by Mike Burdette
For an organization to grow consistently, the organization must become a learning organization. In order for an organization to become a learning organization, there must be a teacher. Here are ten qualities of a GREAT teacher.
Quality 1. A great teacher must have a real desire to teach. I remember, as I’m sure you do, all of the classes that you took where you could tell that the teacher didn’t want to be there. They wished they were doing something else, and it showed when they taught. If you are to be a great teacher, you have got to want to teach and truly see each student grow.
Quality 2. A great teacher must bring passion to the teaching session. As a teacher you can’t fake it till you make it. The word passion comes from the combination of “pass it on." Great teachers pass on their enthusiasm, excitement, energy and passion for learning. You can’t draw water from an empty well. If you don’t have it, you can’t give it.
Quality 3. A great teacher is a master story teller. In order to drive home a point, you gave to be able to paint a picture with stories that students can relate to and understand. The stories must be engaging and exciting, as well as keep an audience on the edge of their seats. My father was a great story teller, and many of my early life lessons were learned through his stories.
Quality 4. A great teacher teaches with the end in mind. When designing an education class, you have to work with what you would like students to walk away with. Whenever I am asked to teach or speak, I ask the same question, “What would you like your people to walk away with?" After I get that information, I then build the class.
Quality 5. A great teacher varies their methods of delivery. In order for the class not to become boring or predictable, you must mix it up and keep them guessing. If you do this, your students will look forward to the next time you teach.
Quality 6. A great teacher checks their own ego at the door. In order to earn the respect of your students, you must make the class about them, and not you. I have been to many seminars where the teacher constantly talks about themselves over and over, and you almost feel like their only purpose is to feed their own self-serving ego. Remember, the main thing is to teach and educate in order for the student to feel better…not you.
Quality 7. Great teachers continually expand their own knowledge. If you, as a great teacher, expand your knowledge, your students can expand theirs. What does your personal education library look like? Do you even have one?
Quality 8. A great teacher understands that people learn at a different pace. You can’t leave anyone behind. People learn at different levels. If you’re only teaching one way, you’re going to miss some students, and your effectiveness will be limited. You might have to devote individual time to some students.
Quality 9. A great teacher is always prepared. The worst thing you can do is try to conduct an educational class and not be prepared. Your students will see it. You won’t be smooth and will end up wasting something that no one can get back…TIME.
Quality 10. A great teacher knows that the eye is the greatest teacher of all. Your walk has to match your talk. You can’t send mixed messages to your students. When you do this, you will lose their respect and ultimately their attention.
As a teacher you need to stretch your people, develop them and impact their lives. The joy and value of teaching is immeasurable. Whenever greatness exists in an event or a person, you can take it to the bank that a great teacher must have played a huge role. Go out and become great!
