What Makes a Good Teacher?

After going through almost 14 years of school, I would say that I have had my fair share of teachers. Some of which have been good while others haven’t been so good.

With all of that experience I feel like I should have a good grip on what makes a good school experience, what sparks learning, and what makes a good teacher.

I have had four good teachers out of all the teachers I had. One was my first grade teacher, my fourth grade teacher, my seventh and ninth grade English teacher, and my choir teacher.

I don’t remember a whole lot about my first grade teacher. I do remember that she once held a teddy bear picnic for all the students in her class. I remember that I brought the bear that my grandmother gave me.

I also remember my mom making sure that I remembered to bring it back. I don’t know what we ate or who I talked to but I do know that she was an amazing teacher who cared about all students in her class.

My fourth grade teacher was one of the funniest teachers I have ever had. She was very caring and had a hatred for teeth. Throughout that year, I teased her with the teeth that had fallen out and felt safe.

During my senior year, I was able to intern for her and ended up loving every second of it. She was amazing and I will always love her for that.

My English teacher for my seventh year and ninth were the same person. She had a southern accent that could easily get stuck in your head. She believed that getting the body moving before class could help you to learn better. After we had finished the morning assignment, she said we could go outside and jump rope. There were many memorable assignments, and she helped me want to teach people.

My choir teacher was the first male teacher I liked. He made music fun and was young enough that he understood the class. I remember when we were the choir in The Forgotten Carols. After the performance, the director came into the choir room and told us that we were the worst choir he has ever had and that he was trying to make a memorable experience and we ruined that. Our whole choir started crying.

My teacher got up and told us that we did our best under the circumstances and that we were going to show him that we are the best. Because of him, our choir felt better and I ended up loving that class.

Each of these teachers cared for their students and made them feel loved. They created an environment that made their students feel safe and learned of a situation before jumping to conclusions.

Does this make a good teacher? I think it does.

It is because these teachers exist that I want to do amazing things and be amazing. I want to show people imagination and make them laugh. I want to be remembered and show empathy before picking people up.

That’s what teachers inspire in their classroom and it can make all the difference. Teachers are my superheros and I am grateful we have them.