How To Be A Successful Teacher

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A teacher should always be well prepared and know more than they’ll need in class. This gives them self-confidence, a positive feeling that makes the job pleasurable and is a trait pupils cherish. Of course, it can always happen that a teacher doesn’t know an answer, but it shouldn’t happen too often. The technical side of teaching, how to structure a lesson etc., is a trade that can be learnt. How a teacher stands in front of a class can only be improved but not really learnt. Self-confidence is vital. Pupils can be cruel. If they feel that a teacher doesn’t feel good in front of a class, is even afraid of young people, they’ll utilise this remorselessly. It’s not advisable to discuss each and every topic in class. If the issue is reasonable, it’s absolutely acceptable to inform the pupils about a rule and tell them that you expect them to follow it. This doesn’t mean that they’re patronised. Patronising or even insulting pupils should be avoided at all costs. A teacher should take their job seriously and show the pupils that they care. This doesn’t mean, however, that they should bare their souls in front of the class. A certain distance is healthy for both sides. If it comes to an open conflict and a pupil or a group of pupils attack a teacher verbally (hopefully not physically), it can sometimes be hard to keep in mind that the job occupies only a part of one’s personality. There must always remain a private sphere which doesn’t belong to the school or the pupils. If there isn’t, a teacher can’t survive sane and sound. This distance also allows a teacher to be cool and take things easy. Of course, a teacher wants their pupils to learn what they’re taught. Yet, if they don’t for some reason or other, the teacher won’t feel personally insulted and get enraged. Humour is a great asset for a teacher. A lesson which passes by without some laughter is a sad one indeed. Nobody is perfect and a teacher isn’t, either. They shouldn’t pretend to be smooth operators. They’ll be loved if they’ve got kinks and quirks like anybody else and can laugh about them. This includes also that if the teacher is rightfully enraged, they should show it. Regularly shouting is ridiculous and ineffective. An occasional shout can work wonders, though. Patience should be a teacher’s middle name. Nerves of steel and a thick hide are indispensable. It’s easier to take things easy if a teacher understands that they’re not lone warriors. It’s always advisable to speak openly with one’s colleagues about problems in a class. Maybe they have the same problems. If so, a common strategy can be found to overcome them. It’s also advisable to be in contact with the parents. Don‘t wait until something has happened, better react before. If there are disciplinary issues, it’s a good idea to invite the pupil in question together with the parents so that they don’t get the impression that something is discussed behind their backs and they‘re treated in an unjust way. To cut a long story short, the most important traits of a successful teacher are: knowledge, commitment, distance, patience, good nerves and humour.