Classroom Essayist

A Great Teacher..

is Friendly

       I know a teacher who is very friendly. He accepts all of friend requests in Facebook. His purpose is not only to make them,(who are almost his pupils, former pupils, soon-to-be pupils and friends of his pupils) feel proud of themselves that they have a teacher friend in FB, but to extend his friendliness outside the classroom. He also believes that if a pupil added you as FB friend, he or she looks up to you.

       Another reason why he confirms everyone who adds him is that he wanted to pursue his advocacy even online, because he foresees that they will be a big help to make it a success. His pupils-friends will be his workers and patronisers of his principles.

       For him, the more friends, the more he could inspire.

       I saw him one day, being greeted by his former pupils. Later, the pupils asked him a selfie shots. I guess, they greatly look-up at him. And, when the part ways Thank yous" and I miss yous" were uttered.

       Last graduation day, he was the most requested teacher for a selfie shots by the graduates. I have seen him, embraced by them-- who asked for a pose. They are indeed thankful for their former teacher, who is approachable, loving and friendly

       Friendliness of a teacher is, therefore, a privilege and a virtue.

Inspires

       I know a teacher who inspires pupils. He doesn't just teach. He makes sure every learners learn because they are inspired to learn. He uses his life accounts to make them inspired. He doesn't let any individual to feel left out and downgraded due to his weaknesses. Instead, he lifts them up by discovering and developing their talents and skills.

      He doesn't talk ill against his pupils. He considers the multiple-intelligence of the children and their individual differences. I knew a teacher who regarded his pupils as 'bobo' or 'tanga' if he fails to get a right answer from his question.

      A teacher who inspires learners is the great one. Teaching the pupils is lesser important than inspiring them to learn. It is because pupil's learning is dependent on how the educator motivate and inspire them. No one learns from the intimidation of a teacher.

is Loving

It is so easy to say "I love my class!'' But, it is hard to prove it.

I know a teacher, who passionately loves his pupils. He acts like their parent in school. He understands their acts. He cares for each of them. He feels mad at them sometimes but he makes them realize their mistakes and shortcomings. Thus, learning follows, because a loving ambiance creates learning.

A great teacher is in love with each pupil: the talkative, the hard-headed, the smart, the lazy, the bully, the shy, the talented, the untidy, the poor, the wealthy, the kind, the vocal, the leader, the follower or the dull. He loves them equally and without measure. As a result, he gains love and respect from his pupil even after the school year. It is the reward of his good deeds and loving heart. Gratitude is the pupil's special way of expressing their love to their teacher who once loved them.

A great teacher also extends his love to the pupils' parents. He treats them as good friends and talks about their children and their sake.

If a teacher says "I love children, that's why I decided to be a teacher.", it doesn't justify the means. 

has Good Humor

Teaching without humor is boring. Thus, teachers are advised to use good humor while having a discussion. However, a humor that affects the efficiency and effectiveness of teaching is not a good one. It must be, therefore, done in moderation and with class and sophistication.

I know a teacher who often uses humorous statements and antics in teaching. He does it for the sake of "learning with fun". He secures decency and elegance in his jokes and punch lines. Green jokes and embarrassing pranks are not his practices. He instead relates his funny life experiences to the pupils.

There is one teacher, who often gets mad. He doesn't crack a joke or even smile whenever he is in front of his class. Laughing, or even smiling, in his class is highly restricted. The result? He has no friend. No one likes him. No one loves him. His teachings are not appreciated. No one remembers most of the lessons he discussed. For his pupils, he is just a teacher, who preaches.

A teacher who has good humor is witty and smart. Getting angry and mad is avoidable if he is humorous. His pupils however enjoy his presence and teachings. Then, learning follows.

is Compassionate

A great teacher can suffer with his pupils. He knew what they are going through. He has classroom rules and regulations, which are set and strictly maintained. However, he knows when to be harsh and slack. He understands everyone's situation. Not all can follow those. Thus, he is expected to forgive and give chances.

I know a teacher who has no compassion with his pupils. He doesn't consider individual differences and he doesn't discover their multiple-intelligence. He merely sets standards and hardly imposes these regardless of its toughness. If a pupil could not comply to him, he would speak ill against him/her. Where is his compassion? He only thinks of himself. He is opinionated. He is egoistic. He regards himself as superior, who is not capable of mistake.

Compassion is not just a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, but it is also the manifestation and application of love and care for an individual. Consequently, a teacher who is compassionate is not hard and bitter to his pupils. He laughs with them. He cries with them. He comes to their level without compromising his role in the classroom. He makes his pupils feel that they belong to the group, whether he is dull, aloof, poor, physically-challenged, untidy or ugly. 

Loves His Craft

I knew a teacher who loves his craft. He teaches with good heart and intention. He sees his pupils as reflection of his childhood days. He never complain. He never quit when the tough gets going, instead he looks for better ideas, techniques and approach to make the learning experiences of the learners more enjoyable.

If a teacher doesn't love his profession, it will only lead to failure. He will fail to inspire, motivate and educate the children. Thus, loving the vocation suggests quality education and self-fulfilment.

A great teacher loves his craft and its ups-and-down. He will never leave unfinished works. He will never make half-cooked learning outcomes.