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What makes a great teacher? Part 2

Teaching is a difficult job which requires a range of skills and extensive knowledge. In the second post about what makes a great teacher, we look at some of the characteristics which make teachers successful in classrooms today.

Great Teacher 2

Teaching is a difficult job which requires a range of skills and extensive knowledge. In the second post about what makes a great teacher, we look at some of the characteristics which make teachers successful in classrooms today.

A great teacher…sets an example

photo of a teacher with a globe

Great teachers are passionate learners who set an example to their students. Whether it’s keeping up-to-date on the latest curriculum information, exploring new educational methods, or developing your subject knowledge, great teachers keep on learning.

Compare teaching approaches from across the world
Join the course Teaching for Success: the Classroom and the World

Improve your English
Join the course Teaching Your Subject in English

Get the latest information on how to teach computing
Join the course Teaching Computing

Get an introduction to programming in primary schools
Join this course Teaching Programming in Primary Schools


A great teacher… sets high expectations

photo of young girl in a classroom

Working with a range of abilities in the classroom can be tricky when it comes to assessments. Great teachers set high expectations for all, making sure all students are provided with equal opportunities to learn, develop and succeed. Why not suggest online courses to help your students prepare for exams? Or design assessment instruments to measure student outcomes?

Help students succeed in EPQs
Join the course How to Succeed in your EPQ

Design assessments to measure student outcomes
Join the course Designing Assessments to Measure Student Outcomes


A great teacher… is supportive

photo of a teacher in a classroom

Teaching goes beyond just the classroom: it extends to the world all around us. Great teachers understand that youth social activities can help others and the environment, improve communities and shape character and confidence in young people.

Help young people build character and confidence
Join the course Building Character through Youth Social Action


A great teacher is…emotionally intelligent

teacher meditating

Mental health issues are on the rise in children and teenagers, with 1 in 10 young people now experiencing conditions such as anxiety, depression or conduct disorder (Mental Health Foundation). A great teacher is able to manage their own emotions in the classroom and understand the emotions of others. Learn mindfulness techniques and share them with your students, or find out about psychological therapies such as CBT.

Understand emotions, behaviours and thinking patterns:
Join the course Psychology and Mental Health: Beyond Nature and Nurture

Explore anxiety, depression and CBT:
Join the course Understanding Anxiety, Depression and CBT

Learn mindfulness techniques:
Join the course Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance


A great teacher…fights for equality

photo of children holding hands

All over the world groups of young people are marginalised from educational opportunities due to poverty, disability and other social issues. Great teachers break down these social barriers in the classroom; tailoring teaching methods to suit a wide range of individual needs and creating a positive learning experience for all.

Break down barriers in the classroom
Join the course The Right to Education: Breaking Down the Barriers

Understand the UN’s guidelines on alternative care
Join the course Getting Care Right for All Children

Explore inclusive learning environments
Join the course Inclusive learning and teaching environments


Missed part part one of this post? Read it now

Not found a course for you? See all our teaching courses

P.s. what do you think makes a great teacher? Let us know in the comments.

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