The most important quality a teacher needs to have is the ability to be creative in the ways they teach. A teacher or professor that just follows the curriculum and gives students worksheets every day won’t inspire kids to learn. The most boring classes I’ve had were the ones with the least creative and motivated teachers. Teachers are like faucets. Sometimes the water is too hot or cold and comes out too fast or slow … Teachers can be too harsh or soft, too energetic or lethargic, too talkative or shy. Everyone has their preference. I like teachers that are right in the middle. They’re easy-going enough to let some shenanigans happen but crack down when things get out of control. They love their job and enjoy having conversations with students but let them work when they need it. Most importantly, they think differently about how they spread their knowledge.
— Sam, CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI HIGH SCHOOL, MINNESOTA
I think that the qualities of an excellent teacher are compassion, devotion, and flexibility. Compassion because teachers should empathize with their students, try to understand their talents and weaknesses and help them with the things they need help with. Devotion because teachers should not treat their job like it is just a way to get money. An excellent teacher would truly enjoy teaching children, truly be devoted to helping their students learn. Flexibility because a good teacher should not be so focused on their lesson plan that they cannot pause a lesson to help their students understand a concept. A teacher should be able to help if a student cannot make an assignment because of problems they do not control.
— Clarity, Julia R. Masterman, Philadelphia PA
A good teacher must be patient. Because as a teacher, you have to deal with different types of students who have likes and dislikes. A good teacher needs to listen and communicate with students. But I believe empathy is the most important quality a teacher should have. Because it keeps students motivated, builds confidence, and encourages them to stand up for themselves.
— Zizrael, Atrisco Heritage Academy High School
Lessons From the Classroom That Will Last a Lifetime
In the Spring semester of my Junior year, I studied abroad in Rennes, France … A little naive to the challenges to come, I was met with road blocks I hadn’t considered. Within the first week of being in France, I experienced blatant instances of racism … Through the emotional turmoil of the first month, I started to look back on a pivotal school assembly I attended the semester before. At the annual Asian Student Alliance Assembly, my math teacher offered her experience as an Asian American teacher who struggled to choose between teaching her two beloved subjects: French and Math. As I remembered her own negative experiences in Europe and the stereotypes she felt forced to conform to as an Asian American teacher, I finally felt unalone. Although my math teacher was 3,000 miles away her words stuck with me, providing the support and allyship I needed in order to conquer the rest of my time abroad.
My eight grade teacher has given me more than a view of the world but a different view of myself. I’ve been so open with my 8th grade English teacher that she knows about everything. I’ve been struggling with my physical and mental health for a long period in my life. I’ve struggled with different types of relationships. A big struggle has been my view of myself, Ms. L has gone through what I’m going through. She knows how I feel and she might be the only one in my laugh I can relate to. She’s pushed me to go for my dreams. She’s pushed me to receive help. She’s always there for me. She’s taught me that no matter what I do, if I look at the world positively, it’ll be just that.
