Teacher Traits by: Sophia Coulopolous

A lot of the time, student’s aren't very motivated to learn. It generally feels like we come to school get our classes done, and leave. We count down the minutes until the bell rings. Then we go to our sports or clubs, or go home. With all the work, the clubs, the activities, life can become overwhelming. The teachers who realize we feel this way try to make the hour and a half with them fun and enjoyable. Students love these teachers. Those wonderful teachers don’t only teach for their job, but they teach for their kids. They try to make class fun, give their students a break from their probably hectic day.


I talked one trait that students love in teachers in my first blog. I want to go more into depth, because it needs to become clear what kinds of teachers students love, so school can become a more enjoyable place for teachers and students. Everyone knows the feeling of happiness and satisfaction when someone appreciates them. Students generally get that feeling from teachers, and now it’s about time for teachers to get that feeling from students. There are a couple types of teachers I’ve noticed and loved over the years.


The first is the loving teacher. She takes the time to get to know each student. She knows that her student is busy and has a life, and is understanding when they don’t always get work done. She makes sure all her students understand the material, and helps each one individually. Because of all that, every single one of her students adores her.


The second is the comedic teacher. They always crack jokes and make the class feel like a calm and stress free environment. They feel more like a friend than a teacher. They connect with every student. They create nicknames and inside jokes in each class. Among all that, their students still learn everything in efficient and fun ways. Students learn to respect this teacher. They know when to and not to talk. They know the teachers expectations.


The third is the natural teacher. He knows exactly what he’s doing. He knows how to demand respect in a kind way, he knows how to teach in effective techniques all students will like, and he earns respect from his students for being good at what he does. Students learn efficiently in his class, but it’s not overwhelming. He makes sure all students can handle what he’s assigning. He knows all the tips and tricks in being a teacher. Teaching comes naturally to him.


Of course, each teacher is unique, and has their own combination of traits. Those three types of teacher I listed are based of teachers I’ve had and loved, and other kids loved them too. No teacher has to become those teachers. Each teacher bring their own experiences and styles to the table, but what I’ve noticed is that students are ready to learn with those general traits.


I’ve recently had survey with responses kids from other school districts/counties and states. The common responses of appreciated traits in teachers were being interested in a student’s life, being kind and accepting, being a natural teacher, and having a sense of humor. Those together make a fun and stress free class environment, help students to feel comfortable and inspired, and makes students feel loved and appreciated. When students feel like that, we are then ready to learn.