What Makes a Good Teacher?

In the vast landscape of education, the role of a teacher is paramount. Beyond mere knowledge sharing, a good teacher is expected to ignite curiosity, nurture growth, and foster a lifelong love of learning. However, could that be the sole measure of what makes a good teacher? Do qualities such as encouragement, humor, creativity, and empathy play a much more major role in the realm of education and, more specifically, here at BFS? To further unravel this question, I conducted a series of interviews with teachers and students, and the results revealed some similar sentiments.

According to Miranda Factor, a Junior here at BFS, “A teacher who pushes students to focus on the learning process and think about things outside of the curriculum” makes a good teacher. In her response, she mentions Heather, noting her ability to talk about random science experiments and indirectly related scientific topics in discussions. She mentions how this approach motivates the class, fostering engagement with the subject of Biology without veering off course from the core curriculum. Miranda also mentioned that she believes teachers with a sense of humor play a major part in keeping students engaged. She says she appreciates teachers who can “be real with students,” saying that when teachers reveal their humanity through humor and authentically connect with their students, engaging with them fosters feelings of respect and comfort.

Similarly, Gabby Lynch, another junior, says that what makes a good teacher is having transparency with students. She states, “If a teacher is not transparent with students, they won’t trust you. Because BFS is such a small school, there is such an intimate connection between students and teachers, so its important that teachers are open and honest with their students.” Gabby highlights that such transparency not only cultivates trust but also fosters open communication, which she believes is essential for supportive and collaborative learning. Gabby also mentions that what she thinks makes a good teacher is “...someone who can acknowledge that the student is a human being.” Gabby believes that showing empathy towards students and recognizing their humanity, including the inevitability of sometimes making mistakes, fosters a safe learning environment where they feel valued and seen.

Moreover, when I spoke to the teachers, I started with Caitlin Barry, who says that in her educational experience, teachers who give really good feedback are usually the ones she can find to appreciate most. She says that she remembers good, genuine feedback as a distinctive factor of her personal growth when she was a student. She also

mentioned the significance of a teacher's genuine love for their profession, noting that such passion has the power to evoke students' love for the subject, implying that passion is indeed infectious.

Additionally, in just three short phrases, Joel Kwabi defines the core of a good teacher, stating: "A good teacher has a dedication to care, attentive listening, and ensures accountability."– A hefty dose of Joel's wisdom. Dr.Degraff echoes this sentiment, highlighting mastery of the subject matter is what makes a good teacher, citing examples such as Vlad in teaching about Soviet Russia and himself in teaching Cuba relations. Furthermore, Dr.Degraff encourages consistency and a balanced approach, blending firmness with empathy, to foster a positive learning environment.

Ultimately, through differing opinions and similar thoughts, it stands out that a key defining characteristic in what makes a good teacher is someone who transcends the confines of the classroom and leaves a lasting impression. It's not just what they teach but how they teach that leaves an enduring legacy in the hearts of students.