Throughout our schooling, we have likely encountered several teachers who, despite their profession, seemed mismatched for the role. Some might have resorted to strict penalties for minor mistakes, others may have been tediously boring or simply failed to heed their students' feedback. Nonetheless, we usually also recall those teachers who positively impacted our learning journey.
So, what makes these educators stand out? We believe that a combination of certain traits and skills contribute to a teacher being remembered for the right reasons. By incorporating these characteristics, you are likely to be remembered as an exceptional English teacher by your future students.
Table of Contents
Communication
Of all the qualities listed, communication arguably tops the list. A teacher may have a plethora of qualifications and vast experience, yet if they lack communication skills, delivering engaging and effective lessons becomes a challenge. Communication is especially vital when teaching in a foreign language environment. Non-verbal communication, including body language, hand gestures, and tone of voice, becomes pivotal when teaching English to non-native speakers. Therefore, completing a robust TEFL course before entering a classroom is crucial, as it imparts effective communication strategies for your students.
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Passion
While this might seem self-evident, not all teachers exhibit passion for their work. To be an inspiring English teacher, encouraging students to reach their potential, passion is non-negotiable. Teachers merely going through the motions deprive not only themselves of a fulfilling job but also withhold their students from achieving their full potential. A deeply caring attitude towards students' success is the foundation of memorable teaching. Without this intrinsic quality, your classroom experience might become unstimulating and unrewarding.
Patience
Every classroom worldwide has one common thread - students learn at varying paces. Some grasp new concepts rapidly, while others struggle and make repeated mistakes. The teacher's role is to ensure every student receives the necessary attention and support. A great teacher never loses patience with a student who struggles; instead, they find innovative ways to facilitate understanding.
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Organization
Early on in their career, most teachers realize the importance of organization. Lack of preparation or disregard for material organization can result in disordered lessons. Although the level of planning diminishes with experience, never underestimate the role of organization in creating a positive learning environment for your students.
Adaptability
Even the most organized teachers encounter situations where things don't proceed as planned, underscoring the need for adaptability. Lessons may either run short or overshoot the allocated time, technology may malfunction, or certain activities may fail. A remarkable teacher adapts to these unpredictable circumstances and innovates new strategies to fulfill the learning objectives.
Confidence
Newly qualified teachers often experience nervousness and anxiety about potential errors. It is entirely normal to worry about your lesson plans unraveling or being stumped by a challenging grammar question. Remember, few newly qualified English teachers are flawless from the get-go. It is vital to understand that skill development takes time and good teachers improve with each lesson. On your first day of teaching, stay confident in your capabilities and the skills you acquired during your TEFL training and everything should work out fine.
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