Good Teacher, Bad Teacher

In our global classrooms, there are good teachers and bad teachers.  Adults worldwide have been exposed to both types of teachers. Many survived, but some have been scarred beyond recovery creating individuals who resent anyone within the teaching profession.  However, no matter the times or the location, the teaching profession will always exist and it is good that others can learn from the actions of those before, with the hope of making things better for both students and teachers.  According to Bertram & Bailey, 2009, a good teacher is one who motivates and sustains students’ interests, uses active learning techniques, who facilitates and encourage learning. I am sure that our good teachers will endorse this definition and may want to add more to the statement.

After much discussion with children and adults, I have formulated two edited set of lists displaying the attributes of good/bad teachers.

Good teachers always:

1.      Manage the class with equality and fairness.

2.      Come prepared for class.

3.      Dress appropriately for class/work.

4.      Create extra time to help weaker students.

5.      Look out for the welfare of students

6.      Timely mark assignments and give feedback.

7.      Compliment and motivate students to learn and attend school.

8.      Fair in assessment and evaluation.

9.      Are compassionate and human

10.  Are fair in punishment and rewards.

11.  Remember that the students will become adults and replace their position in the world.

12.  Create interesting innovations for students to learn

13.  Cooperate with administration no matter the storms that are stirred.

Bad teachers:

1.      Insult the students on a regular basis.

2.      Never apologise for anything.

3.      Never make the students comfortable

4.      Bully students after classes.

5.      Always give assignments and never mark them

6.      Are always late for class with unlimited excuses

7.      Do not care about what they wear to class/work.

8.      Never allow students to contribute to the lesson

9.      Are merciless in punishment to students

10.  Are highly critical of school, work and students.

11.  Are fearful of teacher evaluation and assessment.

12.  Show no interest in upgrading either skills or qualifications.

This listing is not about placing labels on persons; rather it is to remind us of weakness and strengths within classroom.  If any “bad” teacher sees this listing, instead of being offended, take the necessary steps to avoid being a bad teacher and be a good one.  For those who are good, please remember that there is always room for improvement.  Therefore, let us all be good teachers and be exemplars to all our students.