7 Common Traits of Successful Teachers

A good teacher is the bedrock of a good education. As someone who is arguably the most involved in the development of an individual, a teacher’s role in one’s life is irreplaceable. Thus, constantly need to be checking themselves so as to be good role models for the students they guide. In addition to simply teaching coursework, it is important for teachers to build a connection with their students to unlock their full potential. So whether you’re stepping into the minefield or a veteran in the profession, here’s a few tools that you must always be packingPATIENCE

Patience is probably one of the most trying virtues to possess in the confines of a classroom. Trying to reason or relate to someone is a tricky job to begin with; throw in the prospect of executing it with multiple people from a different generation who are not too stoked to be occupying the seats they’re in. It’s officially an uphill battle now. While not all students are necessarily distracted or restless in a classroom space, there sure are a lot of them, each with their own idiosyncrasies and vices. While making sure each and every one of them is making progress proves to be a Herculean task to undertake, it is important for you to be patient. The way to go here is by giving each student enough time while expressing his/her self.INNOVATION

Innovation and out-of-the-box thinking is one of the most crucial traits that sets a great teacher apart from good teachers. Finding unorthodox creative ways of teaching concepts and engaging students is the best way to ensure that you’re on the right path as a teacher. A growing trend today amongst teachers and instructors is incorporating adequate use of technology in order to better appeal to students. Personalised teaching via technology has also been favoured by teachers and institutions worldwide to teach, assess and understand each student’s individual needs. In summation,, adopt any and all means and resources at your disposal and tailor them according to what suits you and class best. OPENNESS

Openness is the first step to understanding you student’s needs. The only way you can bridge that gap in the student-teacher dynamic is by being open and approachable. An individual’s true path to being real with someone is when they have established trust in that relationship. Similarly, a student can only voice his needs and grievances once he/she gets past the intimidation that comes along with your authority. You know what they say, a good start is a job half done. Being kind and approachable with your students is the way to get off on the right foot.UNDERSTANDING

Understanding students’ unique needs is the foundation on which good teaching is built. It is the basis on which a student can be nurtured to grow to his/her full potential. The best way to do this is by maintaining a constant rapport with students through conversation and feedback. In the current world, this is rather difficult owing to the copious amount of workload from attending to a workload of students. However, with a little effort and some out-of-the-box thinking on your part, this hurdle can be overcome. The key is to build a better relationship with your student by giving him/her personal attention whenever necessary.  COMMUNICATION

Communication is the next step to understanding. As a teacher, It’s important to use your rapport with your students to make them feel at ease when they’re discussing their needs with you. Subsequently, but just as importantly, communicating with their parents is also a task that needs to be given due attention. This is understandably an arduous task (and a thankless one at that) specially given the schedules of most working parents. However, it’s importance is irrefutable.  It would help both you and your students to set aside time to tend to their needs and cater to their grievances. So make the best of all those parent-teacher meetings and grievance sessions with your students. You might just stumble onto something really important. All you need to do is listen.TIME MANAGEMENT

The age old struggle of not having enough time to give your 100% in all that you do is one that teachers are only too familiar with. Dealing with students, parents, bosses and even other colleagues is a burden too heavy for an individual to carry alone. *Sigh* If only there were a way  that saved you a boatload of trouble to let you function more efficiently? With technology at your doorstep, all that’s left for you to do is to accept the package and make use of it to ease your way through teaching. Automation has enabled teachers to rid themselves of the hassles of their menial periphery tasks and focus solely on teaching. Now, all your struggles can be packed into an app in your phone and neatly tucked away for you to handle so that you can do the job that you wanted. HUMILITY

At the end of the day, it’s for you to realise that this is not about you. While you’re an important cog in the lives of several students, you are not the soul of the machine. You’re serving a greater purpose for the generations to come and shaping the minds that will be out in the world tomorrow. Your role is irreplaceable and your responsibility is massive, much bigger than you. Thank you for reading. If you like what you've read, come try ReportCard; an app to cater to all your teaching needs.