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Good teachers were a thing of the past by the 60's. Oh, really? It's a common misconception, especially in the minds of people my age. By "my age," I mean the baby-boom generation. We have our memories of our wise and beloved teachers who put their whole lives into the education of a relatively compliant generation or two of students.

Characteristics of those good teachers were many. They were dedicated, interested in the well-being of their students, knowledgeable, and strict. They were respected for their years of experience, and they rarely missed any time on the job. Some of the old-time teachers never had to have people cover their job because they simply didn't miss any time. I can only remember a few times when we had substitutes, and on those occasions, the subs were there for extended periods of time because the teacher's illness was serious.

The characteristics of today's teachers are basically the same if they are devoted to the field of education and their students. The main objective is to impart knowledge. Today's teachers find themselves in a position of also acting as social workers in many classrooms across the country, where there is social and economic disparity among students. So they are not just teaching the subject material, but they are watching out for bullying, symptoms of substance abuse, signs of physical or sexual abuse, and many other situations that impact learning. They must also be aware of economic hardship and how it affects underprivileged students in their classroom.

Today's teachers must also draw clear boundaries between themselves and students. It is especially important so that nothing is misinterpreted either in terms of inappropriate friendships with students or disciplinary actions that are off-limits in today's learning environment. Maintaining control of the classroom is certainly a challenge for teachers, as some students learn how to manipulate the teacher and their peers to get attention and cause disruption in the classroom.

Personal lifestyle is also a determining factor in whether the teacher sets a good example for his or her students. Teachers must lead exemplary lives. If they do not and word of any failure on this front will soon get out, and the teacher's credibility and reputation are ruined. Rural, small town, or large urban school district teachers must pay particular attention to how they are perceived by the school and the community at large.

Good teachers still teach for the sake of teaching and not for the sake of earning a paycheck. Teachers with a love for educating minds will do everything possible to keep themselves updated on new methods and techniques, and will stay current on technological advancements. Keeping up with the latest ways to teach and inspire people of any age will certainly set an educator apart as an example of what it means to be a good teacher.

Learn more about this author, G. Allendorfer Anderson, PhD.
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