ESL Teacher's Personality in The Center of Attention
English teaching is an art form, and like any other art form, it requires dedication and perseverance. If we were to ask each student what makes a great English teacher, we would end up with a myriad of answers. I think one of the most important qualities that an English teacher should have is patience. We cannot build rapport with students in the absence of patience. Most would argue that a good command of the English language is the" it" factor when choosing the most suitable English teacher. In general, patience and flexibility are what helps a teacher build rapport with their students. Students all learn at different paces and have different requirements, so a good teacher must cater to each of their individual needs.
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Maria M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Personal qualities important for English teachers
A good teacher knows how to connect with their students, either through humor or sharing common experiences, and these are some of the characteristics of a good communicator. Being able to impart English knowledge to your students requires years of experience, which for some, comes with a lot of trial and error. A teacher with good communication skills will know how to read their students. They will be able to read if their students keep up with the lesson and understand what is being taught. Being a good listener is also very important in that it helps the student know that the teacher cares and is taking the time to address their English needs.
Important skills
Being well prepared and organized is an exceptional quality seen in good English teachers. They were getting lesson material ready in time, and having the lessons organized in a way that the students can follow and digest, help tremendously. Some teachers are so carried away with teaching that they forget to teach the students. It's always important to have a self-analysis of one's day of teaching and see where and how their lesson could have been better and whether they managed to progress with the students. Knowing when to change teaching methods helps drastically improve the students' learning curve and helps build a better relationship with the students. They will know that you have their best interests in mind and do your best to push them towards their English learning goals.
Are you ready to teach English abroad or online?
Some teachers are blessed with many great qualities, but as teachers, we all have to work on our craft. Experience goes a long way, but constantly striving to improve our teaching methods, ourselves, and the way we connect with our students will ensure that our classes will always have quality. We want to provide students with a learning environment that will motivate them to learn and know that the English language can be fun even after a stressful day at work or not in the mood to study. I've always been a firm believer that a high EQ teacher can be a good motivator and educator. To sum it up, there's no perfect recipe for being the best English teacher, but we have a pool of wonderful teaching methods and qualities that every teacher can add to their repertoire.
Apply now & get certified to teach english abroad!
Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad!
Send us an email or call us toll-free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today.
Related Articles:
- Top 10 Cities in Europe with the Highest Demand for English Language Teachers
- 5 Reasons To Take A TEFL Course Right Now - Even If You Are Not Leaving Yet | ITTT | TEFL Blog
- All the Documents You Will Need to Teach English Abroad
- The Impact of Positive Motivation on an ESL Classroom
- You’re Never Too Old to Change Your Life and Do a TEFL Course | ITTT | TEFL Blog
- Getting Student Placement Right - The Best Desk Arrangements for EFL Students
