How do I Find a Good Teacher?

What exactly are the qualities that make a good teacher? What are the skills, talents, and characteristics, and can they be taught or learned?

I have spent a lot of time thinking about—and done a lot of research into—the question of what characteristics make a teacher effective and how I can succeed in the classroom.

Although every great teacher has their own special, unique style, I have found that there are specific universal qualities that are necessary for anyone who wants to teach effectively, whether they want to teach in an elementary school or a university.

  • expert communication skills
  • superior listening skills
  • deep knowledge and passion for their subject matter
  • the ability to build caring relationships with students
  • friendliness and approachability
  • excellent preparation and organization skills
  • strong work ethic
  • community-building skills
  • high expectations for all

Although great teachers may also possess a number of other wonderful qualities like a sense of humor, personality, flexibility, kindness, leadership, classroom management, a calm demeanor, experience, and the ability to multitask, but these are the qualities the best teachers universally possess.

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