by Jennifer Watson

Created on: October 05, 2010   Last Updated: January 06, 2011

What makes a good teacher? That is a really complicated question. A good teacher loves what they do. They know it is one of the most important jobs in the world. It may not pay as much as it should but it can still be a very rewarding career. A good teacher must like children and like to be around them.

Unfortunately, too many educators get into teaching for the wrong reasons. They just want a paycheck or a respected job. This does not make a good teacher. It will usually make an unhappy, unsatisfied teacher that is completely ineffective as an educator.It also makes a for a lot of students that are not being given the best education and may even cause children to form a dislike or fear of school.

Being a good teacher is to really care about teaching children.Seeing a child's eyes light up with amazement the first time they learn something new or grasp an idea for the first time makes a good teacher's day. Going the extra mile for a child such as staying late to tutor or taking the trouble to find out what really interests a child is a sign of a good teacher. A good teacher will know more about the children they teach than just their name. They take the time to learn as much as they can about the child and their families, their likes and dislikes and just where the child needs helps or where they excel. They are really interested in the children and not just pretending. Kids can see right through phony teachers where sometimes parents cannot.

Good teachers can discipline without demeaning or criticizing. Belittling a child would never cross their mind. They instead, will encourage and build up a child's self worth. A teacher who loves teaching will go the extra mile to teach a child. They will make learning interesting and fun to encourage kids to stay in school and learn. They are also there if the child needs help that is not school related as much as possible.They learn to take into account what has happened at home before the child came to school.

A good teacher will care for and nurture the children but still remains the adult in any situation. A teacher cannot be the student's best friend. much like an effective parent must choose to be a parent first and foremost over being their child's friend. They must keep the child's confidence that they are in control and therefore can help them learn and be safe at school. This may all seem overwhelming but it is well worth it.

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