What makes a good teacher?

When I was a sophomore in high school, I declared my love for the Euphonium to my band teacher, and told him of my plans to go to college and pursue a music education degree. He said not to bother; I’d never get into a music school. I put down my instrument, and didn’t touch it again for over a year.

I look back now and realize he was a complete idiot.  I competed in state solo and ensemble contest every year, as well as Washington State Honor Band. I went to university on a music scholarship, studied with the best Euphonium player in the world, and graduated with a degree in Music Performance.

But that doesn’t belie the fact that my teacher nearly derailed the rest of my life. What a lot of power an educator can wield. So, what does make a good, if not great teacher? Here are some of the basic qualities of every good teacher I know:

Understands how my child learns (is he auditory – learns best by hearing, visual – needs to see the information to absorb it, or kinesthetic – needs to move while learning), and provides my child room and resources to learn in that style.

Knows my child.  If I see my child’s gymnastics coach on the street, would I be able to say, “What does Natalie need to work on in her class?”, and could her coach could tell me? And yes, a great teacher will be able to do that.

Has the best interests of my child at heart, and does those things. Even if it’s not the most convenient. Does she provide extra help when my child is struggling, or challenge him to push further? Is the teacher firm with his boundaries for my child, even if it means putting the academic aside momentarily to deal with the social or emotional issue?

Has a good grasp of child development. Knows what’s “normal” behavior , and  sets appropriate expectations , taking into account where my child is socially, emotionally and cognitively. A good teacher can also help me to understand my child.  Although I have a child development background , sometimes as “the mommy”, I sometimes don’t “get” my own children, and another person’s perspective is so helpful.

I chose to home school my own children, as I think I’m the person (at this moment anyway!), who can provide them with the best education. But they still go to lots of classes with other kids. And I am picky about their teachers.  

You have a right to be selective, too. Especially if you are paying for a class. I sometimes see ads on Craig’s list for a Kindermusik competitor (whose classes cost more than Kindermusik!), and am horrified to read that they are hiring (at $10 an hour), people who “enjoy children, but don’t require any previous experience with children or music.”

In the end, a good teacher helps me to be a better parent.  And that is priceless.

-posted by Miss Analiisa, who will be eternally grateful to Mr. Hunt, Mr. Scott, Mrs. Mary and Miss Allison, who are among the very best at what they do.