There are more, but the top 5 habits of amazing teachers are explained in this blog post.
Being a teacher is a huge responsibility. When you step into a classroom and have success, you don’t’ always get the credit you deserve. It’s a tough job but the best teachers don’t see it that way, they love what they do.
Primary school students sometimes see their teachers more than their parents and the job requires much more than just teaching, we are assisting in raising them. Secondary teachers are having adult conversations with their students and helping them to understand what life will be like once they leave school. It’s difficult as we live in such a fast passed world, some of the jobs of the future haven’t even been created yet.
Below is a list of 5 things amazing teachers do.
1. They get to know their students;
Not just their names, but what they are like as little people, or young adults. Great teachers don’t just say “Hello” at the beginning of the day they engage with their students, find out how they are, how they are feeling and make judgement calls on what’s best for them. They talk to them like adults, sometimes they need to throw the lesson plan out the window and have a one-on-one discussion or a class discussion before they can start the lesson. They prepare their students for the day ahead or the 1 hour lesson. Great teachers know there is more to teaching than reading from a textbook or setting work for the student to complete.
2. They allow children to ask questions and investigate;
They don’t pretend to know everything. They ask leading questions to create discussion as they know students can also learn from each other. They ask for feedback and make the lesson relatable for their students.
3. They practice what they preach;
As a teacher if you expect your students to be in class on time, treat other with respect, obey the class rules then they always set an example that students can follow. Children are observant, they follow the adults around them and expect clear, concise, relevant and achievable expectations. Students also talk to each other about the teachers they like and dislike, amazing teachers will always have the respect of their students.
4. They trust their students;
They tell them that their opinions matter and guide them in healthy discussion. They make sure that every student’s opinion is heard in the classroom, and they have equal time. They help share their ideas with the classroom, other students in their school and with the wider community.
5. But most importantly they inspire their students;
They get them to question everything. They teach them how to find information, take in that information and make informed decisions.
This list isn’t exhaustive, it just scratches the surface of what teachers do every day. If you have examples of other habits amazing teachers have, please add them to the comments box below and we will add them to a follow up article.
