How to Be a Great Teacher

How Should I Know?

My wife is a teacher, and I have seen her evolve from a shy lecturer into a bold educator. Her child-focused classroom management style has increased her effectiveness and satisfaction with her job. I have talked with her often about her natural ability to nurture, and she also combines that with the attitude described in my other career article to become a shining example to students, parents, and her fellow teachers.

There are at least three things that she does very well that have contributed to her success as a teacher. They are the 3 C's of good teaching. The 3 C's of good teaching cannot be bypassed if success is the goal of the educator.

Communication

Communication is the backbone of a teacher's job. Not only does the teacher have to be ready to communicate lessons for several hours a day every day of the week, but she also has to be ready for those after-hours meetings with parents, faculty, and administrators. A successful teacher will be sure to keep in constant contact with parents to keep them apprised of any classroom issues. I'd say that a weekly email is good for most parents, but any midweek issues should be addressed as soon as possible to minimize potential problems. My wife emails her parents at least once a week with important weekly info. Many parents have told her that the constant contact is one of their favorite things about her as a teacher. Mastering the art of communication will go a long way toward making a teacher more successful.

Caring

Everyone has bad days at work, but young children don't really understand that concept. Therefore, teachers must always do their best to make sure that their students feel like someone is caring for them. A student that feels safe and secure in the teacher's presence is more relaxed and can perform better academically and socially. This point intertwines with the first in that the perpetual communication demonstrates to the parents that the teacher is putting forth the effort not only in the classroom, but outside normal working hours as well. My wife is quick to address any problems, comments, questions, or concerns. Having a caring attitude is a must in order to be successful.

Commitment

While it sometimes is bothersome to me, my spouse is pretty much permanently on-call. Although she might not be getting phone calls, there is certainly no shortage of parent emails. She is always willing to take the time to respond to a parent's email, whether it is 5am or 10pm. This puts the parents of the students at ease, because they know that she is always committed to being there for the students. If a prospective teacher does not think that he or she can spend the necessary time on the job, then another career path should be considered. Commitment to the students' needs is a crucial part of being successful as a teacher.

The Bottom Line

If a current or prospective teacher can utilize these three concepts, then that person has a much better chance of performing his or her job well. Communication, caring, and commitment are essential for any educator, and great ones I know personify these characteristics daily. It isn't hard to learn how to be a successful teacher, but it is hard to be a successful teacher. Just ask my wife.