2021, August 5). 8 qualities of a good teacher (and tips for how develop them). Indeed Career Guide. Retrieved April 28, 2022, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/qualities-of-a-good-teacher  

Ray, B. (2017, May 9). 6 traits of life-changing teachers. Edutopia. Retrieved April 28, 2022, from https://www.edutopia.org/article/6-traits-life-changing-teachers-betty-ray 

Top 5 qualities and characteristics of a good teacher. Randstad. (2022, February 1). Retrieved April 28, 2022, from https://www.randstad.co.uk/career-advice/job-profiles/top-5-qualities-characteristics-a-good-teacher/