by Kathy Stemke

Created on: March 26, 2010   Last Updated: January 04, 2012

There are several personality traits and qualities that make some educators stand out as excellent teachers.  Because a classroom is filled with many different types of students with different problems and needs, a successful teacher must constantly adjust and use the right tools for each individual.  I’ve highlighted ten traits that can make anyone a great teacher.

 1.  A Positive Outlook

Look for the best in each student and every situation. Treat your students with respect.  Encourage others to be positive as well. Never allow bullying in your classroom. The atmosphere in the classroom should be uplifting, positive and fun.
 
2.  Confidence

You must know your subject well, have a good lesson plan, and execute it without fear.  However, you will experience problem students, or lessons that don’t quite work in the classroom.  Develop a thick skin and be able to laugh at yourself when you make a mistake.  Have some emergency fun activities that will rescue you when needed.

3.  A Sense of Humor

Humor is a great way to break the ice and get kids talking. It also helps kids stay attentive in class. A good teacher knows how to take the tension out of tight situations, uses humor spontaneously in a tasteful manner, and builds togetherness in the classroom. One of my favorite high school teachers would talk to the blackboard when we weren’t paying attention.  Immediately we were all ears!  In fact, I’ve used this technique myself in the classroom.  It works!

4.  Patience

Sometimes students just don’t get a concept. A good teacher must continue to think of new ways to teach the concept until they do understand.  When you have behavior problems in the classroom you need to have patience as well.   Sometimes you have to come up with many creative ideas to change negative behaviors. Catch your misbehaving student doing something right and praise him with enthusiasm. Make him want positive attention more than negative attention.

5.  Communication Skills

If you are passionate about your subject, the children will be, too. Enthusiasm rubs off. To connect with students you not only need to be passionate about what you’re teaching, but you need to be interesting too.  Be dramatic! Use interesting tones, or fun accents. For instance, dress in the time period your teaching or wear math symbols on a baseball cap. Make sure the students

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