Anthony Smith of Berkeley spent his early career teaching elementary students in the San Francisco Unified School District. Teaching is one of the most complicated jobs out there. It demands a broad knowledge of subject matter, curriculum, and standards. It also takes an enthusiastic, caring attitude and a love of learning. Teachers are required to understand different classroom management and discipline techniques and must possess the desire to make a difference in the lives of their students. With all of these qualities being a requirement for teaching, it can be hard to find great teachers. Here are some characteristics that all great teachers possess.
- Great teachers expect that all their students will achieve their set of high expectations and they refuse to give up on underachievers.
- They have clear, written-out objectives that give their students a clear understanding of what they will be learning, what assignments they’ll have to complete and how they will be graded throughout the year.
- Great teachers are always prepared and organized. They present lessons in clear and structured ways and their classrooms are well organized to help minimize distractions.
- They engage students and get them to look at a variety of issues in a multitude of ways. The start with facts and ask questions. They look at all sides and encourage students to predict what will happen next.
- They form strong relationships with their students. They are warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring and show their students that they care about them as people.
