It is not easy to be a good teacher. In fact, it is a tough call. But what is it that could make you a great teacher? Here goes:
In order to be a great teacher, you must begin by viewing each child as a child. Don’t be judgmental about your students from day one.
Look at your class as a group of individuals. Each and every student comes with a distinct personality. Help them to develop qualities that are unique to them. Don’t treat them like a bunch of classmates.
Don’t be harsh on them. You may be a tough task master but save that quality for the time being. There will be opportunities for managers to exercise this skill once the students grow up and take up employment. Just try to use love and humour to get things done. Not many students love their studies and most of them hate homework. So, be kind to them and find creative ways to get them to do that.
If you are a teacher, you must maintain your grace and dignity at all costs whether you are dealing with slow learners, unreasonable administration or inquisitive and overbearing parents.
You cannot expect elephants to climb up the trees or fishes to move on land. They are made different. You must recognise this and understand their special talents and help them to develop those talents to the fullest. You may need to be a little flexible and creative in dealing with individual students.
You must be clear about the limits beyond which you will not tolerate things. You must know when to take a stand. You must learn to choose your battles as per the demands of the situation or time and fight them tooth-and-nail in the interests of all concerned.
Your students spend one-third of the day with you. They spend the rest of the day with their parents. So, don’t let animosity creep into your relationship with their parents. On the contrary, treat them as your counterparts working towards the same goals as you—to make a better citizen out of your students.
Teaching is not a profession. It is a mission. Leave no doubt in the minds of others on that count. You are as much of a missionary as you are a teacher once you take to teaching as a job.
Love your job—no matter what! Not everyone is made for teaching. It is a rare privilege. Make the best of it. Your contribution can change this world for the better.
If you are a good teacher, your students are going to love you like anything. You can never command that kind of love and respect from anybody else.
