best teacher in the world essay

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“The Best Teacher I’ve Ever Had”

by Patrick Esty

Ms. Johnson was the name, or at least that’s what I think it was. It was such a long time ago—fourth grade, I think—but I still remember her because she had such a powerful influence on my life. When I started school, I was an average person with just enough enthusiasm as everyone else on the block, but after the fourth grade, I was full of energy. Ms. Johnson want you to succeed and supported you as an individual person to be the best you would be. I remember the very first week of the school year. It is so vivid in my mind.

“You better GET in that chair right away!” she yelled, and I sat down as if I were mounting a horse. She went on and pointed me out with her pencil while taking attendance. “Do you know how to sit BOY! You better GET UP and TRY again!”

After taking attendance, she gave one of the most important speeches I have ever listened to in my life. “Hello, my name is Ms. Johnson – not ‘Miss,’ not ‘Johnson,’ ‘John,’ ‘teacher,’ or ‘son,’ — Ms. Johnson. You raise your hand when you want to talk and ask me if you want to move, and when i say ‘Jump,’ you better ask me, ‘How high?’” She sure knew how to discipline her pupils, but she had another side to her that was more civilized and controlled. THis side was much stronger than her first.

“… But there’s one thing you all have to learn before the year starts. It’s a thing you were born with, ‘common sense.’ Everybody has it, because if you don’t have it, you weren’t born!”

Then someone in the class asked her why she walked on a crutch. She answered in a low voice. “I broke my left leg trying to stop a fight. That’s what happens when people don’t use their common sense. They injure others as well as themselves.”

I think Ms. Johnson was the most powerful force in Engleberg Elementary School. Everyone who went through the school could tell you bout her. She taught everyone self-control. It is rare if you ever see someone from Engleberg start a fight or be involved in a crime. In fact, if it weren’t for her, many people I know wouldn’t be in school any more. She was not only a good teacher who taught discipline, but she was a great teacher who knew math, reading and writing skills. Being taught by Ms. Johnson is an experience no one forgets.

One day, she got all of the students to enter a writing contest. I, being a lazy person since kindergarten, didn’t do it until the very last day it was due. You should have seen it! I scribbled together some really interesting stuff in those 24-hours, and knowing Ms. Johnson, I thought she wouldn’t like it at all. Boy, was I surprised.

“Patrick,” she said to me in private as I came to school one morning, “that was a very good essay you wrote.” My mouth hung wide open. “Really!” I said with a excited voice. “I thought it was terrible.” “No. 1 think you have some talent and I’m going to enter it in the city-level for competition.”

She did. Three months later, a gold medal came into my hands and she congratulated me. “You never know how good you are until you try. You are more than you think you are, Patrick. I want to see you do more…”

When I brought that gold medal home with me that night, my parents were “proud, proud, PROUD!” I could almost cry. I could almost laugh. I could hug Ms. Johnson, the one-legged lady, and only thank her for her tremendous support to raise my ego.

Today, I have received two good citizenship awards, hundreds of class achievements and perfect attendance certificates, and will graduate as class valedictorian in high school. Just think. Without her, I would be just an average guy. She helped me in my life tremendously.

by Renate Gray

Wanda Raven, Ms. Raven to those of us who are her students, is who I call the “Best Teacher” I’ve ever had. Her teaching style, personality and her desire to help me to succeed are the three qualities that l admire most about her.

Teaching styles vary greatly among teachers of different subjects as well as teachers of different grade levels. I was first introduced to Ms. Raven my sophomore year of high school when I became a student in her biology class. In the beginning she was like any other teacher, same grading scale, same class objectives. Yet after the first couple of days I could tell that she was different. When teaching she did her best to make us understand, not help us understand. If she felt you needed help she would allow time in her schedule to fit you in. being in a school where there is a lot of competition among the students made me seek her out even for the smallest problems. She was always there to help me and make me learn.

When you picture how many people you come in contact with and how many teachers you’ve had, still have and will have in the future you realize how impersonal the relationships are. Ms. Raven’s intent seemed to be that she wanted to get to know each student so she could help with school or personal problems. I happened to stop to talk to her one day and that’s when I discovered what a nice personality she had. She greets me every time I see her and shares a few words. It was that sophomore year that I began having problems that I needed to talk about. I decided to seek some advice and help. Ms. Raven was always around to talk to listen. Her ability to listen is one part of her personality that stands out the most. She always found time to listen and no matter what was said she took it all to heart’, even the smallest, silliest problem. She never repeated what was said. Giving good, sound advice and helping to make me talk things out are two more qualities that I admire. Though most teachers would stop there, she didn’t. When she needed to talk she sought me out and confided a lot in me. Some might take that as a burden, I didn’t. I felt that if she could listen to me then I could do the same. Never have I had a teacher like that.

When the school year ends, I usually have no further contact with my teachers. Ms. Raven came to me again my year of high school and asked if I needed help. I shared a few of my career goals with her and found out that she had a lot of knowledge from past experience about one of my future goals. Whenever I had a question or a doubt about something relating to school or college I could always find her and discuss it with her. Whenever she’d come across an article or literature pertaining to a career she would make sure I received a copy of it. These types of things express a desire to help me succeed and I’m grateful for that.

I’d like to finish by saying that I’ve never before come across a person like Ms. Raven. Her personality outshines those of most teachers. Her desire for my success in life seems only surpassed by my parents, family and the staff of Upward Bound. Her ability to teach and her process of teaching is a great help to me and to others. To me Ms. Raven is the Best Teacher” I’ve ever had.

by Dwight Thomas

During all the years of my education to date, there have been many teachers that have got me to the level of education I’ve reached today. I’m going to tell you about the best teacher I think I will ever have. Mr. Birmingham was the greatest influence on me because the way he taught the class was at a level where everybody could catch the topic of discussion. He would help you out with problems in and out of school. He also would tell you his feelings straight from the heart. Mr. Birmingham’s teachings were in a “class” all by themselves.

When you entered seventh hour history, you knew everything that was going on. “Mr. Birm,” as we would call him, refused to let a person get behind the rest of the class.

He went by the motto, “If the ship is hit, everyone on board goes down.” Mr. Birm would go back to items to help that unfortunate student catch on. If that didn’t work, we would read the chapter over until everyone caught on. Mr. Birm not only cared about studies, but he would be there for you when it was a problem out of school.

If a student ever had a problem and had no one to turn to, you could always turn to room 337. Mr. Birm would be there to discuss even the most delicate problem in a mature and understanding manner. If you needed to borrow money, he would give it to you with absolutely no complaints. I know he’s helped me out a number of times. You may think because he was nice he was a push-over, I doubt it highly.

If there is one thing I remember very well about Mr. Birm, it was that he was never afraid to express his feelings. If he saw something done he didn’t like, he’d tell you. He couldn’t stand for horsing around. I don’t think he ever felt sorry for a student he told off either. This shows me he not only has the utmost respect for the students, but he respected himself. These are the characteristics of a great teacher.

I will remember Mr. Birmingham for the rest of my life, for he has taught me many things. Respect for not only others but myself. To help others as I would want them to help me. He also did a good job of teaching history, too. Mr. Birmingham is definitely my all-time best teacher.

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Essay on my Best Teacher (500+ Words)

Here is a 500+ words essay on my best teacher.

Great philosopher Plato says, “A teacher is the physician of mind.” He leads the students from the dark valley of ignorance to the heights of learning and glory.

A scientist works on the physical body of man, but a teacher works on his mind and soul. That is why a wise man says,

A teacher must have the wisdom of Solomon, the patience of job and the courage of David.

Such a person is called an ideal teacher. He is the friend, philosopher, and guide of his students. He takes a personal interest in their studies and helps them at every step inside as well as outside the class. It is a great privilege and honor to be the student of such a teacher.

I have received lessons from a number of Teachers/Professors. All of them are able and efficient. I love and respect all of them. Out of those professors and teachers, I am much charmed by the towering personality of Mr. Shariq Javed. He has a broad forehead, fair complexion, sharp features, dark brown eyes, straw smooth hair and cheerful disposition with a smile on his face.

He is a very polite, urbane, well-dressed, well-mannered, soft-spoken, energetic and studious person.

Qualities of my teacher

He possesses all the sterling qualities of head and heart which make one an ideal teacher. I adore and like him for his good qualities of learning, teaching, patience, forbearance, fortitude, kindness, devotion and dedication.

He is highly qualified in the knowledge of the physical world. Coming of a noble family, he is a thorough gentleman.

He teaches us the subject of Physics. He is an unfathomable ocean and treasure of knowledge and wisdom. His method of teaching is so attractive and easy that we easily grasp and perceive his point. He has full command over his subject.

He analyses every topic and interprets each point thoroughly. He even briefs us the background of the topic and explains it with the help of examples. He has so sweet magical voice and charming way of teaching that the students wish for prolonging of his class.

Besides his particular subject, he also tries to develop our self-respect, build our character and inculcate in us the qualities of a great man. He guides and directs us on how to lead a successful life. He teaches us manners and etiquette.

A Good Teacher Paragraph in 100, 150 And 200 Words

A good teacher paragraph: A good teacher illuminates paths unknown, inspiring a thirst for knowledge. They’re not just educators; they’re guides, fostering curiosity and understanding. Their influence extends beyond the classroom, shaping futures. Dive into the world of exceptional teaching, where every lesson is a journey to wisdom.

In this article, we have provided 100, 150, and 200-word paragraphs on a good teacher topic.

A Good Teacher Paragraph in 100 Words

A truly remarkable teacher does more than just teach; they inspire. Picture a classroom where every lesson feels like an adventure, and the teacher is the guide, leading students through the wonders of knowledge with patience and creativity. Such educators possess a unique blend of expertise, empathy, and enthusiasm, making learning a joy rather than a chore. They understand each student’s strengths and weaknesses, providing tailored support that fosters both academic and personal growth. This kind of teacher not only imparts knowledge but also instills a lifelong love of learning, making every class an unforgettable journey.

Imagine stepping into a classroom where the air buzzes with excitement and curiosity. At the heart of this vibrant environment is a teacher, a mentor whose passion for teaching transforms mundane subjects into thrilling quests for knowledge. This teacher employs innovative methods to engage students, turning complex topics into accessible, enjoyable lessons. Their approach goes beyond textbooks, incorporating real-world examples that relate directly to students’ lives. Such dedication not only enhances understanding but also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in and out of the classroom.

In a world where education can sometimes seem like a one-size-fits-all affair, a good teacher stands out by personalizing learning experiences. This educator listens intently, adapting their teaching style to meet the diverse needs of their students. They foster an inclusive atmosphere where every question is valued and every student feels seen. By recognizing and celebrating each student’s unique contributions, this teacher builds a strong sense of community and belonging. Their commitment to excellence and compassion ensures that students not only achieve academic success but also develop the confidence and character to navigate the challenges of life.

A Good Teacher Paragraph in 150 Words

A good teacher acts as a beacon of knowledge and wisdom, illuminating the path for their students. They possess a unique blend of patience, understanding, and the ability to inspire curiosity. With a knack for making complex topics simple, they ensure every student feels valued and heard. Their classroom becomes a sanctuary of learning, where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth rather than failures. A good teacher also fosters a sense of community, encouraging collaboration and respect among students. They adapt their teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles, making education accessible to all. Moreover, they instill a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom walls, preparing students for success in all walks of life. Through their dedication, good teachers shape not just academic achievements, but the characters of their students, molding the leaders of tomorrow. This extraordinary influence makes the profession not just a job, but a calling.

Imagine stepping into a classroom where every lesson is an adventure waiting to unfold. This is the environment a good teacher creates, sparking imagination and engagement from the outset. Such educators are masters at crafting lessons that are both informative and interactive, making learning a dynamic experience. They go beyond textbooks, incorporating real-world examples and technology to enhance understanding. A good teacher listens attentively, providing feedback that motivates students to strive for excellence. They recognize the individual strengths and weaknesses of each student, offering personalized support to help everyone achieve their potential. By setting high expectations, they challenge students to push their limits and discover new talents. Beyond academics, they teach valuable life skills like empathy, resilience, and critical thinking. Their influence helps shape well-rounded individuals equipped to navigate the complexities of the world. The legacy of a good teacher is evident in the success and happiness of their students.

In a world brimming with information, a good teacher serves as a skilled navigator, guiding students through the sea of knowledge with ease and precision. They have an infectious enthusiasm for the subjects they teach, which resonates with students and kindles their interest. By employing a variety of teaching techniques, they cater to the unique learning needs of each student, making education a personalized experience. Good teachers are also lifelong learners themselves, constantly updating their knowledge and pedagogical skills. They are compassionate mentors who understand that education involves nurturing the mind as well as the heart. They encourage students to question, explore, and think critically, laying the foundation for lifelong learning. A good teacher’s commitment to excellence and equity ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of background or ability. Their impact is profound, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of their students and shaping the future one lesson at a time.

A Good Teacher Paragraph in 200 Words

Imagine stepping into a classroom where learning feels like an adventure. This is the magic a good teacher brings to their students. Such educators are not just instructors; they are guides, mentors, and sometimes, friends. They have a knack for making complex subjects understandable and interesting, turning the mundane into the extraordinary. A good teacher listens attentively, ensuring no student feels overlooked. They encourage questions, fostering a culture of curiosity and exploration. Their lessons go beyond textbooks, incorporating real-world examples to connect theory with practice. These teachers adapt their teaching methods to suit different learning styles, ensuring every student finds a path to success. They also create a safe and inclusive environment, where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn. Beyond academics, a good teacher imparts valuable life skills such as resilience, empathy, and critical thinking. They celebrate each student’s achievements, no matter how small, boosting confidence and motivation. Such educators leave a lasting impact, shaping not just academic outcomes but character and aspirations. A classroom under the guidance of a good teacher is a place of endless possibilities, where every student is inspired to reach their full potential.

Have you ever wondered what makes a good teacher stand out? They can connect with students on a personal level. These educators possess a deep understanding of their subject matter, coupled with an infectious passion. They bring energy and enthusiasm to every lesson, captivating their audience and making learning a joyous experience. Good teachers are also highly skilled communicators, able to convey complex ideas in simple, relatable terms. They prioritize interactive learning, encouraging students to engage in discussions, debates, and collaborative projects. This approach not only deepens understanding but also builds critical social skills. Furthermore, they are adept at using technology to enhance learning, utilizing tools and resources that make lessons more interactive and accessible. A good teacher is patient and compassionate, recognizing each student’s unique challenges and providing the support needed to overcome them. They set high expectations, but also offer guidance and encouragement to achieve them. By recognizing and nurturing each student’s strengths, they help students develop a sense of self-worth and ambition. In essence, a good teacher lights a fire of curiosity and ambition in their students, guiding them toward a bright future.

The hallmark of a good teacher lies in their ability to inspire. These educators are masters of their craft, with a deep reservoir of knowledge. But what truly sets them apart is their passion for teaching and their commitment to their student’s success. They approach each day with a fresh perspective, ready to tackle challenges and celebrate victories, big and small. Good teachers are innovators, constantly seeking new ways to make learning engaging and effective. They understand the importance of adaptability, customizing their teaching strategies to meet the evolving needs of their students. They are not just focused on academic achievement but are deeply invested in their students’ emotional and social growth. These educators foster a supportive classroom environment where students feel valued and heard. They encourage independence, teaching students how to think critically and solve problems on their own. Good teachers also emphasize the importance of lifelong learning, instilling in their students a love for discovery that extends beyond the classroom walls. By empowering their students with knowledge, skills, and confidence, they prepare them for success in an ever-changing world. A good teacher, therefore, is not just an educator but a mentor and a role model, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Also Check:

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School Education /

Essay on Teacher: Our Friend, Philosopher and Guide in 100, 250 & 300 Words

Updated on
Mar 22, 2024

Teachers are like the guiding stars in our educational journey. They shine our path with knowledge and encouragement. A teacher is a person who helps us learn and grow. They are the ones who guide us through our education and help us to become the best versions of ourselves. Teachers come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they are passionate about teaching. In this blog, we’ll explore the enchanting role of teachers through the eyes of a student, celebrating their invaluable contributions to our lives.

Table of Contents

1 Why are Teachers Important?
2 Sample Essay on Teacher in 100 Words
3 Sample Essay on Teacher in 250 Words
4 Sample Essay on Teacher in 300 Words

Why are Teachers Important?

Teachers help mould today’s youth into the responsible adults of tomorrow. What teachers teach the children at their young age, makes an impact on the students that stays with them for the rest of their lives.

The power of moulding the next generation into great leaders lies in the hands of teachers. This holds the potential of uplifting the society in the near future. Indirectly, teachers are the key to transforming millions of lives all around the globe.

Sample Essay on Teacher in 100 Words

A teacher is a person who helps us understand ourselves. They are the supporters who help us through tough times. Teachers are important because they help us to become the best versions of ourselves. They are like superheroes with the power to ignite our curiosity and help us grow. They teach us numbers, alphabets, and fascinating stories. They are patient listeners, ready to answer our questions and wipe away our doubts. They inspire us to dream big and show us that with hard work, we can achieve anything. A teacher’s love is like a warm hug that makes learning exciting and enjoyable.

Also Read: Teacher Self Introduction to Students and Samples

Sample Essay on Teacher in 250 Words

Teachers are magical beings who turn the pages of our books into captivating adventures. Teachers create colorful classrooms where learning becomes joyous. Their dedication is seen when they explain complex problems in simple ways and solve problems in math and science. With smiles on their faces, they teach us history, nurture our creativity through art, music, and storytelling, and help us express our feelings and thoughts.

Apart from books, teachers also impart life lessons. They teach us to be kind, respectful, and responsible citizens. They show us the value of friendship and the importance of helping others. Teachers celebrate our achievements, no matter how small, and cheer us on during challenges.

A teacher is a person who has a profound impact on our lives. They are the ones who teach us the things we need to know to succeed in life, both academically and personally. They are also there to support us and help us through tough times.

There are many different qualities that make a good teacher. Some of the most important qualities include patience, understanding, and a love of teaching. Good teachers are also able to connect with their students and make learning fun. A good teacher can make a real difference in a student’s life. They can help students develop their talents and abilities, and they can also help them to become confident and self-motivated learners.

Sample Essay on Teacher in 300 Words

In a world, teachers are essential as they bridge the gap between the unknown and the known. They take the time to understand each student’s unique needs and help them modify and hone their skills. In this process of our learning, they become a friend, philosophers, and guides.

Teachers are more than just knowledge sharers. They are like gardeners, nurturing the seeds of kindness, respect, and responsibility in a student’s heart. They teach us to be a good friend and have empathy. They also encourage us to care for our planet, reminding us that we are its custodians.

As we journey through school, teachers become our guides, showing us the various paths we can take. They encourage us to discover our passions, whether it’s solving math puzzles, painting masterpieces, or playing musical notes. They celebrate our victories, whether big or small and help us learn from our mistakes, turning them into stepping stones toward success.

A good teacher can make a real difference in a student’s life. They can help students to develop their talents and abilities, and they can also help them to become confident and self-motivated learners.

I am grateful for all the teachers who have helped me along the way. They have taught me so much, and they have helped me to become the person I am today. I know that I would not be where I am without them.

Remember, each day with a teacher is a new adventure, a new opportunity to learn, and a new chance to grow. So, young learners, let’s raise our hands and give a cheer to our teachers, the real-life magicians who make education a truly enchanting place to live.

Also Read – Self Introduction for Teacher Interview

Rajshree Lahoty

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The Best Teachers in the World

Why we don’t have them and how we could get them.

“My manicurist requires a license to do my nails, but our nation isn’t sure we should license teachers.” Camilla Benbow, Peabody College

Camilla Benbow is the dean of the top-ranked school of education in the United States, Peabody College at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Under her leadership, which began in 1999, Peabody has risen in stature—passing Harvard, Stanford, and other elite institutions—to reach the top spot in the U.S. News & World Report rating system, which it has occupied since 2009. Peabody is the only school of education in an elite national university that trains undergraduates to become licensed K–12 teachers.

Because Vanderbilt is a very selective institution overall (ranked in the top twenty of national universities), and because the brightest high school students in the United States have few choices if they wish to become teachers upon graduation from a four-year institution, Peabody enrolls extremely high-achieving students. Their average SAT combined math and critical reading score in 2011 was 1438.3

Benbow and Peabody have been doing precisely what many experts have argued in recent years must be done if U.S. schools are to produce students who can achieve with the very best in the world. They are attracting the top students from America’s high schools to become teachers. They are putting them through a clinical model of preparation requiring 800 hours of school-based experience, in addition to the rigorous academic requirements of a Vanderbilt bachelor’s degree. It is well documented that high-achieving nations such as Finland, Singapore, and South Korea, among others, have selective teacher education programs that channel top-performing high school graduates into teacher preparation that balances demanding academic instruction with pedagogical training in schools.

But Benbow and Peabody are also part of an enterprise under siege. Schools of education have been the subject of withering criticism going back to the 1980s, when the United States ﬁrst became alarmed about student achievement. This criticism has been intensifying in the last decade. In 2006, Arthur Levine, then president of Columbia University’s Teachers College, led a comprehensive study of U.S. schools of education that documented their failings in excruciating detail.

As a group, schools of education are non-selective. Their students post SAT scores at or below the average of all college graduates. Education school faculty members are weak in research and are dated in practical experience. The vast majority of U.S. teachers are produced in lower quality colleges and universities. The list goes on. In the last year, the National Council on Teacher Quality has begun publishing its ﬁndings on the attributes of teacher education programs, beginning with student teaching. The results of exhaustive research show teacher education programs failing to meet literally all standards—as Levine concluded ﬁve years before.

Making matters worse for schools of education, sophisticated statistical analyses have been unable to ﬁnd any beneﬁt in teacher education for student achievement. Licensed or certiﬁed teachers appear to perform no better than teachers without certiﬁcation or those certiﬁed through alternative routes.8 The time required for traditional certiﬁcation through a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education also deters many bright students from even considering teaching.

Teach for America (TFA) has become the number one employment choice of Ivy League graduates—over one in ten apply—because it provides a route into teaching that requires only ﬁve weeks of summer training and no degree in education. Smart young people want to teach; they just don’t want to jump through needless hoops to do so. Research shows that TFA recruits perform at least as well as traditionally certiﬁed teachers. Taking all of this into consideration, reformers are asking if teacher licensing is necessary at all.

But when Benbow asks if the nation is now ready to give up on licensing a profession that is inﬁnitely more important and demanding than manicuring, she is raising a question that should concern us all—not just deans of schools of education. Of those elements that are within the control of schools, teachers are the most important determinant of how much students achieve. Family and personal attributes of students have the greatest effect on achievement. But among the elements of schooling that promote performance, teachers have the most impact by far. Research offers varying estimates of the impact, but it is safe to say that several consecutive years with highly effective teachers—the best 20–25 percent—can move students quite a way in the national achievement distribution.

Since the 1980s the United States has aimed to become the highest achieving nation in the world. Through Republican and Democratic presidential administrations, the nation has aspired to produce the kinds of students who can compete with any on the planet. In the internationally competitive knowledge economy, education is vital to productivity, growth, and standards of living. Teachers are mission-critical. If the United States is going to raise student achievement to the highest levels in the world, it will need to have the best teachers in the world. A recent and renowned analysis by the management consulting ﬁrm McKinsey & Company put it this way: “The quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers.” Within school walls, nothing comes close to the importance of teachers.

So, if the United States is not to select, develop—and license—teachers through traditional means, how should it proceed? How shall the United States build the strongest teaching force in the world? Should the nation try to attract and keep signiﬁcantly higher-aptitude students in teaching, as Peabody is doing? Should our best colleges and universities develop teacher preparation programs for undergraduates as well as graduates, as international leaders have done and, again, as Peabody is doing?

The United States has the best system of higher education in the world. In the most recent Times of London rankings, seven of the top ten, eighteen of the top twenty-ﬁve, and ﬁfty-three of the top one hundred universities were American. Is it not possible that this great resource—especially the best institutions and the best students—might be used to enhance a profession as important as teaching? Or, given the success of alternate routes to teaching, such as TFA, should the United States abandon university-based certiﬁcation and open teaching to anyone with a bachelor’s degree who can prove himself or herself on the job?

Being Serious About Being Best

For all the talk among political leaders about being ﬁrst in the world in math and science or otherwise having the best schools and highest achievement in the world, there is little talk about having the best teachers. Yet, research is increasingly clear that that is exactly what the aim of top achievement requires. If the United States wants the best achievement in the world, it will need to seek out, train, and retain the best teachers in the world. The United States is not currently serious about that aim.

Consider: the United States is now in the process of trying to establish high common academic standards for public school students. Over the last decade the states have set proﬁciency standards that vary widely in their expectations of students and that frequently fall short of standards set in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the “nation’s report card” for the last forty years.

Through the Common Core project most states are now working together to establish voluntary national standards with proﬁciency expectations closer to those set in NAEP. Today’s teachers, however, do not come close to meeting the academic standards being set for students. A proﬁcient score on NAEP reading or math translates into at least a 600 on the SAT, or about a 1200 overall. The most generous estimate of the aptitude of new U.S. teachers recently estimated SAT scores of 515 in critical reading (formerly verbal) and 506 in math, or 1021 overall. But this estimate looked only at twenty states where the SAT is the dominant college entrance exam, and these states are higher achieving on average than other (ACT-dominant) states. It may be possible for teachers to educate students to levels above their own accomplishments. But a 200-point gap between teacher performance and student expectations amounts to a world of difference.

U.S. education policy shows no serious intent to reduce this gap. The federal government’s most important education policy, Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), otherwise known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB), requires that states ensure all teachers are “highly qualiﬁed”—meaning state-certiﬁed and subject-matter competent. Most states have implemented these requirements by requiring new teachers to take Praxis I and II assessments (unless they have a relevant college major). But states frequently set Praxis passing scores at levels that translate into SAT reading-math scores of about 1000—well below current expectations for students.

Once on the job, teachers are rarely held accountable for student achievement, even though their schools have been held to account since NCLB was adopted in 2002. The Obama administration is encouraging states to use student achievement as part of teacher evaluations, but the efforts are just beginning and achievement remains a relatively small part of the new systems. By international standards teachers are not highly compensated in the United States—at least one factor that determines the quality of individuals attracted to a profession and willing to stick with it. The list goes on. U.S. education policy is not serious about high-quality teachers.

Attracting, developing, and retaining the best teachers in the world will require radically different policies and practices from what the United States currently follows. The United States is simply too far off course for anything else. Fortunately, there are lessons from school systems abroad and in the United States to provide guidance. There is substantial research about what affects student achievement, and what does not. There is also solid evidence of what helps teachers, and what does not. In my new book, I offer a new strategy for raising teacher quality to the highest levels in the world. It is based on scientiﬁc research. It is also based on prominent examples of schools, colleges, and other educational organizations actually doing things very differently.

Cases in Point

Peabody College at Vanderbilt University merits a close look. It is rated number one at what it does by its peers, excels by all objective measures, attracts the highest achieving undergraduate and graduate education students in the nation, employs some of the most distinguished ﬁgures in education research, and provides training along the lines of the most respected training institutions internationally—but already tailored to the United States. If education schools need ideas of how to improve teacher quality, Peabody would seem the most likely place to ﬁnd them. Dean Benbow, her senior faculty and administrators, and numerous students were good enough to participate in interviews for this book, supplementing the public record.

Another obvious source of ideas is schools where students are achieving, especially with students who do not achieve easily themselves. The choice here is the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP). Since 1994, KIPP has slowly built a network of charter schools in disadvantaged communities with documented success in raising student achievement. Its approach is simple: each school is built by an extraordinary principal whose job it is to recruit, develop, and retain high-quality teachers.

For reasons now reinforced by research, this approach holds much promise for improving teacher quality. The CEO of the KIPP Foundation, Richard Barth, and key staff helped explain how KIPP prepares leaders and leaders prepare teachers. The U.S. Department of Education awarded a $50 million grant to KIPP this year to support replication of this approach in KIPP schools and select traditional public schools.

Efﬁcient schools may prove as important as effective schools for boosting teacher quality. If teaching is to become an esteemed profession able to attract and retain the best and brightest, it will need to provide better compensation, recognition of performance, intellectual stimulation, opportunities for growth, and more. Teaching in U.S. schools today can be drudgery, only partly occupied with instruction, often ﬁlled with repetition, and compensated without regard to merit.

In other industries, this sort of wage labor has been replaced by highly skilled and more professional roles, created through technological innovation. U.S. schools are beginning to experiment with new mixes of teachers and technology, to beneﬁt students and improve the job of teaching. Some schools are getting far more from a smaller number of teachers. Leaders at three such schools—one elementary, one K–8, and one high school, all in the Los Angeles area—were kind enough to share their stories and achievements with me.

A Different Strategy

These case studies enrich the research and bring to life a strategy for raising teacher quality that is very different from the approach this country has historically followed. It takes seriously the aim of raising student achievement to levels comparable to those of the best nations in the world. It therefore largely rejects the approach to teacher quality that has been this country’s hallmark—but which has not given us the best teachers in the world. The new strategy has three major elements:

1. The United States will never have a world-class teaching force unless teaching attracts and retains higher caliber individuals. Teachers drawn on average from the lower ranks of high school graduates simply will not do. To attract higher potential teaching candidates and to retain the most successful of them, the teaching profession must become more attractive relative to alternative lines of employment.

This means work that is less menial and more expert, less prescribed and more responsible. It means less wage labor and more pay for performance. It means substantially better compensation. It does not, however, need to mean more education spending. The United States already spends more on education per capita than most any nation in the world. It should not need to spend more. The teaching profession can be improved by helping teachers be more productive. As in every industry before it, education can improve productivity by turning to technology. Reconﬁguring schools to use teachers and technology to the best of their respective abilities could transform teaching. The profession would become more selective, requiring perhaps 20 percent fewer teachers overall. The work would become more differentiated and more highly skilled. Pay could be raised materially. These changes could reverse the brain-drain that has plagued teaching since women gained other opportunities more than a generation ago. Teaching could once again be a destination for top talent.

2. Teaching is not an art, to which some are born and others are not. It is an intellectually demanding endeavor that can and should be guided by research-based practice. Teachers should be trained, both before they take charge of a classroom and thereafter. They should not be trained, however, in the schools of education that predominate today. They should be trained in institutions and programs able to demonstrate their efﬁcacy in producing teachers who raise student achievement.

The last point is critical, as teacher quality has no meaning apart from student achievement. This training might well take place in universities and schools of education like Vanderbilt and Peabody, strong in research and practice. But it could also be provided by entities such as Teach for America, The New Teacher Project, or programs yet unknown—as long as they can demonstrate their efﬁcacy in producing teachers who can help students learn.

3. School leadership is critical to quality teaching. Principals have major inﬂuences on teacher development on the job, coaching teachers directly and helping teachers learn from one another or receive the external training they require. Principals play a lead role in creating the school culture that shapes student achievement. Principals create the working conditions that help determine whether great teachers remain. Principals evaluate teachers on all of the practices that go into student achievement, and should help schools keep the best teachers and improve or shed the weaker ones.

Principals speciﬁcally must retain top quartile teachers, replace bottom quartile teachers, and hire new teachers with higher probabilities of success. High-quality teaching therefore requires a different approach to the hiring and training of school principals, one that focuses, in a word, on achievement. Candidates for the post of principal should offer hard evidence that they have helped students learn, and subsequent training should emphasize the same.

These three elements comprise an approach to teacher quality which is fundamentally different from the U.S. norm, which is grounded in licensing and credentialing. As odd as it may seem to license manicurists and not teachers, as Benbow points out, that is precisely what U.S. policymakers should do—or at least the not-licensing-teachers part of the comparison. The United States needs to attract as many high-caliber people into teaching as possible, and licensing requirements today serve largely as an impediment to attracting high quality.

There is no evidence that licensing or certiﬁcation creates better teachers or even sets a ﬂoor beneath which quality cannot fall. Teacher quality is much more likely to be driven by changes in the workplace—productivity enhancements, compensation improvements, more professional leadership and management—than by requirements for how teachers are trained before or during their careers.

This is not to say that there are not promising models of teacher preparation and in-service training—including Peabody, as we shall see. But we know far too little to mandate any single approach to teacher preparation and credentialing. Instead of trying to provide quality assurance through licensure, policymakers should provide quality assurance by measuring performance directly. Policy should provide for the direct measurement of teacher effectiveness and the direct measurement of training effectiveness. Training programs might be university-based or not, pre-service or in-service. The effectiveness of each should be gauged by the ability of participants subsequently to raise student achievement.

Once the effectiveness of programs is objectively determined and made public, prospective teachers and employers will patronize those programs that work and eschew those that do not. In time, successful training programs will replicate and replace unsuccessful ones. Policymakers need not mandate them. Policymakers should focus instead on providing districts, schools, and principals with strong incentives to select, develop, and retain well-trained and high-performing teachers.

Moving beyond licensing and other regulatory approaches to teacher quality will not be easy. The status quo does not change readily in education. Over the years it has resisted innovation in countless ways, including technology, training, accountability, compensation, and more. The strategy advanced here is surely a threat to inﬂuential interests in the educational system, from teachers’ unions to schools of education.

It promises to cut teaching positions and put ineffective education schools out of business. It also offers beneﬁts. Teaching can become more professional and better compensated. University-based training can play a serious role in teacher development. In the past, the cost-beneﬁt calculation has always come down on the side of resistance. And U.S. students have paid the price in achievement. Today, there is growing consensus that teachers are the key to achievement.

The next step is recognizing that achieving with the best in the world requires teaching with the best. We have a long way to go in achievement—and so too a long way to go in teaching. A very different strategy is clearly necessary, whatever the politics.

This essay is excerpted from the book The Best Teachers in the World by John Chubb (Hoover Press, 2012).

View the discussion thread.

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Essay on Experience is the Best Teacher

Students are often asked to write an essay on Experience is the Best Teacher in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Experience is the Best Teacher

Introduction.

Experience is often described as the best teacher. Unlike formal education, it imparts life lessons that shape our character and influence our decisions.

Learning from Experience

When we experience something, we learn from it directly. This firsthand knowledge is more impactful and long-lasting than theoretical knowledge.

Experience Shapes Us

Our experiences, both good and bad, shape us. They help us grow, develop resilience, and become wiser.

In conclusion, while books can provide knowledge, real-life experiences teach us practical lessons that guide our actions and decisions. Thus, experience truly is the best teacher.

250 Words Essay on Experience is the Best Teacher

The primacy of experience, experience vs. formal education.

Formal education provides the foundation for understanding the world. However, it often lacks the real-world context that experience provides. For instance, a business student may understand the principles of management, but until they manage a team, their knowledge remains theoretical. Experience, on the other hand, exposes us to the complexities and nuances of reality, fostering a deeper understanding and honing our decision-making skills.

Experience and Resilience

Experience also cultivates resilience. Every experience, be it positive or negative, presents an opportunity for learning. When we encounter challenges or failures, we learn to adapt, improvise, and overcome. This resilience, born of experience, is a vital life skill that cannot be taught in classrooms.

Experience and Empathy

Furthermore, experience fosters empathy. Experiencing diverse situations and interacting with different people broadens our perspective, helping us understand and appreciate the complexities of human emotions and behaviors.

In conclusion, while formal education equips us with theoretical knowledge, it is experience that truly refines our understanding, builds resilience, and nurtures empathy. It is indeed the best teacher, providing lessons that remain etched in our minds and hearts, shaping our character and guiding our journey through life.

500 Words Essay on Experience is the Best Teacher

Introduction: the value of experience.

Experience is often quoted as the best teacher, a phrase that emphasizes the importance of practical knowledge over theoretical understanding. Theoretical knowledge, derived from textbooks and classroom lectures, provides a foundation, but it is the application of this knowledge in the real world that truly shapes our understanding and growth.

Theoretical Knowledge vs Practical Experience

Experience: a personalized teacher.

Experience is a personalized teacher, molding its lessons according to our unique circumstances. It provides us with tailor-made lessons that are directly applicable to our lives. Unlike theoretical knowledge, which is often generalized and abstract, experience offers concrete, tangible lessons that resonate on a personal level. It fosters introspection, self-awareness, and personal growth.

Learning from Mistakes

One of the most valuable lessons that experience teaches us is the ability to learn from our mistakes. It is through trial and error that we gain a deeper understanding of our actions and their consequences. This process of making mistakes and learning from them is a critical aspect of personal and professional development. It promotes resilience and the ability to bounce back from failures, traits that are essential for success in any endeavor.

Experience: A Catalyst for Innovation

Conclusion: embracing experience as a teacher.

In conclusion, experience is indeed the best teacher. It offers a dynamic, personalized, and practical approach to learning that theoretical knowledge alone cannot provide. It teaches us resilience, fosters innovation, and promotes personal growth. As college students, we should embrace every experience, both positive and negative, as an opportunity to learn and grow. After all, it is through experience that we truly understand the complexities of the world and our place within it.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

Happy studying!

One Comment

The Heart of Teaching: What It Means to Be a Great Teacher

Kindness, empathy, and a focus on building community are among the qualities of a great teacher.

What does it mean to be a great teacher? Of course credentials, knowledge, critical thinking, and all other faculties of intelligence are important. However, a great teacher should be much more than credentials, experience, and intelligence.

What lies in the heart of a great teacher?

You are kind: A great teacher shows kindness to students, colleagues, parents, and those around her or him. My favorite saying is “kindness makes the world go around.” It truly changes the environment in the classroom and school. Being a kind teacher helps students feel welcomed, cared for, and loved.

You are compassionate: Teaching is a very humanistic profession, and compassion is the utmost feeling of understanding and showing others you are concerned about them. A compassionate teacher models that characteristic to the students with her or his actions, and as a result students will be more open to understanding the world around them.

You are empathetic: Empathy is an important trait to have and to try to develop in ourselves and our students. Being able to put yourself in someone’s shoes and see things from their perspective can have a powerful impact on our decisions and actions.

You are positive: Being a positive person is not an easy task. Being a positive teacher is even harder when we’re always met with problems with very limited solutions. However, staying positive when it’s tough can have a tremendous positive impact on the students and everyone around us. Looking on the bright side always seems to help make things better.

You are a builder: A great teacher bridges gaps and builds relationships, friendships, and a community. Teachers always look to make things better and improve things in and outside of the classroom. Building a community is something a great teacher seeks to do in the classroom and extends that to the entire school and its community.

You inspire: Everyone looks at a great teacher and wants to be a better teacher, a better student, and even a better person. A great teacher uncovers hidden treasures, possibilities, and magic right before everyone’s eyes.

This piece was originally submitted to our community forums by a reader. Due to audience interest, we’ve preserved it. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own.

Greater Good Science Center • Magazine • In Action • In Education

What Teachers Really Need to Thrive

American teachers are increasingly stepping away from their jobs because of the educational systems and structures that prevent them from engaging in good teaching, which involves professional judgment, attunement to students’ multidimensional needs, and a connection to one’s purpose and values. The barriers to good teaching include overwork and underpay, in a profession that is increasingly undervalued—but that is not the whole story.

The results of a massive survey, America’s Teachers on Teaching in an Era of Change , indicate a strong correlation between teachers’ job satisfaction and feeling that their voices are heard.

Ninety-eight percent of the 20,000 respondents believe that teaching is more than a profession; it is how they make a difference in the world. The survey also suggested that new teachers, in particular, have comparatively higher needs for both content and social support . A frequently cited challenge for teachers was finding time to collaborate with colleagues, and rural and small-town teachers feel significantly more isolated and in need of support, connection, and collaboration.

While self-care strategies such as mindfulness, gratitude, and self-compassion have been shown to support individual well-being , they are insufficient to support teachers who believe that their institutions are not in alignment with their values. These educators need the support and connection of an authentic learning community to give meaning, purpose, and direction to their work. Such communities are of particular importance for reengaging those suffering from demoralization, helping them regain their self-efficacy , which can lead to increased job satisfaction and commitment to students and the profession. There is power and hope when we work together.

With this context in mind, we’ve taken steps at the Greater Good Science Center to provide opportunities for connection and collaboration to further support the over 1.1 million educators, from every U.S. state and over 200 countries, who actively utilize our resources at Greater Good in Education . We are dedicated to lifting up teacher voices, reconnecting educators to their purpose, and building a courageous community empowered to change the dominant narrative in education to one that values kindness, cooperation, and other prosocial qualities.

We recently completed the Greater Good Educators pilot program and received feedback from a diverse group of 60 participants, representing twelve U.S. states and nine countries. We provided them an opportunity to engage with one another and bring the science of a meaningful life into their lives, schools, and classrooms. Each month, we introduced a new well-being topic, via a digital platform, to learn about, practice, and apply in their school settings. Additionally, participants met online monthly for 90 minutes to make connections, solve problems, and share resources in a facilitated community of practice .

We used feedback from monthly surveys to inform the ongoing development of the program and employed a final comprehensive survey and targeted participant interviews to measure program impact. The final feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 98% of the participants rating the overall program “very good” or “excellent.” They appreciated the opportunity to meet with colleagues across the globe who had similar goals and interests. As one participant explained: “I loved meeting with so many different people from around the country, and around the world, to hear varied perspectives, as well as international similarities!”

In meeting together regularly with others who shared their passion for building happier, kinder schools and classrooms where everyone belongs, participants identified three ways that the program provided them with the hope and courage to expand and magnify their good work.

Greater Good Educators Program (Fall 2024)

Exploring science-based practices for kinder, happier schools where everyone belongs

A sense of belonging. When we are understood, recognized, and affirmed by others, we feel we belong to a community. Researchers recognize this sense of belonging as an essential aspect of our well-being and central to a meaningful life . As we engaged in a collective exploration and dialogue around well-being themes and practices in the community of practice, participants reported a deepened understanding of content and a strengthening of group bonds. This sense of belonging was frequently expressed as feeling welcomed, heard, included, or accepted. As noted by a participant, “It was so nice to be in a community of like-minded people and to feel myself part of a global movement.”

Voice and agency. Feeling heard and experiencing agency is key to giving purpose and meaning to our life and work. When our thoughts and feelings are shared without fear of judgment, and we believe we can make a difference, we are more likely to take positive action. As indicated by another participant, “You can voice your values and essentially garner support amongst a community to enact change.” Being in a learning community where reflection and mindful listening are practiced allows educators to engage authentically, supporting their efforts to act courageously on their values to benefit students and whole school communities.

Social connection and support. Our brains are wired to connect . Scientific evidence strongly suggests that reaching out and interacting with others is a core psychological need . Feeling supported by others can even make us more resilient by lowering levels of cortisol, activating regions of the brain that bring us a sense of safety, and helping us handle stress. Recent research reveals that the personal benefits of belonging to a group with shared interests include not only feeling good, but also making people feel capable and in control of their lives and work. Since educators spend most of their days supporting the social and emotional lives of their students, with little time for themselves, participating in an ongoing community of practice provides a healing and inspiring space for social connection and support. “It’s really replenished my strength and kept me going this year and I’m grateful,” reflected another participant.

Being a teacher is hard work, and there is no denying that much of the burnout, demoralization, and attrition is a systemic problem , rather than an individual one. However, nurturing a sense of collective efficacy may offer us a way forward. As one educator said, “Courage is easier in community.” As our systems let us down, we can join with others for support, connection, and hope as we work to address the root causes of the problems.

This fall, we will be opening up registration for Greater Good Educators . Whether you are hoping for connection and community or learning and inspiration, we encourage you to join us in building kinder, happier schools where everyone belongs.

About the Author

Margaret Golden

Margaret Golden, Ed.D. , is the education community manager at the Greater Good Science Center. She is the coauthor of Teach Our Children Well: Essential Strategies for the Urban Classroom and editor of Teaching and Learning from the Inside Out: Revitalizing Ourselves and Our Institutions .

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50 Great Teachers

50 great teachers: socrates, the ancient world's teaching superstar.

Eric Westervelt

Today, NPR Ed kicks off a yearlong series: 50 Great Teachers.

We're starting this celebration of teaching with Socrates, the superstar teacher of the ancient world. He was sentenced to death more than 2,400 years ago for "impiety" and "corrupting" the minds of the youth of Athens.

But Socrates' ideas helped form the foundation of Western philosophy and the scientific method of inquiry. And his question-and-dialogue-based teaching style lives on in many classrooms as the Socratic method.

I went to Oakland Technical High School in California to see it in action.

It's the first period of the morning, and student Annelise Eeckman is sparring with teacher Maryann Wolfe about Social Security. They get into the roller-coaster nature of the U.S. stock market and the question of what role the market should play, if any, in workers' retirement plans.

"It's not influencing me," Wolfe says.

"You're not retired currently," Eeckman counters.

"But I have stock," Wolfe says. "You know what happened Thursday and Friday, right? Friday it started going back up again; yesterday it went up a little bit more."

"And what if tomorrow it dips?" Eeckman says.

"Well, yeah, but you depend on one day?"

In this 12th-grade Advanced Placement American government class, students are not just encouraged, they're expected to question the teacher — and each other.

That's at the heart of the Socratic method that's come down to us from the streets of Athens: dialogue-based critical inquiry. The goal here is to focus on the text, ideas and facts — not just opinions — and to dig deeper through discussion.

Maryann Wolfe leads her AP American government class at Oakland Technical High School in a discussion about the history of third parties in American politics. Elissa Nadworny/NPR hide caption

Maryann Wolfe leads her AP American government class at Oakland Technical High School in a discussion about the history of third parties in American politics.

On this particular morning, students are tackling the history of third parties in American politics. They're poring over the platforms of past candidates, including Ross Perot, Ralph Nader and Pat Buchanan.

"I'm just trying to figure out what the Republicans must be thinking, what Pat Buchanan must be thinking," says Wolfe as she leans on her lectern.

"Well, if we look at the group of people that the Republicans tend to focus their opinions on, they're usually of the more wealthy classes," one student says.

Senior Jonah Oderberg confidently pushes back on the idea of school vouchers, which Wolfe is defending.

"If you have that high-enough income to afford that private education," says Oderberg, "that should be coming out of your own pocket. There's already adequate public schools."

"So you want me to pay double?" asks Wolfe, smiling as she walks closer to Oderberg's desk in the back of the room.

"Um, no," Oderberg says. The class laughs.

"Sounds like it," Wolfe counters and turns back to the front of the class.

'The Complexity Of The Issues'

This is good classroom jousting.

OK, one student is falling asleep.

But everyone else is wide awake and into the discussion.

"I think the Socratic method means that you're going to have a whole bunch of ideas floating to the surface," says Wolfe, who helped build this school's Socratic seminar program, which is part of a national Paideia program that encourages the Socratic method.

"I want them to see the complexity of the issues. I believe the students really learn that way. Because they have to speak, they have to be engaged in what we're trying to learn."

For Wolfe, the Socratic method at its core means getting students to actually listen to each other and to differing opinions. It's been her main teaching tool during her nearly three decades in the classroom.

"Maybe we won't find exact truths in this class," she says. "But we will at least look at all possibilities, and they will have a truth right at that moment. And the moment comes when they have to stand up and debate it, when they have to write an essay about it. They have to take a side."

As part of the class, Wolfe requires students to get involved with a local political campaign, ballot measure or issue. Senior Sierra Robbins is volunteering for a local effort to boost the minimum wage, which she says has changed her views about the power of civic engagement and the role of government.

"It felt so distant and too big to be changed," Robbins says. "And I went out and talked to people, and it felt really different. It felt like you could really do something."

'Critical Dialogue'

Socrates didn't write anything down. And details of his life remain largely unknown. Many of his ideas, and much of his life as a teacher and philosopher, are known largely through the writings of his best student, Plato, in his Dialogues.

But we do know that Socrates — the man and myth — valued reasoned, logical oral arguments that sought truth through probing discourse.

Today you can call Wolfe's Oakland classes Socratic. But maybe this is just what good teaching looks like: an engaged, passionate teacher facilitating a critical dialogue and acting as a kind of intellectual coach. Not a teacher merely lecturing or teaching to a test.

I asked 17-year-old Maddie Ahlers what she's gotten out of the program.

"I think that the Socratic method has to be a part of good teaching, because it's one thing to write an essay or be able to take a test," Ahlers says. "But later in life, you're gonna have to be able to articulate your own views and say verbally what you think about an issue or anything you believe."

Black Pine Circle

At Oakland Tech, Socrates lives on mainly in its AP classes and seminars. At some other schools, he is literally everywhere.

At Black Pine Circle , a private school in Berkeley, Socrates' stenciled face peers out at students from many of the walls and hallways.

"Now remember, in the inner circle we don't need to raise hands," sixth- and seventh-grade teacher Tim Ogburn tells his students. "Let's just try to have a conversation. Outer circle for right now, I just want you guys listening."

Seventh-grade students respond to teacher Tim Ogburn's questions about a Japanese creation myth. Their school, Black Pine Circle , in Berkeley, Calif., follows the Socratic method. Elissa Nadworny/NPR hide caption

Seventh-grade students respond to teacher Tim Ogburn's questions about a Japanese creation myth. Their school, Black Pine Circle , in Berkeley, Calif., follows the Socratic method.

Every class is imbued with Socratic style, and the pedagogy includes regular Socratic seminars. (OK, Socrates likely skips gym class.)

"When you hear people tell a story it kind of gives you an idea of who they are," says one seventh-grader in Ogburn's class. Students sit in semicircular rows discussing a Japanese creation myth. One circle is tasked with talking while another is supposed to just listen — and think.

Ogburn is trying to get students to look beyond the basics: that the myth was part of a pre-scientific society trying to explain the world.

"So, inner circle, tell me: How is this story about balance?"

When done right, Ogburn says, he is facilitating a real dialogue. It's a method he hopes his students can use to approach lifelong learning as well as life itself.

"The Socratic method forces us to take a step back from that and ask questions like: What's going on here? What does this possibly mean?" Ogburn says. "What's important? What's less important? What might be motivating this person to say this?"

Head of School John Carlstroem agrees. "What we're trying to teach kids is to ask the question, 'What makes you say that?' " he says.

"I think that the best scientists and mathematicians — that's the question they're asking in all of their work: 'What makes us say that? What gives us this idea?' "

In the eighth grade, students are expected to take charge. In English class, teacher Chris Chun sits to the side and largely stays quiet while eighth-grader Alexander Blau leads a small-group discussion on George Orwell's classic dystopian novel, Animal Farm .

Another group silently listens while a third group will offer critical feedback.

"Does anybody here know what 'beatifically' means, and could you guess it based on the context?" Blau asks the group. "Tommy, do you think you have an idea?"

After the discussion, teacher Chun asks the class how they did. The other students comment on the discussion. One student suggests Blau shouldn't have let another student, David, take over as the leader. Then the groups switch, and another student-led discussion begins.

"We really remind our teachers that what we're trying to get at is the process of learning for learning's sake," Carlstroem says. "Let's not make this all about learning to gain information but to learn how to learn. I think that's when the democratic process comes through in all this."

Start 'Em Young

At this K-8 school, it's never too early to start a Socratic seminar. Black Pine Circle's kindergartners start with a Question of the Day. On the day I visited, first-graders were doing basic addition — as a group — using dominoes.

First-graders at Black Pine Circle School in Berkeley, Calif., learn basic addition using dominoes. Elissa Nadworny/NPR hide caption

First-graders at Black Pine Circle School in Berkeley, Calif., learn basic addition using dominoes.

"I think of it as the teacher doesn't have the one true answer; the class constructs knowledge together," says first-grade teacher Leila Sinclaire. "They need to learn how to listen to one another and learn from one another and celebrate mistakes. I don't explain things by saying, 'This is what we're doing and this is why.' I ask them: 'What are you interested in and how can we explore that together?' " Sinclaire says.

Carlstroem says young children respond well to this style of teaching.

"Five-, 6- and 7-year-olds are so naturally curious that in many ways they may be the most naturally Socratic," he says. "Those of us who have had 3-year-olds know that that's a part of what that is when they say, 'Why? Why? Why?' all the time."

Some scholars argue that Socrates was being ironic and playful when he said that all he knows is that he knows nothing. His call for intellectual humility was also meant to poke fun at the pretensions of Athenian society. So maybe it's fitting that the Bay Area has a school dedicated to the Socratic method. At times Silicon Valley's 'we're saving the world one app at a time' ethos could perhaps use a dose of Socratic humility.

Scholars today are still trying to parse what's truly Socratic from Plato's idealized accounts. Was the great teacher mainly a creation of his student?

Maybe it doesn't matter.

"Would we still do it if it was called Frodo's practice?" asks Head of School John Carlstroem. "My answer is yes, because the proof is in the pudding. When we look at what happens in a Socratic classroom and how it works — it's amazing. I think the reason we call it Socratic practice is because, like a lot of things, we're working at it."

They're practicing and refining the techniques of critical thinking all the time, he says. It's a process that's never really finished.

Effective Teachers’ Skills and Qualities Essay

To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
As a template for you assignment

The term stakeholder that refers to the educational process means people who provide well-being and success for a school and its students. Teachers, administrators, personnel, parents, and even students are all stakeholders. However, it goes without saying that teachers are the most important part of education.

Firstly, it is important to understand the essence of good teaching. Great teachers have a combination of many qualities. It is believed that such qualities as warmth, planning, and self-discipline determine a good teacher. Although a good teaching demands deep knowledge of subject matter and erudition, these characteristics are not number one. According to Slavin (2006, p. 3), “effective teachers not only know their subjects, but they can also communicate their knowledge to students.” It cannot be denied that it is crucial for teachers to follow instructions and rules. Nevertheless, teaching is a creative profession especially considering that every student has a unique personality, and it is very important to find a special approach to every individual and teach children in accordance with their personal abilities. What is more, one of the most necessary characteristics of great teachers is attentiveness. Due to this, good teachers develop close relationships with their students that, to some extent, help children to succeed not only in school but also in their future lives.

To sum up, some people say that teaching is not a profession, and it is a vocation. They assume that teachers are born that way and have some extra abilities. Although there is a sound idea in this statement, it is essential not to forget that to be a great teacher, a human has to get a degree in education and acquire necessary teaching skills.

Reference List

Slavin, R 2006, Educational psychology: Theory and practice , Allyn and Bacon, Boston.

Characteristics of an Effective Teacher
Teacher Self-Efficacy: Significance and Improving
The Attitude to Vocation as the Theme of Michael Dorris “The Benchmark”
Max Weber: Economic History, Theory of Bureaucracy, and Politics as a Vocation
How to Recognize an Informational Web Page: Nursing Informatics
Self-Management for Enhancing Teaching and Learning
Role, Responsibilities and Boundaries of a Teacher in Terms of Teaching Cycle
Team Collaboration Between Teachers in Schools
Why I Enjoyed a Particular Teacher
Three Basic Ethical Considerations in Educational Practice
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

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Monday, July 22, 2024

Future Educators

Helping America's Future Teachers

I Want to Become a Teacher Because | My Dream Job Essay

My dream is to become a teacher . If you have this dream, you’re not alone. Here’s a collection of short essays by aspiring teachers. Current and future education students were asked to describe their motivation; what inspires them to succeed at their teacher training studies.

In these 31 student essays, future educators answer the question “I want to become a teacher because …” or “I want to become a teacher to …”. The short student essays are grouped thematically, forming the top reasons to become a teacher.

1. Giving Brings Its Own Rewards

Helping people is the unifying theme as to why students are inspired and motivated to become teachers. Education is a field where you can help young people directly in a personal way; potentially changing their lives for the better. Teaching is more than just a job.

For a significant percentage of education students, the opportunity to be of service provides plenty of motivation to pursue a teaching career. In each Why I Want to Become a Teacher essay here, a future educator explains why teaching is an opportunity to do something meaningful and beneficial.

by Hanna Halliar

If I can make an impact in just one child’s life, I will be able to consider myself successful. That is my motivation. As a future educator, what else would it be?

Every day that is spent in class, the late nights at the library, the endless hours of studying are all just steps getting me closer to the goal. When I am still up at 1 a.m. struggling to keep my eyes open, but only half way through my 6 page paper I remember how excited I am to work with my own students one day.

To me, being a teacher is so much more than the typical response most people have towards education majors. “Oh, you’re going to be a teacher. You know how much you will make?” Yes, I’m aware that I will be making an average of $50,000 a year in Indiana.

To me being a teacher means that I get the opportunity to not only teach my students math, English, and science but to teach life lessons that will stick with them as well. It means walking into school every day being the reason my students look forward to coming to school. It means being surrounded by crafts, books, and music and not being stuck in an office. It means educating our future generation. And if somebody has to do it, it should be somebody who is passionate about it.

So what motivates me to study? It is so simple, it is the kids.

by Savannah Stamates

I lay awake at night and practice my first morning message to my first round of students whom I will not meet for more than a year.

I wonder if I will have hungry children, happy children, or broken children. I wonder if I will be good enough or strong enough to reach those most in need. I wonder if my students will trust me enough to tell me that they are hungry, happy, or scared.

I worry that I will not be strong enough to share their burden or provide a place for peace and learning. I worry that I will misread their actions or their words or miss them reaching out.

So I study, even when I am tired from working two jobs or sick of not being where I want to be. When my time comes to walk into that classroom, my worries and doubts will be silenced by the knowledge I have mastered and the dream I have finally achieved.

by Charity Latchman

Dreams for the future are subjective. They can be based on what we desire. But visionary dreams are not only for us. Imagine asking some of the greatest revolutionaries and pioneers about their dreams. They generally had others in mind. In the famous “I have a Dream” speech, Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr said “we” more than thirty times. Dreams are not for our benefit alone, but to encourage, inspire and benefit others.

Recently I graduated from California Baptist University with a degree in English literature. During my studies, I was cared for my disabled mother. She was a religious studies professor who inculcated me with a diligent and steadfast approach to schoolwork. Managing the role of caregiver with university studies was challenging. But the goal to become a teacher kept me going. Approaching graduation, my mother was diagnosed with throat cancer. She didn’t worry about herself as much as you might expect but kept pushing me to finish the final paper in the program.

With her encouragement, my faith, and a burning desire to teach English literature, I graduated. My motivation comes from wanting to help, to encourage, and to inspire others. Teaching is an act of giving that has its own rewards. Life’s trials bring ups and downs. But we must always strive to attain our dreams, especially when others are central to them.

by Katheryn England

As a high school senior, many people assume I’m prepared for college and know what I want to study after graduation. These assumptions cause me to experience moments of self-doubt. Then I re-evaluate what I want for myself, and what it is that keeps me working towards my dreams. Through the goals I’ve set for myself, I can maintain focus, move past my self-doubt and succeed. By focusing on my goals, I can make a difference in the world directly around me.

A goal I have in my life is to be an elementary teacher, also known as an early childhood teacher. As a teacher, I can share the knowledge I’ve gained to leave behind a better future for our world .

Last year, I had the opportunity to work alongside a previous elementary teacher and mentor of mine. I’d visit her classroom daily, and taught lessons alongside her or independently. Uniquely, they were the opening act in my high school’s original winter play. They read first-hand from our scripts and learned what happens behind the scenes. Showing a new part of the world to the youth of my community has motivated me to pursue my dreams.

Remembering this experience and the positive influence I had on those students helps me overcome self-doubt and stay focused on my goals. Thanks to the goals I’ve set for my life, I not only can find purpose for my efforts, but find the will to be confident in whatever choices I make.

by Emma Lillard-Geiser

I have always known that I would become two things: a mother and a teacher. What I didn’t know is that I would become the mother before the teacher. Having a child that depends on me is what fuels my desire to succeed in life. When I get frustrated with my studies I take a deep breath, look at my daughter, and know that I have reason to persevere. I know that one hour of studying will give me hours with my daughter as soon as I am done.

My mother is a teacher and growing up I cherished learning from her. She had knowledge that I admired and I quickly realized that I had to spend my whole life learning. I love to learn, to have that light go off in my head when it all just clicks.

I cannot wait to see that light in the eyes of my daughter and my future students. For every thing that I learn, is another thing I can teach someone else. It isn’t easy to study when you have a small child to take care of but I know that my education will provide me with the ability to take care of her for the rest of our lives.

2. Help Disadvantaged Students

Students are disadvantaged for many reasons, whether it’s because of a handicap, where they live, economic disadvantage or a language barrier.

Future educators may want to become teachers so they can make a difference in the lives of students who face extra learning challenges. This special interest often comes from the future teacher’s own experience, either personally or involving people they’ve known.

by Ian T Thomason

While attending the University of Minnesota-Mankato, I have aspirations of becoming a Special Education Teacher. Becoming a Special Education Teacher and helping students who have a need for extra help and students who are having troubles with everyday life are things that I dream of doing. I was in their shoes once and know how difficult it is to deal with everyday life and how nice it was have a teacher to talk to.

Becoming a Special Education Teacher is my ultimate goal and, when difficult times arise, I have to remind myself of the children out there who have it potentially worse than I. When I remember this, I also think back to all of the support that I had from my parents, family members, and teachers. I also know that there are lots of children who don’t have this type of support and, if I can be there for them, that would make my career choice all the more worth it.

My Special Education degree is something more than just a degree for me. It is a degree that allows me to help children improve their education. I realize that children are our future and that their minds are terrible things to waste. So, instead of wasting their minds, why not put our best foot forward to educate them? My dream is to help kids realize their full potential, promote education and a brighter future for every child.

by Katherine

Motivation allows you to persist through difficult circumstances. Mine comes from a desire to grow into an instructor who is able to make a difference to many children’s lives.

In elementary school, I actually was a special education student. I’ve had to work hard most days of my life to achieve anything. I could not have succeeded without the support of some absolutely amazing teachers. Now I desire to take on that supporting role for as many students as I can reach.

When a class or an assignment I don’t want to do come up, I think of what motivates me. And the motivation is children. Many students feel powerless about their education, just like I did. I could be a teacher who turns their education around, providing vital support and motivation to succeed at their studies. Ultimately, everyone motivates themselves by one way or another. My motivation comes from the pure desire to help future students.

by Robbie Watson

My road to graduate school has been a long one. I studied religion and culture in undergrad, interested in the material, yet not sure how I would apply it later. Yet I found places, got involved in community and international development, engaged with different cultures, and now feel I use my degree every day.

For over two years I worked alongside Congolese refugees in Rwanda, developing educational opportunities for youths who could not finish secondary school in the underfunded camps. It is these refugees, young and old, the students, the teachers, their passion and vision for a better future that has driven me to seek out more education for myself. I remember how they would pay from their families’ meager funds to attend classes led by volunteer teachers. When finances were against them, or time, or family obligations, or the dire depression of the camp life itself, or even government officials were against them, still those students attended, still those teachers taught.

It is their example of perseverance towards a goal against all odds that inspires me now. I think of them often, think of the friends they were, are still. And I think of how that passion is in me now, to better understand education so that I might better educate, and thus equip such downtrodden communities to work for transformation themselves. I work not only for myself, and am motivated by the potential in those students and educators, which is also in me, and in others like them.

by Natalie Pelayo

I’m a young Latino woman working towards the goal of earning a bachelor degree in bilingual education. On occasions, I feel a slowing in my motivation. But, every time it happens, I think about the goal and that pushes me to move forward.

Looking back to a middle school class I attended, there was a boy who never really participated. He sat in his hoodie, looking down to his desk. Only after trying to talk with him, I discovered he spoke with broken English and a thick Spanish accent. It seemed as if no-one in our class actually knew that he struggled to understand what was being taught because it was presented in English.

By his manner, it was apparent that he had already accepted a dismal fate. Past teachers may have been unable to communicate with him. Eventually, he’d become demoralized. Thinking about the disadvantages he had to endure provides ongoing motivation to study hard.

I aim to become a bilingual elementary school teacher to support young Spanish-speaking children. As a teacher, I’ll be able to show them that they can succeed. Children need not grow up thinking they’re incapable of learning due to a language barrier. I’ll keep working towards my goal to help ensure teaching is inclusive of all children, no matter their first language.

by Abigail Young

I am an American citizen, but my whole life I have lived in Cameroon, Africa. I have been blessed with an enormous amount of opportunities and a great education at a private international school.

Every day I have seen children and teenagers around me who do not get the same education or have the same possibilities of a “bright” future. I see schools that are forced to have three children share a small table, paper, and pens. I have seen a badly lit room with poor roofs and walls made from bricks. Even in my school there are numerous Cameroonians, my friends, and classmates that do not have the same chances at a higher level education, although they work just as hard.

When I study, I study hard because I do not want to let this chance and opportunity go to waste. I study because I have been undeservedly blessed to be able to go the United States for a high education with better chances at getting scholarship money. I study my hardest because it is my dream that I may come back and make a difference in countries like Africa with poor education systems . It should be a right for children to be able to learn like I have. Therefore, because of this mindset, I am driven to study not just out of thankfulness for my circumstances, but also in hope that I may be able to give other children a better chance, and a greater reason to study.

3. Helping Many People Is Achievable in Teaching

A powerful source of motivation for some education students is the potential to touch and positively impact the lives of many people. Education is a field of consequence and that’s a good reason for wanting to join the teaching profession.

Over the course of a long career, a classroom teacher may help shape the learning experience of hundreds or even thousands of students. In policy roles, educators can affect millions of people.

by Rachel Bayly

Through high school I worked as a teacher at a daycare. When I left for college I said goodbye to a lot of people, including my students. All summer I had woken up at five in the morning to go to work and wait for them to arrive and put a smile on my face. Those kids motivated me to keep waking up and working hard, and leaving them was not easy.

The thing that made that goodbye worth it, the reason that I keep pushing through this tying chapter of my life is that I am determined to improve early childhood education in the United States .

I want to be a positive force in the lives of as many children as I possibly can, and I plan on doing that by improving standards and policies for early childhood education and making it more affordable.

Every week I write in my planner, “I will make a difference” and one way that I will change the lives of children and families. On days that I find myself asking, “why am I here?” “why am I going into debt, paying to be stressed out all the time?” I think of my students. I read my “I will make a difference” statements.

I remember that some children out there are stuck in low quality child care centers, they will never reach their full potential, and they need help. I keep working hard everyday so that I can help those children.

by Megan Burns

My ultimate goal is to change the lives of people. Studying to be a teacher is hard. All of the classes that are required, all of the practicums, and all of the time spent just to become a teacher is stressful, but the thought of being able to help just one person changes everything.

It takes one person to be a light in someone’s life. It take one person to be a helping hand. It takes one person to change an unmotivated, broken life, and make it brand new. Qualified teachers are those people. We motivate students to do their best, we guide students to success when no one else will, and we are always available to listen. One teacher can change the lives of thousands of students. That is my motivation.

I know that after college, I will be a teacher, a guider, a counselor, and a friend to so many students. No matter how many bad days I have or how many times I want to quit, I just think of what is to come in the future. I can be that change this world needs, even if its in a small high school classroom. It just takes one person.

by Victoria Shoemkaer

My dream is to make a difference in the life of children.

To make them excited about learning.
To make it fun the way it used to be when they were younger.
To show them that someone cares about them and wants to see them succeed.
To show that they are much more that a test score or a number.
To believe in them so much, that I do not let them get discouraged from chasing their dreams.
To showing them that everyone fails and it’s your recovery that determines what happens next.
To sacrifice myself to gives them more opportunities for success.
To encourage students to succeed in and out of the classroom for the betterment of themselves and the community.
To inspire them to change the world, because they can.
To help them transform into caring and compassionate adults who are ready to conquer the word, but remember where they came from.
To teach them to do good in the world because anyone can accomplish doing well.

Most importantly, my dream is to make children feel like their voice is important and valued and that they are loved more than they know.

4. Lives Can Be Improved by Dedicated Instructors

Teaching a subject such as Math or English is the everyday task of a teacher. But our prospective teachers see a greater purpose in their training and career path.

The daily motivation to teach doesn’t come from the superficial advantages of a teaching career, such as great job security or extra vacation time. Here are stories by future educators who want to go beyond the curriculum and improve people’s lives all round.

by Savannah Luree Weverka

Teachers are the ones who ignited my love for learning and there is not a day that goes by when I do not challenge myself to a personal goal of lifelong learning.

My mother is a teacher, so I was a student educated in an institution filled with support and a home that also supported education. I recall many teacher “get-togethers” and Husker parties where an informal invitation led to my presence.

Due to all of this support and interaction received throughout my elementary and high school career, Elementary Education continues to be at the top of my career choices. And now, as a senior looking forward to graduating from high school, teachers remain my role models .

In considering a focus in Elementary Education, I now realize that many teachers not only teach children eight hours of the day, but become doctors for scraped knees, dictionaries for challenging words, mediators between students, and parents away from home.

Now, as I am taking the steps to make my dream come true I hope to make school an escape to free their minds and expand their knowledge. I want to share my love of learning with my students.

by Aaron Banta

Since I was younger, I have had the dream of becoming a history teacher at the high school level. The reason I am striving for this career is thanks to a teacher I had. They held such a passion for history and taught it so well that it made me want to keep learning everything I could about it.

In college, I have had to work multiple jobs and attend school full-time. I would wake up early in the morning and not get home until late at night. The one thing that kept me on top of my studying and work was the dream I have; to be able to teach history and express my love for it by teaching the next generation. I strive to impact their lives for the better just like mine was.

Being able to pass my courses and get a degree and teaching credentials is the first main goal I am striving for. But being able to have a positive impact on students I have will be an even greater goal that I want to accomplish. I am hoping to guide them through their study of my favorite subject so I can teach them about the world and help them just like my teacher had helped me.

by Chelsea Rogers

At USC Upstate, I am studying to be a Secondary Education Mathematics teacher. The math courses are not easy and the education courses pushes you to challenge yourself. The thought of being a future teacher is what motivates me to keep pushing.

Although I do not know any of my students, they are precious to me and I believe it is my job to change their lives for the better. Teaching math is my job, but looking beyond my content and into the wellbeing of my students is my passion.

The question I always ask myself is how can I teach students who may not trust me? I have to establish a connection with each student so that they will see I care about them academically, physically, and emotionally. Once students see that you care about them in these areas, it becomes easier to teach them and they are willing to perform to the best of their ability because they know their teacher supports them 100 percent. Being a great teacher is what motivates me to continue striving for my degree.

by Micayla Watroba

One plus one is two. Phone is pronounced with an F sound. 60 divided by 15 is 4. An essay typically has five paragraphs. I know all these things because I went to school. I also had teachers that helped me understand it even when I didn’t get the same opportunities as everyone else.

See, when I was in first grade I was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia. This made school very hard. I was either out of school so often that I missed entire chapters or I was bullied so badly that I couldn’t focus because I was so scared. Having cancer also made it hard for my mom and dad to pay for food and rent much less after school activities and tutoring. I grew up knowing that there were some things that were just not in reach for us.

For as bad as I had it, I can’t imagine having to live on the streets, going hungry, or even being taught in a language I don’t know.

My dream is to be the teacher that makes sure that every student gets an education that helps them succeed. I want to make sure that my students not only enjoy being at school but feel safe while there. My students will know that it doesn’t matter where they came from or what background they came from. I am going to be there and I will not leave them behind. This is my dream.

5. Promote Lifelong Learning in Young People

What inspires some people to become teachers is the power to set young people on the right education path. Helping children to have good early experiences and embrace the learning process can profoundly enhance someone’s life. The potential for transformative early development applies to handicapped and disadvantaged kids as much as anyone.

by Lesley Martinez-Silva

I aspire to make a difference in others’ lives through education. I’m studying to be an elementary school teacher because I believe that children can achieve so much more if they learn early of their potential.

Education has always been my priority. My parents always stressed the importance of obtaining an education, having missed that opportunity themselves. My parents taught me as a child that schooling was vital to success in life. Truly, that lesson has been the most important in my path to college. I don’t think I would’ve made it this far had I not taken my education seriously.

I want to teach others about the importance of education so they too can prosper. Everything I’m learning at university is important for my future career and, if I don’t study it, I’m failing my future students. Every child deserves the best education available and I should strive to be the best educator possible to provide that for them. When balancing academics, work, and my social life, it can get challenging to keep going. But, with the future of children’s education in my hands, I always get back on track.

by Brianna Rivers

One of my goals is to become a teacher and work in an public elementary school within the greater Boston area (possibly my own elementary school). I want to be a teacher because I enjoy working with children and I know how important teachers are in children’s lives. I plan on receiving my Bachelor’s degree for Early Childhood Education and my Master’s degree in Special Education.

I want to major in Early Childhood Education because early education is significant for children and is a building block for their future in learning . I also want to major in Special Education because I believe all children should receive equal learning opportunities as well as equal treatment (meaning an inclusive environment, etc).

I think all of my experiences have a positive impact on myself because I am learning more about what it takes to be a teacher and what it takes to be a good teacher. My experiences also have a positive impact on the children and adults I work with. I offer a helping hand to the teachers and a friendly face to the children.

I plan to continue to work hard and take advantage of learning opportunities to achieve both of my goals. Being a teacher is my desire and I will stop at nothing to be a great teacher one day.

by Jennamarie Moody

When I close my eyes, I picture myself in a school located in an urban setting, teaching a classroom of diverse yet alike students. These students are in the second grade, meaning that they are impressionable yet vulnerable to their environment whether this means at home, at school, or in their greater community.

Some of these students don’t speak English as their first language, and some come from low-income households that can limit their educational experiences outside of the classroom. And yet, no matter what differences these students bring to the table, their uniqueness flows throughout the classroom in such a positive energy that embraces, respects, and promotes learning. This is the goal I am working towards; the goal to inspire our youth to become self-advocates for their learning .

Opportunities for equal educational experiences may not exist, however the beauty lies in the growth of love young students can develop as they are challenged in the classroom to question their surroundings. I plan to make a difference in the lives of the children I meet along the way, and to create a safe learning environment.

Although the tests for certification and studies can be difficult, my passion for education and dedication to shaping the lives of my students is what keeps me going. The end goal is to nurture the development of my students to become active and engaged participants in society, and that is what I intend to do completely.

by Julie Anderson

My long-time goal has been to become a teacher, and this year I’m in a class called Teachers for Tomorrow, where I get to shadow a kindergarten teacher. Working with her and the students has increased my interest in children with special needs.

From here on out, I want to support my students in academics and other parts of their lives so I can help them learn, grow, and succeed. I know that children need a strong start to their school career because the first few years of school are crucial; this is when students begin to love or hate learning itself. Whether or not children enjoy school, they deserve to appreciate learning. Students who love learning will always want to improve themselves.

I will make an effort to provide a loving environment where each child can prosper. However, for students with special needs, this task becomes even harder to accomplish because traditional classrooms are usually set up for non-disabled students. While I know I can’t “save” every student I teach, and some of them will still hate learning, at least I can start them off right.

When I’m swamped with schoolwork, I will imagine my future students and how I could influence their lives. Even though not all of my college classes will relate to my major, forming a habit of working hard in college will help me to succeed as a future teacher.

6. Teachers Are Excellent Role Models

The experience of being helped and transformed by a good teacher leaves a lasting impression. Teaching is considered a noble profession for good reasons.

Some education students are motivated to become a teacher to emulate their own role models. They want to provide the same kind of service they once received. An added reason for pursuing a teaching career is to be a role model to younger people outside the classroom, including one’s own children.

by Teresa Pillifant

My first day – well, more like first semester- of my freshman year in high school was the hardest semester of my whole school career. Usually the kind of student who loves school, I found myself getting stomach aches in the morning and dreading school with my whole being. I was new to the school, and the number of students was overwhelming.

It seemed like there was no relief, except for my first hour Spanish class. Having no friends, I would always arrive at my first hour class early. As this pattern continued, my Spanish teacher and I developed a relationship. My teacher started giving me books to read, asking my opinion on what we should do in class and just talked to me in general about life. Through my teacher’s support, I grew to find my place in the school and became more confident.

Her kind words and actions inspired me to become a teacher myself. Now, whenever school or life gets difficult, I think of my freshmen year Spanish teacher and how she inspired me. I want to do what she did for me for my future students. Whether it be a difficult test or a challenging class, my goal of making a difference in a student’s life keeps me going.

by Mo Cabiles

The world we live in is hard, unsteady and ruthless. We see this everyday in the harshness of homelessness, to social media screaming for justice. What motivates me to continue on is that I have felt the bitter cold bite of homelessness. I know what it’s like to not have enough to eat and to be scared of what will happen next.

I am fortunate to no longer be in those situations but that, by no means, is an indicator that it will all now come easy. As an adult learner and your “non-traditional” student, there are other obstacles I must overcome. From transportation to childcare or education application mastery to APA formatting, the many roadblocks I tackle both large and small are what I consider to be my victories.

I’ve seen what having a higher education can do for someone and I want that for myself and that of my daughters. I strive to be a good example for them , to show them that, regardless of social standing and unforeseeable circumstances, if they work hard and put their best effort forward, they can achieve their dreams.

My dream is to obtain my Masters in Education with an emphasis in counseling. I want to be an academic advisor or guidance counselor. I’ve seen so many youths attempt community college and fail because they fell through the cracks. These students need to realize their potential and I want to help them achieve that and to be their cheerleader.

by Gia Sophia Sarris

In every school I’ve ever attended, experienced teachers were there to support and inspire me. I have looked up to these people ever since I was in elementary school, and they have had an immense and positive impact on my life and my view of the world. My fondness for these people [educators] has led me to aspire to become a teacher.

I want to “pay it forward” and improve the lives of children and teenagers who grow up struggling as I did, or in any way for that matter. I want to make a difference in their lives and let them know that they are not alone with their problems.

This is what motivates me to study hard. Becoming a teacher, I believe, will help me fulfill my purpose in life, which I think is to create happiness and ease the burdens of others. I feel that children and teenagers need this especially, because they are struggling to understand the world and their place in it. I study hard for their sake.

by Jennifer Wolfert

From elementary school to my first year at college, I struggled to establish a dream for myself. Trying to figure out what career I wanted to pursue as successful adult always filled me with anxiety. I had spent multiple years in special education and left with a low academic self-esteem. So, after high school I attended Bucks County Community College in search for more time. Still I made no progress. Then I decided to change my outlook. I stopped asking “what do I want to do?” and started asking “who do I want to be?”. That’s when my dream took shape.

The educators that I met during my time at community college were my inspiration. They are brilliant, hardworking people with a passion for their specialty that I had never seen before. Their belief in hard work was infectious. School began to fill me with excited anticipation and my grades improved. I started to believe that if I worked hard enough then I could be like them and inspire others like they had inspired me.

At the end of my second year attending community college, I accomplished a task that had previously racked me with fear. I applied to Temple University as a Secondary English Education major. I have now completed my second semester at Temple and earned my first 4.0 GPA. In time, I am confident that I will be able to accomplish my dream. I will become the passionate and inspiring educator that my younger self never had.

by Jenyfer Pegg

My entire life has been filled with discouragement. I grew up in a household where I was constantly told “No”. I was told my ideas were stupid and would not work. In my junior year of high school, my teachers and counselors started talking about college and sending in applications to different places. At that point, I knew I was not going. I came from a poor family and I knew we could never have money for something like college.

But I went on college visits, I listened to people speak about their college, and I was set. I had a lot of things pushing me, except the one thing I really wanted, my family. No one in my family has gone to college, and when I told my mother, she was shocked. She told me she just wanted me out of the house.

When I came to school, I realized I wanted to teach high school. I want to make an actual difference in someone else’s life. My family has taken the same road for years, and I’m not going down that road. I won’t live paycheck to paycheck like my mom, I will be a person that others will look up to.

I’m going to do something worthwhile, and I will work harder than anyone else if it gets me there. I’ve seen what my life will be like without school and motivation and there is absolutely no way I’m going down that road. I’ve got bigger plans.

7. Unlock the Success Potential of Students

Educators want to help students in every way they can but, for some future teachers, the focus is on helping students soar. That child in front of you in the classroom might grow up to do great things for society, raise a strong family, or just be happy and fulfilled.

Whatever the potential of a pupil, a teacher’s job is to help unlock talents and remove any barriers to future success.

by Tamara Vega

The thing that motivates me the most is the thought of having my own classroom someday. I want to be the teacher that changes a child’s life, inspires them to set high goals for themselves and encourages them to reach it.

College can be so hard at times and I get really anxious and scared. I worry about not passing my classes and exams, I worry about not getting my degree. Despite that I do not give up because I have to do this and I want to do this.

I cannot see myself doing anything else besides teaching, I have never been this passionate about something. I want to graduate and get my degree. I’d love to look at it and say, “I worked hard for this and I earned it”.

The idea that the students in my classroom could grow up to cure cancer, or become president, pretty much anything they want, brings me so much excitement. I want to be the teacher that they remember, the one who helped them realize their dream and who gave them the knowledge needed to reach it.

Be the teacher that I needed as a child but unfortunately never had. That is what gets me through all the stress and anxiety, I know in my heart that all the studying I’m doing right now will be worth it in the end.

by Nicole Gongora

The dream of success motivates me to study – not my success, my future students’ success. I push myself through the rough spots for them.

I was a lost child in high school; I didn’t know how to apply to college, let alone afford it. No child should have to experience that. As a future educator, I am committed to helping my students succeed, achieve more, and continue onto higher education. Every child should be given the opportunity to showcase their strengths and follow their dreams.

College was never a dream for me; it was a far off, unattainable fantasy. I met some inspiring teachers in high school who encouraged me to change my life and who helped me to thrive. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I plan to work at a low-income school similar to the one I attended. These types of schools are the ones who lack resources. I will serve as a resource to my students and I hope to be an inspiration to them. In turn, I hope they become kind, respectful adults. I want them to see the virtue in helping others and I hope they will serve others in their future careers. I want to be the teacher they remember. I want to be the teacher that helped them succeed.

I’ll feel successful as a teacher if my students are successful in attaining their goals. If one student decides to achieve more then I will have lived out my dream.

by Madison Sherrill

I’ve decided to become a teacher because I want to show the value of compassion and diversity.

As I begin college this upcoming fall, my main motivation is the students. While I haven’t even met them yet, they inspire me to persist in my classes and stay optimistic. My classroom will support innovative thinking and celebrate each student’s individuality.

As a classroom teacher, I want to encourage and positively influence the next generation. They should know that they can be successful and achieve what they aspire to become while making the world better. By teaching the value of inclusiveness and the power of kindness, my students may turn out to be visionary thinkers and leading members of society.

by Alicia Costin

I am returning to school after taking a few years off. After graduating from California Lutheran University with my BS in Mathematics, I wanted to land a job with benefits and begin my “adult life”.

While it took me a few months to find my current job, is it just that; a job. I have benefits, a full-time schedule, weekends and holidays off, but am I happy? Is this what I want to do as a career for the rest of my life? I have asked myself this question a few times and the answer is always the same; no.

My dream is to become a teacher and help motivate and encourage students to do their best in their studies and in life. It is my dream to do what I was meant to do; shape young minds and help future generations.

When things become difficult during my graduate program, I know to keep pushing, thriving, and studying hard so that, when I do become a teacher, I can use this as a positive story to shape their way of life. I landed a job outside of college, however now it is time for me to land my career.

Who taught the first teacher, what can i do with a master’s in education, why teaching is still a good career choice, how to become a homeschool teacher.

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An Ideal Teacher Essay

Being an ideal teacher does not simply mean lecturing students; they must actively participate in the work in order to keep them motivated. This article provides sample essays that students can refer to while writing about an ideal teacher. These essays can help them get started on their school work or project and also get some ideas as to what makes an ideal teacher.

100 Words Essay On An Ideal Teacher

200 words essay on an ideal teacher, 500 words essay on an ideal teacher.

Teachers are essential to the educational process. They are those who dedicate their entire life to passing on knowledge to the next generation. They are crucial for societal progress and for preserving the future of the following generation. They are not flawless, therefore we shouldn't be disappointed in them if they fail to accomplish things the way we want them to. To maintain the learning and growth process for all sides, students and teachers must work together. Every educator strives to develop their individual abilities and talents. Developing your teaching method or style is just the first step on the journey to becoming the ideal teacher. It is also related to improving relationships with students.

Being the best teacher sometimes requires adjusting some aspects of one's personality to suit the students and motivate them to learn. It might also involve changing how you perceive your work. Knowledge would be the most crucial quality in an ideal teacher. They can assist students with any questions because they are typically knowledgeable in their field. They would regularly keep themselves updated on developments in their field of study and read more research-based material on it. They would be enthusiastic about their subject, and the students would be inspired to perform well in class as a result. A teacher who is empathetic will be able to connect with their students and help them learn and grow.

How To Be An Ideal Teacher

There are many important qualities that make up an ideal teacher. Some of these include patience, intelligence, and creativity. Here are some of the qualities that makes for a good teacher—

Empathy | It is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is what allows teachers to connect with their students and help them learn and grow. A teacher who is empathetic will be able to put themselves in their students’ shoes, understand their feelings, and respond accordingly.

Active Listening | One of the most important qualities is to listen carefully to what students are saying. This means not just hearing the words, but trying to understand the underlying meaning. It also means responding in a way that shows that you are listening and care about what they have to say.

Develop Rapport | By getting to know your students as individuals is how you can forge a good relationship with them. This can be done by asking them questions about their lives outside of school, and trying to understand their interests and motivations. It can also involve creating a safe and supportive environment in which students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.

Compassion | It is the ability to feel empathy for others, and it is essential in order to be a good teacher. When teachers are compassionate, they are able to put themselves in their students’ shoes and understand what they are going through. This allows them to provide the support and guidance that students need in order to succeed.

Adaptability | Ideal and effective teachers must be able to adapt their teaching strategies to the ages of their students, the resources at their disposal, and changing curriculum, practices, and standards. Adaptability is a necessary trait for teachers who may be teaching students of varied grade levels or learning styles.

These are some of the important qualities for teachers to possess, and they can be developed by getting to know students as individuals. By taking the time to learn about their lives outside of school, teachers can better understand their interests and motivations. They can also create a safe and supportive environment in which students can thrive.

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Why Are Teachers Important in Our Society?

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: August 12, 2019

Teachers are arguably the most important members of our society. They give children purpose, set them up for success as citizens of our world, and inspire in them a drive to do well and succeed in life. The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and teachers are that critical point that makes a child ready for their future. Why are teachers important? Let’s count the ways…

Teacher in front of students raising hands

Photo by Nicole Honeywill on Unsplash

How do teachers influence students.

Teachers can profoundly impact students’ academic success, personal growth, and lifelong learning. Through effective instruction and mentorship, they promote positive relationships and inspire students to reach their full potential. By creating a supportive learning environment, they can help students develop essential skills for future success.

Reasons Why Teachers Matter

Children carry what they are taught at a young age throughout the rest of their lives. They will use what they have learned to influence society. Everyone knows that today’s youth will become tomorrow’s leaders, and teachers have access to educate the youth in their most impressionable years — whether that is in teaching preschool, teaching extracurriculars, sports or traditional classes.

Teachers have the ability to shape leaders of the future in the best way for society to build positive and inspired future generations and therefore design society, both on a local and global scale. In reality, teachers have the most important job in the world. Those who have an impact on the children of society have the power to change lives. Not just for those children themselves, but for the lives of all.

Photo by stem.T4L on Unsplash

How teachers bring change in a student’s life.

Great teachers have the ability to change lives for the better.

Teachers can act as a support system that is lacking elsewhere in students’ lives. They can be a role model and an inspiration to go further and to dream bigger. They hold students accountable for their successes and failures and good teachers won’t let their talented students get away with not living up to their full potential.

Teachers of all walks of life and subjects have the ability to shape opinions and help form ideas about society, life and personal goals. Teachers can also expand students’ limits and push their creativity.

Teaching is a tough job, but it is one where you can make the most impact in another person’s life. If you’re thinking of becoming a teacher, here are even more reasons why you should invest in a teaching career .

Role Models

Teachers are the ultimate role models for students. The fact that students come into contact with many different types of teachers in their academic career means that more likely than not, there will be a teacher that speaks to them.

The teacher-student connection is invaluable for some students, who may otherwise not have that stability. Teachers will stay positive for their students even when things can seem grim. A great teacher always has compassion for their students, understanding of their students’ personal lives, and appreciation for their academic goals and achievements. Teachers are role models for children to be positive, always try harder, and reach for the stars.

They Provide the Power of Education

Knowledge and education are the basis for all things that can be accomplished in life. Teachers provide the power of education to today’s youth, thereby giving them the possibility for a better future.

Teachers simplify the complex, and make abstract concepts accessible to students. Teachers also expose children to ideas and topics that they might otherwise not have come into contact with. They can expand on interests and push their students to do better.

Teachers don’t accept failure, and therefore, students are more likely to succeed. Teachers know when to push students, when to give a gentle nudge in the right direction, and when to let students figure it out on their own. But they won’t let a student give up.

Teacher provide guidance to students of all types.Teachers are able to see each child’s strengths and weaknesses and can provide assistance and guidance to either get them up to speed or push them higher.

They will help to reveal student’s best skills and teach valuable life skills as well, such as communication, compassion, presentation, organization, following directions, and more.

They are also a source of inspiration and motivation. Teachers inspire students to do well, and motivate them to work hard and keep their academic goals on track.

One of the most important parts of teaching is having dedication. Teachers not only listen, but also coach and mentor their students. They are able to help shape academic goals and are dedicated to getting their students to achieve them. Teachers have patience for their students and are understanding when a concept isn’t taking.

Teachers do what they do because they want to help others. They are not teaching for recognition or a paycheck but because they have a passion for youth and education. Teachers typically believe in the power of education and the importance of providing children with good role models and are teaching because of that belief. They are dedicated to the cause.

Finally, teachers’ dedication is shown by their ‘round-the-clock work habits. Teachers don’t stop working when the school bell rings. They are grading papers, making lessons, and communicating with parents after school and on weekends. Most teachers arrive earlier than school starts to set up their day and provide extra assistance to struggling students.

Teachers Play a Great Role in the Economic Development of the Country

Education is a fundamental aspect in the development of a country. If the youth of a society is educated, a future is born. Teachers provide the education that improves quality of life, therefore bringing so much to both individuals and society as a whole.

Teachers increase productivity and creativity of students and therefore, of future workers. When students are pushed to be creative and productive, they are more likely to be entrepreneurial and make technological advances, ultimately leading to economic development of a country.

The Most Important Characteristics of a Great Teacher

Teacher and student playing soccer and smiling

Photo by Sebastián León Prado on Unsplash

Attributes that make a good teacher.

Compassion: Compassion is important not only when dealing with the students but also other teachers, other school staff, and parents.
Passion for Learning and Children: Teaching can be incredibly stressful, so great teachers must have a deep passion to keep them going every day.
Understanding: Teachers need a deep understanding of where their students are coming from — their backgrounds, their struggles, and their abilities.
Patience: Patience is key. This is very true of teaching, and not just patience with the students! Teachers also need patience in dealing with the school system, bureaucracy, and parents as well.
Ability to Be a Role Model: Teachers must come into work every day knowing their students will soak up their actions like sponges. They must show how to be a good person not just by telling, but also by being.
Communication Across Generations and Cultures: Teachers need to be able to effectively communicate with students from multiple cultures and generations, as well as teaching staff and superiors with various backgrounds and from other generations.
Willingness to Put in the Effort: If a teacher doesn’t care or doesn’t make the effort, their students won’t either. If a teacher shows students that they do truly care, they’ll do the same.

How to Become a Teacher

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

1. get experience.

Before you start studying to become a teacher, be sure that you have the patience and temperament to work with children or teenagers for seven or more hours per day. If you still want to teach and make a difference but don’t think the traditional route will work for you, consider teaching after-school classes, coaching, or adult teaching opportunities.

2. Pre-K, K-8, or High School

This decision is an important one because it will make a difference for what degree or certificate you will need. Hopefully by now, you have some idea of the age group or subject matter you would like to teach. If not, get some experience to find out. For high school teachers, you’ll need to decide on a specialization during your studies.

3. Get a Degree

All full-time teaching jobs, even preschool, require degrees nowadays. University of the People in collaboration with the International Baccalaureate (IB) offers a Master’s Degree in Education that is 100% online, tuition-free, and US accredited. Any bachelor’s degree is accepted as a prerequisite so you can start your dream of becoming a teacher, no matter your background.

4. Get a Teaching Certificate

While some independent schools do not require a teaching certificate, the vast majority do. Some graduate programs will concurrently graduate students with a degree and a certificate at the same time but others will not. In some cases, you will only need a teaching certificate and not a degree, such as with teaching English.

Why are teachers important? Teachers truly are the backbone of society. They are role models to children, offer guidance and dedication and give young people the power of education. Because of teachers, countries are able to further develop socially and economically. Next time you or your community achieve something great, take a moment to think of and be grateful for the teachers who made it possible.

FAQ Section

How do teachers impact students’ academic and personal development.

Teachers boost academic achievement and personal growth by providing guidance, fostering a positive learning environment, and acting as role models.

What qualities make a teacher effective in the classroom?

Effective teachers are compassionate, patient, knowledgeable, and able to communicate clearly. They engage students and adapt to their needs.

How do teachers adapt to diverse learning styles and needs?

Teachers use differentiated instruction, employ various teaching methods, and incorporate technology to meet diverse learning styles and needs.

Are there any challenges teachers face in today’s society?

Teachers face challenges like large class sizes, limited resources, diverse student needs, and high stress levels.

How can you become a teacher?

To become a teacher, earn a bachelor’s degree, complete a teacher preparation program, and obtain a teaching license.

Can teachers influence students’ career aspirations and choices?

Yes, teachers can inspire and guide students toward potential career paths through mentorship and exposure to various opportunities.

Are teachers properly recognized for their contributions to society?

Often, teachers are not fully recognized or compensated for their critical contributions to society, despite their significant impact.

How do teachers foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

Teachers encourage critical thinking and problem-solving by asking open-ended questions, promoting discussion, and incorporating real-world problems into lessons.

What innovations are enhancing teaching methods in modern society?

Innovations like digital tools, online resources, interactive learning platforms, and blended learning enhance modern teaching methods.

How can teachers inspire a love for learning in students?

Teachers inspire a love for learning by making lessons engaging, showing enthusiasm for the subject, and encouraging curiosity and exploration.

Can teachers play a role in promoting social justice and equity?

Yes, teachers can promote social justice and equity by fostering inclusive classrooms, teaching about diversity, and advocating for all students’ rights.

In this article

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone.

Home / Essay Samples / Education / Teacher / What Sets Apart Great Teachers: Essential Qualities

What Sets Apart Great Teachers: Essential Qualities

Category: Life , Education , Sociology
Topic: Skills , Teacher , Teacher-Student Relationships

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What is a teacher, what is the purpose of a primary school teacher, what is a good teacher, what are the teacher expectations for their pupils.

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