Characteristics of Successful English Teacher

Teaching is considered one of the noblest jobs a person can do. Teachers, for the most part, have a great influence on their students’ lives. Therefore, an outstanding teacher should have special characteristics that put them in a class of their own. As far as I am concerned, a good teacher should be qualified, well-prepared, and friendly.

First and foremost, any teacher must be academically qualified and knowledgeable about the subject they are teaching. A great deal of that knowledge comes from academic studies. Being a teacher is an enormous responsibility not anyone can bear. For this reason, teachers must obtain proper academic degrees that enable them to land a job in the education field. Obtaining academic degrees in English literature, for example, is not enough to be a qualified teacher. Extraordinary teachers usually receive training courses and/or conduct studies in English langue teaching (ELT).

Also, a skilled teacher must be fully well-prepared for every class. No one is ever ready for teaching. Each class is a new experience and challenge. A good teacher is as good as his/her last lesson went. Many students consider their teachers a fountain of all wisdom and expect them to answer their questions. Successful teachers are aware of the importance of adequate and proper preparation for their classes. Using clear examples, miscellaneous tools, and audiovisual materials in the class are the result of a very good preparation. Without prior and enough preparation, teachers will not be able to meet their students’ needs and make their classes more student-centered.

Apart from being qualified and well-prepared, an excellent teacher should be genuinely friendly. The first thing they should do at the beginning of the course is to establish a friendly rapport with their students. Teachers and students enjoy having a congenial atmosphere that usually motivates students to be more attentive in their classes and carry out their assignments. Experienced teachers deal with discipline problems professionally and don’t let any problem gets personal. They don’t allow a misbehavior ruin the whole lesson, rather; they talk to those who misbehave in person and show them that they care.  

Teaching is fun and interesting. It is great to deal with eager minds and see the results of your hard work on your students. I am inclined to believe that a great teacher is someone who has such special qualities as being qualified, well-prepared, and friendly.