Characteristics of an Effective Educator

            A great teacher does more than just educate: he or she inspires, motivates, challenges, and encourages students both in and out of the classroom. How does such a teacher do this? What knowledge, characteristics, and skills does this type of teacher possess? Through my own research and personal experience in teaching and observing teachers, I’ve identified four main characteristics of an effective educator.

1)    Competence

           An effective teacher must be well versed in the subject matter, but knowledge alone does not convey competence. The ability to impart that knowledge in a clear, logical way and to consistently seek out new and better methods of doing so is just as important. Preparation, in the form of a well developed lesson plan, necessary materials, and a clear sight line to concepts being taught in the future, also communicates competence, as does self-confidence and security in the knowledge of the subject and the ability to teach it.

2)    Attitude

           A teacher’s attitude is paramount. Walking into a classroom where the teacher is apathetic, negative, or overly critical is a different experience: the air feels stagnant and stale, the light in the students’ eyes is dim, and boredom or anarchy reign. It’s the antithesis of a classroom led by a positive and enthusiastic teacher who enjoys the profession and the process to the extent that it visibly registers in body language and facial expressions. The students in this type of classroom are excited, attentive, and engaged. Setting high expectations, both as a teacher and for the students, demonstrates the value the teacher places on education.

3)    Care

          An effective educator relates to the students in a way that shows care and concern for their well-being. Part of this results from a positive classroom environment, but it’s not enough to be compassionate to the class as a whole; a teacher must develop an understanding of each student as an individual in terms of their learning styles, personality traits, and interests.

4)    Flexibility

          No matter how well-prepared, there will come a day when the teacher faces a classroom-full of blank looks. An effective educator possesses the ability to abandon what’s not working and quickly search for another way to explain a concept or get at the heart of a discussion.

          An effective educator is knowledgeable and enthusiastic with a solid handle on classroom management, who seeks out fellow teachers and other resources for new ideas and better ways to teach, who understands each student as an individual, and is able to be flexible when unplanned situations arise.