Qualities of a Good Teacher: The 14 Qualities That Top Our List (2023)

When you think about your own education, there is likely one teacher who stands out as an exceptional source of encouragement and inspiration. Maybe it was a college professor who inspired you to change careers—or maybe it was a kindergarten teacher whose simple acts of kindness transformed your childhood for the better. But no matter what grade you are in or what subject you are studying, your favorite teacher likely has many of the skills and traits featured in this list describing the qualities of a good teacher.

Read on as we examine 29 of the most important character traits and teaching skills educators will need in 2032 and beyond. We've also included an overview of the credentials, degrees, and qualifications required to become a teacher, both in California and out of state. Whether it's a skill you need to improve, a qualification you need to earn, or maybe even a character trait you want to develop, this guide offers dozens of ideas for areas to start in to improve yourself as an educator - and start improving your CV at the same time. Time.

What makes a good teacher?

Whether they're teaching advanced calculus or how to count to 10, effective teachers share certain universal qualities. For example, all good educators have the ability to actively listen—not just to their students, but to their peers, school administrators, and students' families.

We'll talk more about active listening below and why it's important, along with 14 other traits teachers should try to model. While some are less tangible than others—and potentially more difficult to cultivate—teachers are all equally rewarded for active development and practice. Read on as we break down more than a dozen key features for educators, including:

• Active listening
• adaptability
• Cooperation
• creativity
• Empathy
• Engagement
• focus on growth
• Continuous education
• patience
• Preparation
• Respect

The 14 most important qualities that make a good teacher

You don't have to have a specific personality type to be an inspirational and effective teacher. However, there are some useful qualities that you should develop or strengthen if you want to be a more engaged and successful educator.

1. Adaptability

Adaptability is a must for teachers who must continuously assess what is working for their students—and more importantly, what isn't working. Adaptability and flexibility allow you to move between different learning theories and teaching methods - something we'll discuss in a moment - without becoming immobilized by stress or indecisiveness.

2. Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand what another person is feeling or experiencing simply by putting yourself in another person's shoes. As a teacher, it's important to practice empathy rather than guesswork—for example, striving to understand and address the root cause of the problem that is causing a student to fall behind their peers, perform less well than before, or attack in the classroom .

3. Patience

Patience is important to owning and being a role model for your students – who, as we discussed in our post on learning theories, can look up to you as a role model and emulate your behavior. Having a reserve of patience will help you overcome each student's unique struggles and challenges that may be difficult or slow to overcome.

4. Engagement

Students are perceptive from a very young age and can easily tell when teachers are bored or apathetic about their own material. If you want to inspire engagement and enthusiasm in your classroom, it's essential to exemplify these qualities by showing your students an infectious passion for learning - and all the discovery and exciting hobbies that this can unleash for them!

5. Active listening

Active listening is essential to effectively diagnosing students' unique obstacles and challenges and helping them overcome them. Look for feedback, encourage honesty, provide ways for students to easily contact you, and be attentive when listening, always trying to read between the lines and assess body language as you communicate . Learn more about how and why you should do thisimprove your active listening.

6. Lifelong Learning

The best educators are not only interested in teaching, but also have a passion for lifelong learning, which is reflected in their enthusiasm and commitment as teachers. Continuous learning and professional development provide invaluable insights, keep professionals “in the loop,” and remind teachers of the real-world challenges their students may be facing—creating a path to greater empathy. Learn more aboutthe importance of lifelong learningand how different learning theories can help you teach—or understand—new information.

7. Free from prejudice

As an educator, you will be responsible for teaching an exceptionally wide range of students. To combat inequality and discrimination and ensure fairness, you must assess the needs of your students with an open mind—something that requires you to constantly examine your own judgments and assumptions about others.

8. Respectful attitude

Even in classrooms with adult students, there is still an inherent imbalance of power between students and teachers. It is imperative that educators are aware of this imbalance and ensure that students feel respected and heard for who they are and for what they contribute to the classroom.

9. Creativity

Creativity goes hand-in-hand with adaptability—another key trait we explore in this list. Whether you teach first graders or graduate students, you need to innovate, think outside the box and find new solutions to challenges that allow you to meet a wide range of student needs. Being creative as an educator will also help you spark your students' creativity—an essential skill they'll need for countless careers.

10. Collaborative

From parent-teacher conferences and department meetings to teaching tens or hundreds of students every day, education is by its very nature an area of ​​intense collaboration that involves constant interaction between students, faculty, administrators and family members. Whether your goal is to become an educator or to move into a leadership position in education, you need strong collaborative skills to ensure you are consistently good at collaborating with others.

11. Preparation

In addition to flexibility and adaptability, it is important to be prepared for a variety of classroom scenarios and challenges. You can increase your overall level of preparation as an educator by learning about your students' strengths and challenges and making sure you consider how each of your students might be impacted by your lesson plans.

12. Foster a growth mentality

In 2006, psychologist Carol Dweck introduced the concept of a "growth mindset" versus a "fixed mindset" in her book Mindset: The Psychology of Success. According to Dweck, people with a fixed mindset perceive assets like intelligence as destined early in life, which can make obstacles or challenges seem insurmountable or overwhelming. In contrast to a Fixed Mindset, individuals with a Growth Mindset believe that traits such as intelligence and creativity can be developed through practice.

13. Meet the students where they are

Your students come to you with different backgrounds, abilities, and challenges—and you need to be ready to meet them, no matter where they are in their learning journey. This means that students learning at different paces and using different styles and methods can be placed within the same classroom or group. This is another area where traits like adaptability, empathy, and patience come into play for educators.

14. Cross-curricular education

Across a variety of subjects and disciplines, it shows students how businesses work—and how problem-solving works—in the real world, and bases their learning on practical, real-life scenarios.

If you don't have all of these qualities yet, don't panic - just remember that there may be some areas where you could benefit from a little practice. Whether your goal is to hone weak skills, hone strong ones, or develop new skills, a degree or qualification program provides the perfect opportunity to gain the skills and experience you need to advance in your chosen career.

A good teacher starts with a solid education

Here are just a few of themteaching certificatesor degrees that undergraduate and graduate students can earn at the National University. Each option combines rigorous coursework and research with an academic seminar or field experience component in which the student has an opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of—and ability to apply—the subject material covered during the program.

Bachelor of Arts in Frühpädagogik (BAECE)

ÖBachelor's degree in early childhood educationat National University is an NCATE-accredited degree that can be completed online or on campus. The course covers topics such as early cognition; Early Language and Literacy; monitoring, evaluation and planning; children with special needs; developing an emerging curriculum; and nature, numbers and technology. For more program details, visit the BAECE program page or contact our admissions office to request more information.

Master of Education (MAE)

ÖMasters in Education, or MAE, is an NCATE-accredited program with the option to complete the course conveniently online. The MAE is intended for students who wish to gain field experience, undertake original research, and advance their bachelor's degree with rigorous, high-level study of the historical, philosophical, psychological, and social foundations of today's education industry. The program courses cover topics such as learning and development in early childhood education; basics of adult education; community development in higher education; media-rich instruction; identity, inclusion and equity; and applied critical thinking. To learn more about National University's MAE program online or on campus, contact our enrollment advisors today.

Inspired teaching and learning with a provisional teaching license

National University offers so muchsingle topiceQualification to teach several subjects, along with a variety ofteaching certificatesto help you achieve your goals. The eligibility you need depends on the classes or grades you want to teach and in which state, along with other factors. For example loudCalifornia Commission on Teacher Accreditation(CTC), you need a multi-subject teaching license to become an elementary school teacher, while anyone who “wants to teach a high school in California must earn a single-subject teaching license.” Finally, "CTC guidelines require individuals wishing to teach special education teachers in California to earn an education specialist teaching credential."

Keep your teaching skills up to date through professional development

According to the online educational resourceteaching certificate, "Although the ... California Commission onteacher accreditationPreviously it required 150 hours of professional development to renew a unique credential, now unique credentials can be renewed without having to verify professional or continuing education requirements.” However, this does not mean that educators should ignore opportunities for continuous learning. Although no longer a CTC requirement, continuing education has a number of benefits for teachers and school administrators, such as: B. increasing marketability, providing opportunities for professional networking, and creating a path to learn and practice new skills – while keeping old ones fresh. Date.

Before we take a closer look at these abilities, it's important to point out that theCTC RequirementsThe above requirements are specific to California and that continuing education or professional development requirements for educators may be different in your state. For example theState of Nevadarequires educators to complete “15 hours per calendar year of professional development or the equivalent of on-the-job training.” Be sure to contact the accrediting organization in your state, e.g. B. the California Commission on Teaching Accreditation to ensure you meet the criteria for maintaining and renewing your teaching license.

15 essential soft and hard skills teachers should develop

As an educator, you meet a new group of students every year - and every year there are new developments in the science and psychology of learning. In short, student needs are changing over time as the way social media and mobile devices have become essential learning tools for Gen Z students compared to previous generations. OThe student body is also becoming more diverse, not only in terms of race but also disability, along with international students andonline student.

The bottom line for educators? With a changing industry and student population, and the growing importance of educational technology, teachers need to develop—and maintain—a wide range of skills to keep up. So what are the essential skills of a teacher and what types of credentials and qualifications does an educator need to acquire? Here are 15 examples, including seven hard skills and eightSoft skills for teachersMeister.

• Ability to practice different teaching modes and methods
• administrative functions
• Communication
• Class management skills
• IT and technology skills
• Educational degrees and qualifications
• emotional intelligence
• leadership skills
• curriculum knowledge
• Problem Solving Skills
• Teaching certificates and certificates
• time management skills
• work ethic
• writing and grammar skills

8 important soft skills for teachers

Important interpersonal skills for teachers include time management skills, leadership qualities, strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, high emotional intelligence, and the knowledge and adaptability needed to employ a variety of instructional modes and methods.

1. Communication -Verbal, non-verbal and written communication is fundamental to any educator. Clear communication not only allows you to learn about your students, how they are learning and what their challenges or motivations are, but also allows you to engage in dialogue with parents and families, share information more productively with peers and administrators, and a Build better relationship inclusive environment for students from different backgrounds.

2. Time management– You expect your students to complete their assignments on time – so it is important that you demonstrate the same skills. Effective time management that canread tips here, helps you ensure tasks such as grading assignments, writing tests, and meeting with students are completed on time according to the syllabus and class schedule calendar.

3. Strong work ethic— A heavy workload is to be expected from the teachers. A strong work ethic is essential to help you meet the demands of the role.

4. Troubleshooting— From unexpected technical problems to bullying and conflicts between students, teachers are often faced with unplanned situations that need to be resolved in order for learning to continue. You need solid problem-solving skills to ensure you are prepared to deal with a wide range of learning obstacles.

5. Leadership— From the renowned scholar leading a master's course to the kindergarten teacher leading his class in a singing exercise, teachers are guides for their students. You need strong leadership skills to keep your students organized, engaged, and focused while demonstrating a respectful attitude towards teachers and colleagues.

6. Diversity of teaching methods— Teachers need to be able to use a variety of teaching methods to meet the equally diverse needs of students, from teacher-led (such as lectures and work examples) to student-led (such as collaborative and project-based learning). For example, it is important to be familiartraditional learning methods versus research-based learning. You can find out more about teaching methods and how to implement them in our learning theory guide.

7. Variety of teaching modes— Educators should be familiar with – and develop instructional strategies for – the various “learning modes” of VARK, an acronym that refers to “Visual, Aural, Read/write and Kinesthetic” learning modes. You can read more about itPIG Modal Herren.

8. Emotional Intelligence— Emotional intelligence is a broad term that describes a person's ability to understand, analyze, and manage their own emotional responses. Emotional intelligence is critical for teachers who need to maintain professionalism and demonstrate leadership skills even when under high pressure and stress.

7 important hard skills for teachers

Examples of important hard skills teachers need to develop and improve include computer and technology literacy, classroom management skills, administrative skills, writing and grammar skills, and thorough knowledge and understanding of the curriculum. Educators are also required to earn the appropriate additional certificates, credentials, diplomas and qualifications, which we will briefly discuss below.

1. Computer and technological skills— Computers and other technologies are playing an increasing role in education, a topic we cover in our articleeducational technology. Technological literacy is essential for teachers in any subject, especially if you plan to teach online or media-rich courses.

2. Classroom Management— Providing information is only part of your job as an educator. You are also responsible for managing your teaching and student behavior, especially for educators teaching younger children. Classroom management skills are essential to maintaining an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment that supports learning for all of your students.

3. Administrative Skills— Management skills include skills such as strategic thinking, strong organizational and time management, and the ability to lead effectively while communicating clearly. These types of skills are useful for school administrators and educators alike, with some (like time management) getting their own spot on this list!

4. Writing and grammar skills— Not only English or writing teachers need a good sense of grammar and spelling. You'll need strong writing skills for routine tasks like emailing parents and administrators, correcting student assignments, sharing blackboard demonstrations, and possibly even soliciting grants or other funds.

5. Certificates and Proofs of Entitlement— In addition to your degree, you will also need to earn certain certificates and credentials, depending on factors such as: B. where and what you want to teach. For example, to quote themCalifornia Commission on Teacher Accreditation(CTC), “Individuals wishing to teach at a high school in California must: aTeaching qualification for a single subject.” For more detailed information on this topic, we recommend that you browse our overviewCertificates for the training of teachers for multiple and single subjectsavailable at the State University.

6. Qualifications and Degrees— Most teaching positions require at least a bachelor's degree, while certain types of teaching positions or academic employers require a master's or even a doctorate. The National University offers a variety of accredited online and on-campus education programs to prepare you for a career in teaching or school administration, such as: B. to prepare you for the requirements for professional exams. Learn about the process of becoming a teacher or explore state requirements to become a teacher in California.

7. Curriculum Knowledge— A broad and deep knowledge of your curriculum is essential to enable you to have meaningful discussions and help your students connect broader ideas. For example, you must be fluent in any foreign language you wish to teach.

These are just a few of the many examples of good teaching qualities and skills you should possess - no matter what subject you teach or what grade level you are in. Learn more about what it takes to become an educator by applying to a National University degree or degree program today.

The way to a good teacher

Teaching begins with learning. Do both at the same time by earning your teaching degree or qualification from National University. Through Sanford College of Education, we offer a wide range of faculty degrees, associate degree programs, bachelor's programs, and master's programs—all with regional accreditation, student finance options, and the ability to study part-time or 100% online.

Follow your passion while influencing young (or not so young) minds. talk to ourAdmissions Advisoroneapply to a national universityand enroll in our BAECE, MAE or other teaching credentials and degree programs.