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How To Become a Highly Effective Teacher

Updated: Jul 12



Prior to becoming an educational consultant to teachers and administrative staff, I worked as an educator for over 30 years. When I first started, I was overwhelmed by all of the responsibilities that came with the job. The tasks I had to complete, like that of many teachers, included preparing and grading papers, understanding the needs of each student, as well as attending staff meetings.


My journey in the field of education was an enjoyable one but it also came with a few hurdles that I had to learn to overcome. My commitment to my students' success as well as becoming a highly effective teacher is what provided me with the sustainability needed for me to retain my career as an educator for over three decades.


When I sat down to write this article, I thought, "What is the most important quality for a teacher to have?" Many people would say it's being an expert on the subject you are teaching. While that may be true, I believe that the most important quality is empathy.


This means understanding what students need from you and how you can best deliver that to them. It also means being proactive and showing that you care about their growth as learners. This might mean making sure they have all of the tools they need to succeed in class, or it might mean getting to know them personally so that when they're struggling with something, you can provide the support they need.


Above all else, a good teacher is patient and kind. You should never take out your own frustrations on your students, even if they're causing trouble in class or not doing their homework. And if there are problems with the course material or curriculum, talk with someone about it ASAP! It's better to get ahead of any issues before they become too big or too many students are affected by them.


The most important thing to remember when becoming a highly effective teacher is this: always remember why you're here—to help others learn!


It's easy to get caught up in the stress of teaching and forget that your job is to make sure students get the most out of their time in the classroom. It's easy to get caught up in the pressure of standardized testing and forget that your goal is to ensure that each student has the opportunity to grow and develop their skills. And it's easy to get caught up in all the paperwork, administrative tasks, and other responsibilities that come with being a teacher and forget that your job is about one thing—and one thing only: helping your students succeed.


As I reflect on my career and the countless students I've had the privilege to teach, one thing remains clear: empathy is the cornerstone of effective teaching. It's what bridges the gap between teacher and student, making learning a collaborative and enriching experience. So, to all the teachers out there, remember to stay patient, kind, and empathetic. Your role is crucial, and your impact is immeasurable. Keep teaching with your heart, and you'll inspire your students to reach heights they never thought possible.


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