Language is a matter of the heart as much as the mind. My idea of a perfect teacher is one who inspires learning as well as just relaying the required facts. Good ESL teachers encompass a variety of qualities and characteristics which live on in the memories of their students as they grow and strive to reach their potential in life. However, some of the most important qualities are passion, leadership, classroom management and content knowledge. Teachers accommodate the academic, social and emotional needs of their students. This requires those qualities to be demonstrated consistently.
When teachers begin teaching they have a passion for their work. As time passes that passion evolves into determination and persistence. Their passion is reflected in their effectiveness. While in the classroom teachers have learned to adapt to various learning styles and classroom dynamics. Teaching is demanding, which include time, effort and commitment. As well, passionate teachers communicate with students and their parents, which create a team effort to ensure students’ progression.
A good ESL teacher should also be a leader and a good listener. Students look to teachers for guidance, therefore, it is imperative that teachers show their leadership skills, while encouraging students to work towards guiding each other. The teacher as leader must be responsible with integrity, acknowledge the views and concerns of others and serve as mediators.
Outstanding teachers use good classroom management strategies. A positive classroom environment should be safe, resourceful and productive. By being organized with teaching aids and consistent with discipline measures, a system is created in which students actively participate in the classroom. In addition, good teachers engage all students into each lesson so they feel that they are part of a community. This promotes active learning.
A final important quality that good ESL teachers possess is a comprehensive understanding of the material being presented. Teachers must impart their lesson plans in a dynamic manner to accommodate students’ diverse learning styles. The ability to be effective is evidenced by the ability to dissect, infer, map, chart, sequence and answer questions about the given topic matter. The information has to be formatted so that it is relevant to students’ lives. An in depth understanding can assist with creativity, capturing attention and invoking student participation.
In summary, I believe that passion, leadership, classroom management and knowledge of content are mandatory to becoming efficient and effective. When teachers are effective it enables students to reach their goals. Ultimately, effective teachers have the ability to influence students in schools and within the community. This is where leadership skills and determination manifest. Teaching effectively will instill principles and character that will remain with their students for a lifetime.
Every school has certain qualities they believe a teacher must have to be successful. While the qualities that each ESL/ TEFL/ TESOL school considers important may vary, there are generally shared qualities that all schools would consider important to the job. The following is a list of characteristics, although not exhaustive, of a good ESL teacher:
Positive
Thinks positively about people and what they are capable of becoming. Sees the good in any situation and can move forward to make the most of difficult situations when confronted with obstacles. Encourages others to also be positive.
Dependable
Honest and authentic with others. Consistently lives up to commitments to students and others. Works with others in an open, honest and forthright manner.
Organized
Makes efficient use of time and moves in a planned and systematic direction. Knows where he/she is going and is able to help students in their own organization and planning.
Committed
Demonstrates commitment to students and the profession and is self-confident, poised and in control of situations.
Motivational
Enthusiastic with standards and expectations for students and self. Understands the motivations of individuals, and knows what it is that motivates students. Takes action in constructive ways.
Compassionate
Caring, empathetic and able to respond to people at a feeling level. Open with personal thoughts and feelings, encouraging others to do the same. Knows and understands the feelings of students.
Flexible
Willing to alter plans and directions in a way which assists people in moving towards their goals. Works in collaboration with students and staff in a manner that allows everyone to move forward in a positive direction.
Knowledgeable
Is in constant quest for knowledge. Keeps abreast of new information in his/her specialty areas and has the insight to integrate new knowledge. Takes that knowledge and relays it to students in a way which is comprehensible to them.
Creative
Versatile, innovative and open to new concepts. Strives to incorporate strategies and activities that enable students to have meaningful new experiences.
Patient
Is deliberate in coming to conclusions. Looks at all aspects of the situation and remains fair and objective under difficult circumstances. Believes that problems can be resolved if enough input and attention is given by everyone who is affected.