Essay Choice for PAREAP--limitation of 3000 characters

The Most Important Qualities of an Outstanding Educator

            Education, at its core, should be a means of inspiration for the student. The teacher has the vital task of instilling a love for knowledge and the unknown in each of his or her students. There are many qualities that an outstanding teacher must possess, but three that are absolutely necessary are the creation of a mutually respectful classroom, the incorporation of diverse learning styles, and the genuineness of the teacher.

The classroom should be a safe and open place, where a child can feel free to express himself in a respectful manner. It is essential for the teacher to initially establish that type of environment, because without it, the classroom is sure to be divided. Through the modeling of various types of virtues and the encouragement of wise decisions, the teacher can aid the students in becoming men and women of integrity. Once the establishment of a safe and mutually respective classroom is in place, the teacher can move onto other strategies to enhance the learning of each child.

The incorporation of diverse learning styles into one’s teaching styles is a quality of an outstanding educator. This practice especially helps to meet the needs of learning support students. Keeping their attention by making lessons more communally involved, these students reap the benefits of teaching in more ways than one. While book and lecture teaching are irrefutably beneficial as well, teachers should take methods such as cooperative learning, hands-on learning, and the incorporation of the arts into consideration when planning their lessons. One of the devices a teacher can employ in their lesson is the use of technology. Ten years ago, an overhead projector was thought to be “high-tech.” Today, the use of devices such as PowerPoint and Smart Board are taking student learning experiences to a whole new level. Technology aids in the ease of lesson planning and research, and allows teachers with great communication devices. The integration of teaching to the diverse learning styles in a classroom is evidence of an outstanding teacher.

The third and final trait of a strong educator is genuineness. This is the most important trait any teacher can possess. Someone said that “teachers teach more by who they are than by what they say.” If the teacher is not excited to be there and to equip his or her students with the priceless gift of one’s education, then perhaps he sought out the wrong vocation. Children can read teachers like a book—they can tell when they are joyful, and they know when the teacher just does not want to be there. It is the teacher’s job to present him or herself as genuinely interested in the students, as well as education as a whole.

Teaching is not just a job—it is a lifelong commitment to instilling passion in the hearts of children. What kind of difference are you going to make?