BEST TEACHER DESCRIPTION

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.  Enthusiasm

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

Preparation

Teacher knows the subject Teacher plans and prepares lessons daily

Punctuality

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

Support and concern for students

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

Consistency

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

Politeness

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

Firmness and control

Is firm in a kind manner Avoids tangents in teaching

Does not play favorites Provides personal help

Takes time to explain concept Gives individual attention

Accepts individual differences Employs an effective delivery

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

Does not make students lose face

Avoids criticizing students

Has high expectations of class members Is humble Is fair Uses variety

Uses a variety of learning activities Experiments Allows for spontaneity

Has a sense of humor; is relaxed Use of engaged time

Sets a good pace and provides for a change of pace Avoids engaging students in busy work.

Use of text

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

Keeps within 1-2 days of the scheduled course outline Field trips and other activities

Applies student experiences to classwork

Does not always teach from a sitting or leaning position 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.)

Does not allow one or two students to monopolize or dominate the class Keeps accurate records of

Work completed Attendance Test results Grades

Additional Suggestions

Provide for activity changes -- perhaps something not on the lesson plan; for example,     scrabble, hangman, pictionary. Be somewhat unpredictable -- Students will not know what comes next. Keep students in     some suspense. Variety -- In teaching, variety provides for renewed interest in the subject matter. Use     variety in how you have students work together. Do not always pair the same ones together.     Provide for a variety of learning activities. Some suggestions are:

Chalkboard illustrations Charts and maps Displays and mobiles Filmstrips Flannelboard Flashcards Motion pictures Opaque projections Overhead transparency projections Pictures, posters Tape recordings Video tape recordings Videodisk recordings Videotaping class presentations or activities Guest appearances Combined activities with another class.

Assignments Brainstorming Buzz sessions General discussion Panel discussion Problem-solving discussion Music Instructional games Questioning and quizzes Reports and talks Role playing Worksheets Demonstrations Dramas Storytelling General chalkboard use

Some other things they feel are important in the classroom environment are a smile, the use of loud, clear speech, clear explanations, fun activities, etc. They also appreciate good visual aides that keep their attention. One of the most important things they think a teacher should keep in mind is a sensitivity to students' mistakes. They feel good when a teacher takes time to help students overcome their mistakes through patient, clear instruction.

Instant Involvement -- Create a variety of instant involvement techniques that can be     used to capture students attention for what will be presented. Give eye-to-eye contact. Change teaching style for variety. Pace -- A change of pace is refreshing and helps students re-enter the learning process. Change of setting -- At appropriate times it is stimulating and interesting to meet in a     different location or setting for a specific learning task.

Student Feedback

Some of the things that are challenges to them include the following:  teachers speaking too quickly, especially at the end of class when class time is running     out getting bored when a teacher is answering other students' questions textbooks that are difficult to understand other students talking out of turn teachers not planning well and having to go overtime (not releasing the class at the     bell).

Interestingly enough, the students also indicated that the teacher wasn't the only person that should work on problems. The students should share in the responsibility. In conclusion here are some of the other words used in describing a good teacher:

interesting/fun kind smiles good explanations gives synonyms always helps low pressure/not intimidating kind spirit