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To some, teaching is the only rewarding profession to be part of, whilst to others it can be their worst nightmare. As with all professions, teaching is not suited to everyone. However, even within the profession itself there are those who fail and others who excel. Those who excel in this role do so because they possess a range of unique characteristic, either inherent or learnt well. The following are just seven of the most important characteristics and skills that go towards the making of a good teacher.

1. LEADERSHIP

Either from a natural ability or through a process of learning, good teachers will have leadership qualities and skills. They will use this attribute to encourage students to follow the path of learning that has been set for them, and to generate a real interest in the subject. Therefore, instead of viewing the topic as simply a part of the daily timetable, students will look forwards to the experience.

Good use of leadership skills can build a leaning culture, with which every student in the class will desire to be a part of and want to become involved. As many leaders within the commercial world are called visionaries, so the teacher with good leadership skills will make their subject come alive in the minds of the student, making it a real experience rather than a journey through hard copy of text books and journals.

2. ORGANISATION

Organisational skills are extremely important to good teaching. This has to be obvious in the way that the teacher has prepared for the lesson they are giving and, in addition, the structure of the lesson, providing a natural flow for developing the subject being taught. Similarly, if equipment needs to be used or special arrangements made during the lesson, a good organisor will have prepared this in advance.

Students will react to the level of organisational capability displayed by the teacher. For example, they are less likely to take a topic seriously if the teacher has to spend part of his or her time lesson trying to work out what they want to do or say next. Displaying this level of disorganisation will lead to students becoming distracted and not taking the learning process seriously, thus limiting the knowledge they receive.

3.COMMUNICATION

Underst anding the art of good communications is essential for anyone in a position of delivering knowledge to others. This skill involves speaking, listening and watching. With regard to speaking, the teacher has to be able to deliver the subject in a voice manner that will

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