One effective way to be a good educator is to learn to read your students and show you care. Not all students learn in the same way, and being receptive to change as well as showing a passion for teaching is vital to success as an educator.
It’s crucial to truly care about your class and the subject being taught. A motivated and engaged mentor means a more motivated and engaged class.
Even when the subject may not be universally exciting, being an excited educator creates a desire in students’ minds to make an effort to learn.
Teachers expressing a clear passion and understanding for their subjects not only make lessons more engaging but can inspire students to become more interested in the topic at hand.
AP US History and Civics teacher Mr. Esqueda emphasizes that “a teacher’s passion for their subject” is an essential part of being an effective educator.
It is incredibly clear if a teacher is not fiery and excited about their subjects. If they don’t even like the ideas being taught, why should their students?
Besides just the cardinal concept of passionate teaching, there are many other ways to affect students.
Social studies teacher Mrs. Zimmerman shared her thoughts on the subject, “There is a phrase teachers use often, and it’s ‘warm demand.’ That resonates with me, because it’s the idea of someone who does love working with students and loves the energy of a high school, but at the same time has high expectations for their students.”
The ‘warm demand’ approach to teaching is emphasized in many school districts. The idea is to encourage students to learn and become the best they can be, all while holding them accountable and building their trust.
Zimmerman continues, “That phrase has resonated with me, loving your kids but also expecting the best out of them.”
Setting high expectations is a key part of effective teaching, but it’s equally important to keep students motivated and encouraged along the way. Creating connections that go beyond just teacher-student relationships helps create a desire to succeed.
Mr. Koll, a science teacher, agrees, “I think a good educator has a balance of being compassionate, showing care, while also holding high expectations.”
According to EdTrust.org, students perform better when their teachers build rapport while also pushing their limits academically. When students have strong relationships with their teachers in class, motivation to do well increases.
Overall, being a good educator is not something that comes in a simple ‘one size fits all’ category. It’s something many teachers at Wilsonville do well, by listening to their students, appreciating feedback, and being passionate about their teaching.
