How do you be a good English teacher?

Answer 1

As a teacher I often ask my students at the start of the year this same question. Every year I get the same answers. A good teacher is one who:

1. Knows their subject matter and presents it in an interesting way.

2. Deals fairly with all students without favouritism.

3. Can take a joke and can laugh with students at his/her own mistakes.

4. Doesn't hold grudges.

5. Is not prejudiced against any races or religions.

6.When they don't know the answer to a question will admit it and say, 'Let's find out'.

7. Makes allowances for students who've just returned from illness, bereavement etc

Is it possible to define the qualities of good English teachers?

"Good teaching isn't about technique". Good teachers are "people who have some sort of connective capacity, who connect themselves to their students, their students to each other, and everyone to the subject being studied".