Becoming an Exceptional Educator: Essential Attributes
Becoming
an Exceptional Educator: Essential Attributes
Teacher, a universally recognized term that
describes a person who gives lessons formally in classes where students eagerly
await their guidance. According to Cambridge Dictionary (n.d.), a teacher is
defined as a person who teaches people. Their impact to the development of
progressive nation by intelligence figures nowadays proved that a teacher plays
an important role in creating an extraordinary generation. Teachers are truly
the backbone of society. They are role models to children, offer guidance and
dedication and give young people the power of education (University of The
People, n.d.). In this writing, I will explore what are the qualities of being
a great teacher. So, how to be a great teacher? There are many attributes that
explain this matter.
First and foremost, one of the key
attributes that every teacher should possess is empathy, especially towards
their students. Empathy and Sympathy often used by people, but do they know
that both term carry distinct definition? Sympathy is feeling sorry to someone’s
situation, which is different with empathy. Empathy is the ability or to share
someone else’s feelings or experiences by imagining what it would be like to be
in that person’s situation (Cambridge Dictionary, n.d.). These attributes are
what matter that each of us must have. Every day, teachers deal with different
personalities and backgrounds of students and colleagues. Sometimes, empathy
works together with listening ability. Listen to student’s problem and try to
put ourselves in their shoes to understand in-depth their situation. When
students felt supported and understood, students are more likely to be engaged
and learn effectively (James Prior, 2023). So, this underscores the significance
of empathy in helping teachers to understand their students’ need and try their
best to give comprehend support.
Furthermore, a passionate teacher always
practices patience, especially in the face of challenges. Patience can be
considered as one of the most challenging adjectives to apply in life, but it
is valuable when it comes to an educator. Patience is defined as the ability to
wait, or to continue doing something despite difficulties, or to suffer without
complaining or become annoyed (Cambridge Dictionary, n.d.). No matter what
level you are teaching, your patience will be tested in any kind of situations
(Danielle Gagnon, 2019). For example, you are having a discussion with your
colleagues. When there are differences in opinion arise, feel opened to other’s
point of view and you can try to provide justifications to support your
opinion. Otherwise, if there are any disagreements, try to calm down and be
patience. Be professional so that you will raise people’s attention and
respect. Application of patience in all situations are beneficial to teachers
because they are reflecting the good side of themselves. Thus, patience help
teachers to be a better person in life especially during dealing with people.
On the other hand, Henry Ford, who is an
American industrialist once said, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at
twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young” (goodreads, n.d.). As
we continue to live in this world, we keep learning new things every single
second in life. Educator also best described as lifelong learners despite their
job to teach young people in school. Lifelong learning can be defined as the
process of gaining knowledge and skills throughout your life and often to help
you do your job properly (Carol Pang, 2022). This does not mean that educator
only learn to gain new knowledge for classes, but improving their teaching
skills, attitude and personal life. Regardless of their title or even they do
hold PhD certificate, they are going to learn new stuff throughout your life
same as other teachers and students as well (Danielle Gagnon, 2019). One thing
about ‘learning’ is not formally to be in a class and write some notes, maybe
you can learn on your particular subject or topics you are going to teach in
the coming classes, learn to innovate new teaching materials and also learn
from others excellent and experienced teachers. This may help you to improve
yourself generally or even polish your skills in teaching and discover new
methods that can attract student interest. Clearly, lifelong learning is a
process of improving ourselves especially for educators to be better version of
them.
For instance, how to deliver a clear and
understandable instructions? Communication is the key, but most of the teachers
didn’t realize whether they do have a good communication skill or not. The key
to deliver a message is not only a communication, but it is beyond that, which
is an effective communication. Effective communication in life is a crucial
attribute especially to teachers (James Prior, 2023). In general, effective
communication does mean ‘successful or achieving results that you want’ and
also ‘the act of communicating with people’ respectively (Cambridge Dictionary,
n.d.). This shows that a message that teachers wish to provide to their
students is successfully understand and done by them. Other than that, an
effective communication is an essential tool in order to manage difficult
conversations, provide clear instructions, and check for understanding. Communication
is not a topic that only discussing about verbal communication, it also
includes body language and facial expressions that give receiver a better
understanding (James Prior, 2023). Thus, an effective communication is
essential for teachers in order to give an effective lesson to their students.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, there are various attributes
that educators can improve to be better in the future. This context is not only
during teaching in classes, but also applicable in daily life. As an educator,
their main role is to have a strategic and systematic lesson planning. Despite,
teachers should find ways to search formula for a better planning and teaching
methods. For example, having a good and effective communication so that their
students can truly understand and working on teacher’s instructions. Other than
that, patience and empathy are very crucial to understand students’ needs and
create a wonderful relationship with them. Although, these qualities contribute
to the development of a more resilient and compassionate personality. Teachers do
not only deal with young people, they do work with public who came from
different personalities and backgrounds. Not only that, teachers sometimes may
have some arguments with the management. A remarkable educator is not only
excels in teaching but also in various facets of personal and professional
life.
HEY! To watch Behind The Scene of the writing process, feel free to support and watch here:
https://youtu.be/f4QS4Ps8et8?si=9mUnAznxhegEIajA
Ulasan