Summary

A good teacher is characterized by emotional qualities such as altruism, patience, professionalism, empathy, and passion, which can lead to transformative experiences for students.

Abstract

The article reflects on the emotional qualities that make a good teacher, emphasizing that teaching is not just about imparting knowledge but also about creating an environment where students feel comfortable and can thrive. The author recounts personal experiences, such as a lesson in the dark that led to students speaking English more fluently, and a Valentine's Day celebration that brought joy to single students. These anecdotes illustrate the importance of being altruistic, a good listener, patient, prepared, professional, empathetic, encouraging, and passionate. The author suggests that these qualities can not only enhance learning but also provide emotional support and hope to students facing personal challenges.

Opinions

Teaching effectively involves sharing knowledge selflessly and listening to students' needs.
Patience is crucial for allowing students the time they need to learn and understand.
Professionalism in teaching requires thorough preparation and dedication to the subject matter.
Empathy and encouragement from a teacher can help students dealing with personal issues, such as loneliness or family problems.
A teacher's passion for their job is essential for student improvement and enjoyment of lessons.
The impact of a good teacher can be seen in the emotional growth and happiness of their students, even beyond the classroom.

5 Emotional Qualities You Need To Look For In A Good Teacher

It’s Not About Teaching

Years ago, I was teaching an evening English course in a village library. It was a very old building with cold rooms, grey painted walls, and the teacher’s desk isolated from the other desks.

My students were grown up people living in the area, they were all beginners. During my previous lessons with them I had realized that they were very smart and prepared; they only needed to feel comfortable to start speaking a foreign language.

I liked meeting them: during our lessons we had a lot of fun, they enjoyed life and their company. At that time, I couldn’t imagine we would become friends.

During a lesson on a cold winter evening, the lights suddenly went off. There was nobody to call for assistance since the library reception was only covered during the day, and I was the one with the keys to open and close the main door. We could only use the light from the streetlights, and from our mobile phones. We all agreed that we should continue the lesson: after all, it was not the right time to walk or drive home.

Then a miracle took place: thanks to the dark, everybody felt more comfortable and less exposed to judgement, and they all started speaking a fluent English. It was like a higher-level language class. I was surprised and never interrupted their conversation.

Since then, their use of English has greatly improved; they even started travelling abroad. When we meet, we still talk about that special night, which was the beginning of their emotional freedom.

During that unique lesson in the dark, I felt I was a good teacher. It is not a common feeling, teachers have a lot of self-doubt, maybe a little less than writers.

There was another special moment with another group of students. On Valentine’s Day I decided to celebrate our evening together with cakes and drinks, since I knew most of my students were single and were happy to come to the lesson, rather than feeling bad at home alone. I think it worked, they were surprised, and we enjoyed our time together. That was another evening in which I felt I was a good teacher.

What makes a good teacher? What are the emotions that your favorite teacher made you feel?

Here are some personal qualities that I consider important to become a good teacher:

1.Altruistic and generous. A good listener.

I know that being in charge of the lesson can have people indulge in self-centered conversations, but it doesn’t work. A teacher shares her knowledge, her time and all the material and information she gathered in years, to help students. She needs to listen to them and avoid talking about her personal experience.

2.Patient.

She has to give the students their time to learn and understand.

3.Prepared and professional.

I met a few teachers who shared what they knew about the subject, but didn’t study it in advance, prepare the lesson, or the year plan. They were lazy and not really interested in their job, and their students felt it.

4.Empathetic ad encouraging.

I found out that a lot of my students came to evening classes to avoid difficult family situations, to feel less lonely, or to give value to their life. Some of them hoped to find a girlfriend, and it worked: after one year of weekly lessons, two students of mine got married. Our lessons gave them hope. It was not only about learning something; it was about being saved from despair and loneliness.

5.Passionate.

We all recognize passion in other people, including teachers. If a teacher doesn’t love her job, or learning and sharing, their students will not improve and enjoy the lessons.

I don’t’ know if I had all these qualities when I was a teacher, but I can feel my ex students are happy when we meet. And I think it is enough for me.