Great Teachers Don’t Just Teach

Upon the arrival of September, students are quickly flipping open their computers to check their neglected PCR portals to see what classes they’re in, but most importantly, who their teachers are. The teachers, for some, will make or break their year. The teachers, who we see almost every day for 10 months. Because of this, we students cross our fingers and pray that when we type in our mycw and load PCR, it shows us exactly what we want to see: great teachers.

What makes a great teacher? Is it the teacher who always shows up on time? Or the teacher who has their lesson planned from start to finish? Well, these qualities may contribute to a great teacher, but they do not make one. In fact, teaching only contributes to a small part of what makes so many teachers great. From a student’s perspective, teachers are great due to many reasons.

The first, I believe, is passion. Teachers have the ability to shape and change a young student’s mind every day. In order for any student to succeed, they must have a teacher who enjoys helping them succeed. When a teacher enjoys what they do and is able to rub these positive vibes onto a student, the student enjoys what they are learning.

Another indicator of a great teacher is a teacher who cares. All too often, we seem to fall into a monotonous school day routine: attend class, leave class, break, attend class, leave class. A teacher who cares about their students can truly change a student’s outlook and feelings towards the class.

And lastly, students value a teacher with high expectations. A teacher with high expectations not only pushes students to better themselves and their work, but also to achieve more, and rise to their full potential.

Great teachers aren’t just teachers, but also role models.

By:Sophia Garofalo