Activity#2

A TEACHER plays a pivotal role in the process of education. Theoretically, no teacher will
ever become totally ideal. Becoming totally ideal would mean that the teacher has achieved
such a level of perfection that she or he no longer requires further effort toward
improvement and, consequently, growth would be checked.
An ideal teacher usually possesses these characteristics: he has unassailable command on his
subjects. He knows fully the contents of the subjects which he has to teach. Truly exceptional
teachers are scholars and are constantly reading and upgrading themselves in their subject. The
tone of expression of the ideal teacher is not gruff, irksome and morose but is pleasant.
An ideal teacher has a good sense of humour/smiles. But this fun is not of impolite nature. An
ideal teacher has the highest degree of integrity. An ideal teacher is susceptible to adaptation or
modification.
Being flexible means that if students are not interested in learning a new or even a new good
lesson due to some reasons, then he is not recalcitrant regarding straightway teaching of the
lesson. Rather he talks about problems that have arisen in the classroom and eventually gets back
to the lesson.
An ideal teacher is concise and clear in both oral and written expression in the classroom. An
ideal teacher is patient. Being patient is often expressed as being diligent or persevering.
Learners are genius, gifted, mentally retarded, dyslexic, emotionally disturbed and some patience
is required for employing carefully individual teaching - learning technique for individual
learner. Only in this way, bits of progress can be observed day to day.
An ideal teacher is self-confident. The ideal teacher is a model of self-confidence. It is a source
of great pleasure and they show it in their facial expression and in their positive attitude around
the school. People always seem to have time to talk to a colleague or to do something extra for
the school or the staff. One key to be upbear is having a good self-concept.
An ideal teacher is open. This trait is related with willingness of the teacher to share happiness
about his own life to illustrate a point or share how they feel about a given situation. An ideal
teacher is diversified with regard to his preparation. This means that the teacher not only focuses
on specific areas but has considerable command on the related subjects. This diversification trait
will enable him to elaborate and illustrate the subjects in more persuasive manner.
The ideal teacher is an excellent role model. Being a good role model to all the children, teacher
whatsoever teaches is one of the greatest contributions he can make to society.

An ideal teacher is capable of relating theory with practice. In textbooks, there are suggestions
for doing things individually or as a group to enhance interest and motivation in teaching.
Learners can display these activities, if their teacher is capable of interrelating the theory in
practice.
An ideal teacher has good personal hygiene and is well groomed. He is always neat, clean, and
wears type of clothing that is acceptable in the school building in which he teaches.
He helps students having difficulties. Furthermore, he or she is disciplined, cooperative, friendly
with his colleagues and obedient to the head of the institution.

Part 1: Top 10 Qualities of a Good Teacher

1

Passion for teaching

There are numerous ways through which this quality can manifest itself. It is easy to
know when a teacher is passionate about teaching. While some teachers may portray it
in the way they teach in class, some teachers manifest this quality in not so clear ways students have to be observant and quiet to be able to notice it.

Love for children

For most people, this is a quality that is very much overlooked yet it is an equally
important one of qualities of a good teacher. Most teachers love teaching and even love
the subjects they teach, but very few remember to even mention how much they love
their students.Most teachers use fear and intimidation to manage their classes, which is
the complete opposite of motivating the students. It is important to care about the
students to bring out the best in them.

Love their subjects

This is equally important. It is important for teachers to love the subjects they teach. It
can be amazing to sit and watch a physics or math teacher teaching the subject with so
much passion, especially if you do not get the concept. By loving the subject, they will

take the time to come up with the best ways to make the students understand and pass
their exams.

Understand the meaning of school

School is much more than simply the number of classes and subjects a
student takes. This is also the place they spend the better part of their life. It is
a place for growth, finding their identity, exploration and where they can find
their joy. Teaching and learning takes place beyond the four walls of a
classroom. It can happen in the playing field, coffee shop and even dining
area. The best teachers will equip their students with skills not only to pass
their exams, but also to make it easy for them when interacting with other
students.
5

Willingness to change
This is one of qualities of a good teacher that can be overlooked. Teachers should not
always be looking to change students through teaching. They should also be open to
change when interacting with students. It is possible for a teacher to change from
interactions with the students.

Organization skills
This is a quality most teachers struggle with. It entails proper time and work planning.
Organized teachers will have an organized way of teaching and this rubs off on the
students. It is, therefore, important for teachers to have a structure for organization. This
makes their work and that of the students much easier.

Willingness to always improve

Even with many years of teaching, teachers should always remember that there is room
for improvement. Some teachers have confessed that all their teaching career life has
been a constant lesson for them as they learn of better ways to serve their students
each day and better ways of teaching and interacting. A good teacher is open to
challenges and finds amicable ways of overcoming them.

Enough courage to face hard days

There are times when a teacher can go through a tough season, enough to make the
faint hearted want to quit. These days can leave a teachers ego bruised and
disappointed. The best teachers remember that these tough times do not last and that
there are better days ahead. A good teacher will get up and live to teach another day,
even after a rough patch.

A lot of humility
There are times when the teacher can forget that what they do is not about them but
about their students. Ego can make teaching the worst career since the teacher is likely
to turn teaching into a competition between the teacher and students. It is important to
remember that teaching is more of a group activity and it is possible to learn something
new from your students. A teacher does not always have to have the final say or all the
answers.

10

Ability to collaborate with students

This ability is also included in good qualities of a good teacher. It is important for any
teacher to understand that they are part of a larger school community which goes
beyond their classrooms. For this reason, a good teacher works towards making the
school a better place for everyone. As the teacher perfects in class, they should also
have positive impact in the school.

What are the most valuable qualities of a good teacher? Good teachers are made up of
a combination of hundreds of qualities that allow them to do their job effectively. There is
no denying that all teachers have their own unique blend of these qualities. It is this
uniqueness that ultimately makes a teacher special. Each teacher is different, but
virtually every good teacher has some combination of these twenty-five most essential
qualities.

A good teacher is accountable.

Accountable Holding yourself to the same expectations and standards as you hold
your students.
A teacher cannot have double standards. For example, if you do not allow your students
to chew gum in your class, then you should not chew gum either.

A good teacher is adaptable.

Adaptable Making changes to lessons or activities on the fly because of an
unforeseen situation or problem.
A teacher must be willing to change. If half the class does not understand a particular
concept, then you cannot move on and must quickly come up with a better way to teach
that concept.

A good teacher is caring.

Caring Going the extra mile to ensure that every student is successful no matter what.
A teacher must figure out the personalities and interest of each student and incorporate
components that connect with each individual.

A good teacher is compassionate.

Compassionate Recognizing that your students have problems outside of school, and
making the necessary adjustment to help them through those issues.
A teacher must take outside factors into consideration. For example, if a student has just
lost a loved one, the teacher should be sensitive to that and adjust accordingly.

A good teacher is cooperative.

Cooperative The ability to work effectively with administrators, other teachers, and
parents for the good of your students.
A teacher must be able to build cooperative relationships with others around them even
if they do not necessarily like them.

A good teacher is creative.

Creative Taking a concept and shaping a lesson that is unique, engaging, and
dynamic.
A teacher must be able to create lessons that grab their students attention and make
them want to keep coming back for more.

A good teacher is dedicated.

Dedicated Showing up every day and spending the necessary time to provide your
students with the best education.
Teachers often arrive early and stay late. They work parts of weekends and summer to
ensure that they are prepared.

A good teacher is determined.

Determined Finding any means necessary to reach all students no matter the
challenge.
Teachers must be willing to do anything to ensure that all students receive the education
they need.

A good teacher is empathetic.

Empathetic Being sensitive to a students struggles even though you may not
personally be able to relate to them.
A teacher must put themselves in the students shoes and see it from their perspective.
This approach is often transcending in how to help the child succeed.

A good teacher is engaging.

Engaging The ability to grab the attention of a classroom full of students and to
maintain their attention throughout the entirety of the class period.
A teacher must create lessons that are fun, fresh, and energetic. You want your student
to walk out of your class each day looking forward to the next.

A good teacher is evolving.

Evolving A continuous process of year over year improvement and growth.
A teacher must continuously look for ways to improve themselves as well as individual
lessons or components of lessons.

A good teacher is fearless.

Fearless Trying a new approach that may be outside the norm and may receive
criticism or scrutiny.
A teacher must be willing to try anything within the parameters of school policy to reach
their students. They must also be ready to defend their approach to criticism.

A good teacher is forgiving.

Forgiving Quickly putting incidents with student, parents, or other teachers behind you
so that it does not impact your teaching.
Teachers must be able to get past hurtful actions or accusations quickly. They must not
hold it against any student or let it impact how they teach in the classroom.

A good teacher is generous.

Generous Volunteering for extra assignments and/or giving money out of your own
pocket for classroom needs or individual student needs.
Teachers do not make enough money, but most teachers are willing to donate time
and/or money to help out in areas where a need is recognized.

A good teacher has grit.

Grit The determination to overcome any obstacle in the way of obtaining a long-term
goal.
A teacher must possess the grit necessary to make the personal sacrifices necessary to
ensure that every goal is reached every year.

A good teacher is inspirational.

Inspirational The ability of a teacher to get their students to buy into, believe in, and to
be motivated to become lifelong learners.
A teacher should make a lasting inspirational impact that follows a student throughout
their life.

A good teacher is joyful.

Joyful Coming to class each day in a good mood, excited, and enthusiastic about
doing your job.
If the teacher has a lousy attitude, the students are going to have lousy attitudes. If the
teacher is joyful, the students are going to be joyful.

A good teacher is kind.

Kind Saying and doing things that uplifts, motivates, and inspires.
Kindness should be innate for all teachers. A mean spirit will turn students off, but a kind
spirit is invaluable.

A good teacher is organized.

Organized The ability to keep things neat and orderly allowing teachers to access
materials quickly and to make efficient transitions.
Organization is a necessary quality for every teacher. Teaching encompasses so much
that those who are unorganized will be overwhelmed and swallowed up.

A good teacher is passionate.

Passionate Teaching with enthusiasm and exuberance on a daily basis because you
love the content and your students.
A passionate teacher connects with their curriculum and their students which maximize
learning.

A good teacher is patient.

Patient The ability to see the whole picture and to understand that the school year is a
marathon, not a sprint.
A teacher must never give up on a student. They should continuously try new
strategies understanding that eventually something will work.

A good teacher is resilient.

Resilient Not allowing adversity to stop you from accomplishing your goals.
A teacher must be resilient in overcoming the many obstacles that will present
themselves over the course of a year.

A good teacher is resourceful.

Resourceful Finding a way to make things happen even when things get in the way.
A teacher must be able to figure out how to get supplies and materials for their
classroom when the funding is not available and to reach a student who has no interest
in learning.

A good teacher is trustworthy.

Trustworthy The ability to get others around you to believe in you and what you are
doing.
A teacher must gain the trust of both their students and parents. Any distrust will
negatively impact the classroom.

A good teacher is vulnerable.

Vulnerable Allowing your students to gain insight into your life without revealing a lot.
Vulnerability allows students to relate to their teachers as they share common interests
such as sports, television, etc.
Activity#3
Personal Accountability:
Teach personal responsibility or accountability by setting up a clear framework for
students' work. They should know to complete learning tasks on time, hand in assigned
work and to use a calendar or agenda for school and home assignments and longerterm projects.
Routines:
In the classroom, routines include "class rules" such as: follow directions, raise your
hand before speaking, remain on task without wandering, work independently, and
cooperate by following the rules.
Interactions:
Skills to be addressed through a lesson plan include: listening to others in large and
small groups, knowing how to take turns, contributing appropriately, sharing, and being
polite and respectful during all group and classroom activities.
At Recess:
Life skills don't stop during lesson time. At recess, crucial skills can be taught, such
as: sharing equipment and sports items (balls, jump ropes etc.), understanding the
importance of teamwork,avoiding arguments, accepting sports rules, and participating
responsibly.
Respecting Property:
Students need to be able to care appropriately for both school and personal property.
This includes keeping desks tidy; returning materials to their proper storage locations;

putting away coats, shoes, hats etc. and keeping all personal items organized and
accessible.

While all students benefit from life skills curriculums, it is especially helpful for special
needs children. Those with severe learning disabilities, autistic tendencies,
or developmental disorders only benefit from day-to-day responsibility. They need
strategies in place to help them learn the essential life skills. This list will help you set up
tracking systems and work with student to enhance those necessary skills. Eventually,
self-tracking or monitoring can be achieved. You may want to devise a tracking sheet for
specific areas to keep the student focused and on target.
Teachers will find that they enjoy their jobs more, see more growth in their students, and
that everyone in general is more positive. The following tips will enhance the structure
and the overall atmosphere in the classroom.
Start on Day One
It is essential to realize that the first few days of the school year often dictate the tone for
the remainder of the school year. Once you lose a class, you rarely get them back.
Structure starts on day one. Rules and expectations should be laid out
immediately. Possible consequences should be discussed in depth. Provide students
with specific scenarios and walk them through your expectations as well as your plan for
dealing with issues.
Be extremely demanding and difficult the first month or so and then you can ease up
after students understand that you mean business. It is vital that you do not worry about
whether or not your students like you. It is more powerful that they respect you, than it is
for them to like you. The latter will evolve naturally as they see that you are looking out
for their best interests.
Set Expectations High
Come in with high expectations for your students. Convey your expectations to them.
Set goals that are realistic and reachable that will stretch them individually and as a
whole class. Explain the importance of the goals that you have set. Make sure there is
meaning behind them and make sure they understand what that meaning is. Have a
purpose for everything that you do and share that purpose with them. Have a set of

expectations for everything including preparation, academic success, and student

behavior inside and outside your classroom.
Hold Students Accountable
Hold every student accountable for their actions in all areas of life. Do not allow them to
be mediocre. Encourage them to be great and do not let them settle for less than that.
Deal with issues immediately. Do not allow students to get away with something
because it is small. These smaller issues will morph into serious issues if they are not
dealt with appropriately as quick as possible. Be fair and judicial, but tough. Always
listen thoroughly to your students and take what they have to say to heart and then take
the course of action that you believe will correct the issue.
Keep it Simple
Providing structure does not have to be difficult. You do not want to overwhelm your
students. Pick a handful of the most fundamental rules and expectations as well as the
most effective consequences. Spend a couple of minutes discussing or practicing them
each day.
Keep goal setting simple. Do not try to give them fifteen goals to meet at one time.
Provide them with a couple reachable goals at a time and then add new ones when
those are reached. Start the year off by providing goals that are easily attainable. This
will build confidence through success. As the year moves along, provide them with goals
that are increasingly more difficult to obtain.
Be Prepared to Adjust
Expectations should always be set high. However it is essential to understand that every
class and every student is different. Always set the bar high, but be prepared to adjust if
a student or group of students is not academically capable of meeting your
expectations. It is important that you are always realistic. It is okay to adjust your
expectations and goals to a more realistic level as long as you are still stretching each
student individually. You never want a student to be so frustrated that they just give up.
This will happen if you are not willing to temper your expectations to meet individual
learning needs. Likewise, there will be students who easily exceed your expectations.
You should reevaluate your approach in differentiating their instruction as well.
Do Not Be Hypocritical

Kids will identify a phony rather quickly. It is critical that you live by the same set of rules
and expectations that you expect your students to follow. If you do not allow your
students to have their cell phones in your classroom, then you should not either. You
should be the primary role model for your students when it comes to structure. A key
component with structure is preparation and organization. How can you expect your
students to be prepared for class each day if you are rarely prepared yourself? Is your
classroom clean and organized? Be real with your students and practice what you
preach. Hold yourself to a higher level of accountability and students will follow your
lead.
Build a Reputation
First year teachers in particular often struggle with providing an adequate level of
structure in their classroom. This becomes easier with experience. After a few years,
your reputation will either become a tremendous asset or a significant burden. Students
will always talk about what they can or cannot get away with in a particular teachers
class. Veteran teachers who are structured find it increasingly easier over the year to
continue to be structured simply because they have a reputation of such. Students come
into those teachers classrooms with an idea that they are going to have a no-nonsense
approach making the leg work by the teacher must easier.