Resources >> Browse Articles >> Designing Curriculum & Instruction
7 Characteristics of Great Teachers
Effective teachers have lesson plans that give students a clear idea of what they will be learning.
By GreatSchools.net Staff
Study after study shows the single most important factor determining the quality of the education a child receives is the quality of his teacher.
Teaching is one of the most complicated jobs today.
It demands broad knowledge of subject matter, curriculum and standards; enthusiasm, a caring attitude and a love of learning; knowledge of discipline and classroom management techniques; and a desire to make a difference in the lives of young people. With all these qualities required, it’s no wonder that it’s hard to find great teachers.
Here are some characteristics of great teachers:
1. Great teachers set high expectations for all students.
They expect that all students can and will achieve in their classroom, and they don’t give up on underachievers.
2. Great teachers have clear, written-out objectives.
Effective teachers have lesson plans that give students a clear idea of what they will be learning, what the assignments are and what the grading policy is. Assignments have learning goals and give students ample opportunity to practice new skills. The teacher is consistent in grading and returns work in a timely manner.
3. Great teachers are prepared and organized.
They are in their classrooms early and ready to teach. They present lessons in a clear and structured way. Their classrooms are organized in such a way as to minimize distractions.
4. Great teachers engage students and get them to look at issues in a variety of ways.
Effective teachers use facts as a starting point, not an end point; they ask “why” questions, look at all sides and encourage students to predict what will happen next. They ask questions frequently to make sure students are following along. They try to engage the whole class, and they don’t allow a few students to dominate the class. They keep students motivated with varied, lively approaches.
5. Great teachers form strong relationships with their students and show that they care about them as people.
Great teachers are warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring. Teachers with these qualities are known to stay after school and make themselves available to students and parents who need them. They are involved in school-wide committees and activities, and they demonstrate a commitment to the school.
6. Great teachers are masters of their subject matter.
They exhibit expertise in the subjects they are teaching and spend time continuing to gain new knowledge in their field. They present material in an enthusiastic manner and instill a hunger in their students to learn more on their own.
7. Great teachers communicate frequently with parents.
They reach parents through conferences and frequent written reports home. They don’t hesitate to pick up the telephone to call a parent if they are concerned about a student.
joelheffner
2 days ago
126 comments
It's interesting if you substitute the word parent for teacher and child for student in the article. Much of the article would still make sense if you make those substitutions. :)
rosendo
2 days ago
2 comments
This is a great article, how i wish this will be circulated in all colleges & universities & even to lower level of education from nursery, primary & secondary level.
manithomas
6 days ago
2 comments
Great artikl!
MrsLily
6 days ago
2 comments
It's a great article. Reminding ourselves what we are expected to be. I think what should be added is that a great teacher can deal with burn out stress. Keeping up with point 1 to 7 is very overwhelming for every teacher. Don't you agree?
vilma
10 days ago
2 comments
To be a teacher is not just to have a profession but it is to have a vocation, just as a nun is for her catholic religion. A teacher should be devoted to her work. A teacher sould be lean but at the same time compasion, be strong but with affection. Believe it or not sometimes your students act in different ways because they are trying to reach out and you may have that help they need to step up.
ktenkely
10 days ago
158 comments
Great Article!
suchita
12 days ago
2 comments
i think you should be a teacher by choice and not by chance. he/she should have patience, empathy and impartiality.i dont believe in TEACHER'S PET thing. even if you have a soft corner for a perticular student, dont show it in the classroom.
Campbelltonhouse
14 days ago
2 comments
Alicia: A very good article. GB
kharenmay29
16 days ago
2 comments
making a difference in the life of every learner is not an easy task..however, it is the most rewarding feeling..i am grateful that i became a teacher because there is always a room for me to improve and become a better person..my students have taught me life's greatest lesson..NEVER SAY NEVER BECAUSE THERE IS ALWAYS AN ANSWER..they are truly right! there is always an answer to every situation we are in..so when my students are having a hard time learning, i'll simply remind myself that the answer will come soon as long as i will not say i'm giving up..that's being a great teacher!
bhuff419
16 days ago
12 comments
I may not be a teacher yet but I do kinda meet these requirements. I may actually hold people to way too high standards. I am also very critical of others so I'm not sure.
aroshe
16 days ago
4 comments
I am not sure I am a 'great teacher' but I love that 'high feeling' I get when I walk into a class - which means it's going to be a great class and the feeling of walking on air at the end of a 'great' class. It you love what you're doing, nothing else matters.
To me, Christa McAuliffe sums it all, " I touch the future. I teach."
SBonilla07
2 months ago
574 comments
I love the fact that "Great teachers set high expectations for all students." This is how I feel. Even though one of my children is not catching up, I never give up hope and have faith in all of them. And it's good to always spend a little bit of extra time with the kids if they need help or are struggling. Teachers love All!!!!
johnslat
3 months ago
1630 comments
Dear lynsy45,
"Many foreign nationals write me about finding employment as teachers in the United States. Unless you have a green card or visa permitting you to work in the United States, very few schools will go to the tremendous trouble of petitioning the Immigration and Naturalization Service to obtain working papers for you. That's a shame because we do have a shortage of qualified teachers. The reality is that the school feels you will only stay a few years and then move on. Most schools want their faculty to sign on, put down roots and stay forever!"
But that's for private schools - try these websites:
http://www.usaemployment.org/rmc_nov-28-03.htm
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/06/eveningnews/main1689748.shtml
http://www.vifprogram.com/about/newsarticle.pl?id=168
lynsy45
3 months ago
2 comments
Is it true that the US is in dire need of teacher? What about foreign teachers? I would like to apply.(lynsy45@yahoo.com)
EDU6
8 months ago
128 comments
A great teacher meets all the demands of various functions, such as, of an instructor, a demonstrator, a tutor, a facilitator, a guide. All put together is a Master. A Master prepares, cultures,and renders the students receptive to what is imparted. He/she moulds and models the students to gain mastery over the subject/discipline. Whatever be the subject a Master gives life-orientation to it. The Vedic tradition calls such a Master the Guru(not the corporate one).