The time has come for closing books

And long lost looks must end

And as I leave I know

That I’ll be leaving my best friend.

Lulu “To Sir With Love”

I believe that teaching is the most challenging and rewarding occupation on the planet. Many hopeful first-year teachers enter the classroom full of enthusiasm and the hope of changing lives. The responsibility is enormous.

What is a good teacher? I collected the opinions of others on the subject. As a retired teacher, I can now accumulate my experiences and share them with you. The classroom should be a safe place where a student is not afraid to take risks. They must experience a variety of learning techniques to make each class exciting and fresh.

School should be fun. This philosophy wasn’t very popular when I began my career. They must have a passion for their subject as well as a caring attitude. Kids do not all learn at the same rate, and this has to be taken into account.Make modifications to include every child. Listen when a student speaks to you. Be part of the team and not an infallible person who looks down on the kids as being subservient.

Communication skills are at the top of the list. A teacher should be dynamic, a good orator and full of passion for kids. Teaching is a calling. The teacher establishes a great relationship with their students. You are their teacher for life and not just after they walk the stage and grab the diploma.

One way to find out what makes a teacher effective is to ask the kids. I always wanted my kids to feel free to make suggestions at any time and I welcomed it. Being kind is important as well as being enthusiastic. A person can tell if you care and if you know your subject material. Kids want the security of knowing you will be there for them. They want the friendship of knowing that they can come to you with a problem or issue. Some students like funny teachers who get their point across through humor. You will accomplish so much more when the kids know how much you are concerned about their well-being.

Some kids seemed surprised when I would visit their other teachers to see how they were doing in math or science. A few teachers resented me for asking and felt that it was none of my business. Some kids didn’t appreciate it either and others were glad that I took an interest.

On the other side of the spectrum are the poor teachers. These are the ones that never strive to improve. Some are burned out and can’t wait to retire. I remember one teacher who bragged about how many kids he’d failed as if it was a badge of honor. He thought he was doing a great job. He once said, “You have to treat them all the same and hat them equally.”

Today teachers have it harder than ever. With class sizes over 35, how can a teacher be expected to individualize instruction? They are not supermen, nor are they bionic women. They need the support of the parents, administrators, school board, and the entire community.

“A friend who taught me right from wrong,

And weak from strong – that’s a lot to learn.

But – what can I give you in return?”