What Makes a Great Teacher

By Ryan Crawley

A great teacher can change a student’s life forever. But ask a hundred different students the question of what makes a great teacher, and you will probably get about a hundred different answers. (Of course, one of the top answers will be about how some teachers do not hand out as much homework.) The same goes for asking the same question to adults. Everyone has an opinion on why there are certain teachers that stand out above the rest. The following are some of the main reasons that students love their teachers.

Kindness
There is the old saying that someone may not remember what you said over time, but they will always remember how you made them feel. This is definitely true for teachers. Senior citizens can still recall tales from their years in school, and much of it is based on how certain teachers treated them. A bit of kindness to students can go a long way. It may even inspire them to show that same kindness to others as they get older.

Encouragement
All teachers expect the best out of their students. The great teachers provide the encouragement needed for them to achieve their bests. Sometimes it is done through a friendly pep talk. Other times it is accomplished by a stern lecture about not settling for less. Expecting the best and encouraging the best are two different things.

Differentiate Teaching Styles
Educators that teach straight out of the textbook are a dime a dozen. Textbooks should be viewed as supplemental material, not as the be all and end all of learning in the classroom. Students learn in different ways. Some learn best by reading, some by video, some by lecture, some by group learning, some by discussion, and others through technology. It is up to the teacher to present these separate learning styles into one classroom. Teach to the student’s strengths, while improving their weaknesses at the same time.

Make Sacrifices
The most valuable thing we all have is time. It takes time at home to create interesting lesson plans. It takes time to get to know your students better through casual conversation. It takes time to answer all emails from parents every single day. But there are also other sacrifices great teachers make. We feed hungry students with our own money, and never expect to be paid back. We purchase classroom supplies for students, rich or poor, that just never seem to have the right supplies needed. We make an effort to develop a relationship with our students that many times is stronger than the one that they have with their parents.

Prepare Students for the Future
Teachers need to make sure their students are ready for the 21st century. This means that technology must be used frequently in the classroom. There is a time and place for paper mache, but wouldn’t students be better off making a PowerPoint presentation on our solar system rather than a globe pinata? A great teacher shares valuable skills that will improve the lives of their students. This includes teaching manners, since it appears there is sometimes a lack of appropriate manners being taught at home. A simple thank you can go a long ways in our society.

Interests Outside the Classroom
Students always remember the teachers that speak with them about their interests in life. If an educator expresses a willingness to discuss what is going on in each student’s life, the kids remember it. Teachers that attend their students’ sporting events are remembered for this. Educators that make an effort to support their students in and out of the classroom are rare, so when one steps forward and does this, they are making themselves stand out from the rest. The students will remember this forever.

A Sense of Humor
One major aspect of a successful teacher is the ability to retain a sense of humor even in the most trying times. As educators, we realize there are many stressful moments throughout each school day. Sometimes it is for the students, other times it is for the teachers, and once in awhile even for the parents. Realizing that all of this is not life or death, that we will survive these difficult times, enables the students to stay cool as well in difficult moments. Being able to joke and laugh with the students shows them that everyone is human. Joking with someone is an easy way to show them you care more about them than just what grades they are receiving in class.


Ryan Crawley is a writer/educator from Illinois. Born into a family of eleven, he spent most of his childhood watching old reruns of Three's Company and Happy Days. He has his Masters in Reading and Literacy, and is a certified Reading Specialist. He spends his free time writing, working out, and hanging with his two dogs Flair and Smoosh Face.