What Makes a Great Teacher?

“What Makes a Great Teacher?” by: Sonia Nieto, Joseph Semadeni, Johanna Mustacchi, Pete Hall, Deirdra Grode, Terence Clark, Renee Moore, and Linda Nathan

Educational Leadership asked several top educators what makes a great teacher. These are their answers:

1. Great teachers know that humility is important so that they never quit learning, and so that they don’t limit the people from whom they glean knowledge. A first grader can teach us a lesson that is just as important as that which a college professor can teach us.

2. Great teachers must have passion for what they teach. Their excitement trickles down to the students. If we want for our students to be motivated and eager to learn our content, we must demonstrate passion for what we do. It will rub off on the students.

3. Great teachers have courage and the ability to use what students already know to help them apply the new things that they are learning. These teachers equip students to use the skills they teach the students not only when the students are in the classroom, but also when they are in “real life.”

4. Great teachers are always checking themselves and seeking ways to refine their practices. They practice self-reflection daily!

5. Great teachers seek constructive feedback in order to grow. They observe other successful teachers and model their effective practices.

6. Great teachers are prepared with intentional, essential questions. They don’t “wing” questions because they understand that the questions they ask develop the backbone of the lesson.

7. Great teachers don’t give up on students. They create an environment that emits trust, safety, and comfort. Great teachers use a variety of teaching methods so that all types of learners achieve success.

8. Great teachers are flexible in techniques and styles. One of the most important factors in being flexible is to have a sense of humor! Great teachers remain calm and do not engage in power struggles with the students.

Bibliography

Nieto, S., Semadeni, J., Mustacchi, J., Hall, P., Grode, D., Clark, T., et al. (2011, January). What Makes a Great Teacher? Educational Leadership , 68 (4), pp. 74-93.