Characteristics of a Top Teacher

There are many characteristics, techniques, etc. that make for a successful teacher. These may be as varied as the teachers themselves. However, there are certain time-tested attributes, characteristics, and practices which contribute immensely to teacher success. The following list contains items that students have used to describe their best teachers.

1. Enthusiasm

• Students can feel the excitement
• Students easily detect the teacher’s love for job and subject

2. Preparation

• Teacher knows the subject
• Teacher plans and prepares lessons daily

3. Punctuality

• Always arrives on time
• Begins and ends class on time
• Expects and encourages students to arrive on time

4. Support and concern for others

• Lets students know that he/she cares about their success
• Takes time with students
• Allows for creativity
• Is friendly and courteous
• Is supportive and encouraging
• Is smiling, caring, and loving

5. Consistency

• Does not miss class
• Is consistent in attitude and dealings with students
• Is always well prepared to teach class

6. Politeness

Treats students with respect
Does not condescend
Avoids embarrassing students in class

7. Firmness and control

• Is firm in a kind manner
• Avoids tangents in teaching

8. Does not play favorites
9. Provides personal help

• Takes time to explain concepts
• Gives individual attention

10. Accepts individual differences
11. Employs an effective delivery

• Clarifies for understanding
• Creates a sense of fun with the learning task
• Eliminates bad, irritating, and/or distracting habits

12. Does not make students lose face

• Avoids criticizing students

13. Sets high expectations of students
14. Is humble
15. If fair
16. Uses variety

• Uses a variety of learning activities
• Experiments
• Allows for spontaneity

17. Has a sense of humor; is relaxed
18. Makes use of engaged time

• Sets a good pace and provides for a change of pace
• Avoids engaging students in “busy work”

19. Use of text

• Is not a slave to the text
• Uses text as a road map

20. Keeps within 1-2 days of the scheduled course outline
21. Provides field trips and other activities

• Applies student experiences to classwork

22. Does not always teach from a sitting or leaning position
23. Maintains appropriate interpersonal relationships with students

• Does not allow students to call him/her by first name
• Does not try to win a popularity contest
• Maintains a healthy teacher-student relationship
• Respects students (remember that sometimes what you think is healthy, fun joking with students may be interpreted by them as disapproval and dislike.)

24. Does not allow just a few students to monopolize or dominate the class
25: Keeps accurate records of:

• Work completed
• Attendance
• Test results
• Grades