GUEST BLOGGER
Ann Monroe
Part of the ongoing 1 Thing series.
The Difference
I have always felt that a good teacher is inherently a good motivator. In order to be successful in the classroom you must show enthusiasm for what you are teaching. I was recently discussing this with a colleague who happened to disagree. He felt that you could be successful without projecting enthusiasm. Maybe enthusiasm was the wrong word to use. I have thought about this for awhile and have come up with several alternatives. A teacher can demonstrate enthusiasm by…
sharing the JOY of learning.
having a PASSION for science, math, language, etc.
making learning FUN.
showing an APPRECIATION for art, music, literature.
sharing their EXCITEMENT for learning.
demonstrating a CURIOSITY for the world around them.
being OPTIMISTIC.
having an EAGERNESS to learn and grow.
providing HOPE.
creating a STIMULATING learning environment.
Joy, passion, fun, appreciation, excitement, curiosity, optimism, eagerness, hopefulness – these are just a few of the words that describe that special ingredient you’ll find in every great teacher.
Enthusiasm can be loud and boisterous, or soft and quiet. It can come across as joy, passion, or curiosity. In the end, it is what motivates students to be lifelong learners. It is what makes the difference.
Ann,
I think you are exactly right. As with my experience in school / college all of my favorite, best teachers all shared those qualities. I’ve had good teachers before that were not tremendously excited about teaching (at least not the class I was in) but never a great one. I don’t see how teachers can approach it any differently than to be enthusiastic about what they are doing.
Amen! I pray that teachers everywhere will possess these qualities and be a blessing to their students and other teachers.
Ann,
Thank you for reminding of us of these important teacher traits.
What a lovely post. I’m going to share this with my team.