International Voices: What Makes a Good Teacher?

It doesn’t matter where you live, or what your background is. At some point in your life you will find yourself in a classroom. At the front of the classroom is a very important individual, and chances are that person could change the course of the rest of your life. Teachers.

At some point in our education we’ll all sit through a class or two that might not be that interesting to us, but what about those teachers whose lessons really grab our attention? At the time, it’s just nice to have a class where you’re not looking at the clock, watching the minute hand go by until a ringing bell signals sweet release, but years down the road you may very well look back on that class, and in particular the teacher, that made that subject so interesting. That teacher that somehow defied all odds and made school fun!

What is it about those special teachers that make us care? How do they take a textbook that could so easily induce a mid-day nap and bring it to life? How do they make the curriculum not only relevant but also enjoyable and memorable?

Here are some insights from teachers around the world, as well as from our education staff here in Humjibre, on what makes a good teacher.

What makes a good teacher?

“Any of the teachers I’ve ever admired were passionate about the material, patient when students don’t understand, and committed to ensuring their students not just remember the material, but understand it. Those are the teachers people remember.”
- Taryn Assaf, Busan, South Korea

“I've learned there are several factors that make a “good teacher”. The first is their knowledge on the subject they teach, and their capacity to share the information they've acquired. The second is how they approach the different teaching methods, and how appropriately they adapt to a certain audience. The third factor is their willingness to level with the students, understand them, research what they are interested in, and how they would benefit most from the way a lesson is planned.”
- Marcella DeDiego, Madrid, Spain

“A good teacher is someone who explores different teaching methods and who is willing to deploy these methods in new ways.”
- Happy Nkrumah, Humjibre, Ghana

What made you want to become a teacher?

“I always found most teenagers more interesting than most adults! Plus, I always had a passion for History. Teaching about the past gives you perspective and an appreciation for sacrifices needed to effect positive change.”
- Mario Polisena, Ottawa, Canada

“My experience in a peer tutoring program in high school and coaching football.”
- Gabriel Gregorich, Medellin, Colombia

How do you deal with troublesome students?

1-Get to know them as people/ establish a rapport of trust
2-Be patient/ find creative solutions
3-Create a network of support. Many colleagues will offer good ideas.
- Mario Polisena, Ottawa, Canada

“I’ll talk to them individually about their behaviour after or before classes to see what the problem is. Sometimes I just need to encourage them, and let them open up and tell me what their problem is. Some teachers here in Ghana showcase their level of education but still ignore students, or will even use the cane on them, and this leads to kids not wanting to go to class at all. We don’t do that here! (GHEI) So by being open with a student he or she will see you as a friend and enjoy class.”
- Happy Nkrumah, Humjibre, Ghana

“I try to connect with them on a personal level, figure out what is going on with them. If they are attention-seeking students, give it to them in the constructs of the class (i.e., Get them to answer the questions in front of the class). If you can get these kids on your side early, classroom management becomes much easier.”
- Gabriel Gregorich, Medellin, Colombia

How do you help students who are falling behind in class, and just don’t get it?

“Reading supports, frequent journal checks, purposeful seating arrangements so they can have a study partner, time before school, lunch, and after school.”
- Amy Compton, San Diego, California

“Pair them with stronger students in group work, give them more opportunities to hand in work/extra work, spend more time with them specifically during class, and offer help outside of class.”
- Gabriel Gregorich, Medellin, Colombia

“Everyone has different learning strengths, styles, and needs which need to be addressed in class. That’s something teachers really need to remember – it’s always easier to teach to your own styles/preferences, but lessons need to be inclusive to reach all of your students. Teaching to student’s interests, and using examples that students can relate to is also important.”
- Jen Matthews, Humjibre, Ghana

What inspires you as a teacher?

“Seeing my students develop as learners and people. It is the only currency that matters.”
- Mario Polisena, Ottawa, Canada

“When students come back from a break and say how much they missed school. When a student who normally does not excel (majority of my inner city population) and I see the change and see them show effort for maybe the first time. When a student comes in excited that they heard something about economics on the news and they were able to explain to a family member what was being discussed. When students write thank you letters for Teacher Appreciate Day that say exactly what my efforts mean to them.”
- Amy Compton, San Diego, California

“Seeing my students participate actively in class by teaching entertaining materials that make them enthusiastic and eager to learn. The most empowering aspect of teaching is hearing or seeing your students use information or life lessons they have learned from class in their everyday lives.”
- Marcella DeDiego, Madrid, Spain

What advice would you give to a new teacher?

“Set rules early and be a stickler with them for the first part of the year. Don’t let things slide early on, or classroom management will become an issue. Also, it’s way better to over-plan than under-plan a lesson - free time is the enemy!”
- Gabriel Gregorich, Medellin, Colombia

“Every student is different; they respond differently to discipline; they study differently; they approach the world differently. Learn who they are, not just their names. Watch them, listen to them and study them. You have just as much to learn from them as they do from you.”
- Taryn Assaf, Busan, South Korea

“For someone who finds themselves new to the teaching field, it’s important to remember that it’s a matter of practice. Also they should really feel it in their hearts that this is a chance to help students, especially those who may come from a disadvantaged background.”
- Happy Nkruma, Humjibre, Ghana

What’s the best part of your job?

“The kids! Simple as that.”
- Taryn Assaf, Busan, South Korea

“Being able to take part in educating and socializing children for the future that awaits them.”
- Marcella DeDiego, Madrid, Spain

“The daily contact with my students. I look forward to it everyday.”
- Mario Polisena, Ottawa, Canada

“It’s really refreshing teaching in Ghana because students really value and get excited about their education. Promoting education in an atmosphere where education is still very much a privilege, rather than a universal right, especially among girls, is important.
- Jen Matthews, Humjibre, Ghana 

“I naturally love people, and it’s a way to reach many people. Once, when I was in primary school my teacher asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up. I said I wanted to be a leader! I didn’t know exactly what I meant back then, but I always knew I wanted to lead people. I saw this teacher recently and he reminded me of this. He really encouraged me to pursue this goal of mine from my childhood.”
 - Happy Nkrumah, Humjibre, Ghana

Many of these remarks echo with similar insights. A good teacher is one who is patient with their students and passionate about their subject. When things get tough, they are creative in finding new approaches in reaching out to their students. Ultimately, the greatest reward for a teacher is to see the minds of their students flourish. Let’s honour these great educators and remind ourselves of the great potential they have in positively shaping the lives of so many.

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