Qualities of a Secondary School Teacher?

Question

In your opinion, what skills, abilities and attitudes does a person need to have to become an excellent secondary school teacher.

Answer 1

You need to pick and choose your battles with middle schoolers. You'll have some that you adore and you'll have some that you want to wring their necks. But most of all you need to have a positive attitude with them but not so much where they walk all over you. Its a very touch and go situation until you figure out a happy medium for your students.

You'll need to be knowledgable of your subject(s). Many middle schools have teachers that teach only one/two subjects. You'll need to show that you have knowledge in that content area(s). Some states have specific tests in the content areas to help "prove" your capabilities.

Lastly, you need to have fun with the students when you teach. Make the subject fun when you can. Teach the content and drill and kill in various forms. Whether its projects, internet work, games, etc. The students really enjoy that.

Answer 2

As a student who left secondary education only a year and a half ago, I would say:

They need to be a good listener
Patient
Not easily stressed
Not a pushover
Assertive
Fun, but can get kids to work hard when neccessary
Can find an interesting approach to teach
Don't patronise
Friendly and chatty, but doesn't get distracted from teaching too much
Knows the balance between when to focus mainly on the hardworkers and when to push the ones that don't work as hard

Answer 3

Be on the student's side
Active
Understanding
Get up to date with current teenage trends
Invest time in children
Make things understandable from their perspective
See things from the child's point of view
Use indirect means of control often
Smile often
Positive attitude
Empathetic
Make things fun for them
Innovative
Spontaneous
Has a sense of humour
Responsible
Has intequity
Not sarcastic
Like children
Creative
Knowledgeable
Broad areas of interest
Analytical
Knows a bit of psychology
Generous
Interactive
Good listener
Open minded
Culturally unbiased
Not racist
Determination
Dedicated & committed
Energetic
Supportive
Can think on their feet
Thinks about consequences of techniques of classroom management (not all of them are as effective as you think)
Bold
Teach because they like teaching for the people of our future - not because of the job or the money
Alturistic

Answer 4

Strength of character, excellent acting skills, unlimited patience, breadth of life experience, ability to mind read, eyes in the back of your head, tact, diplomacy and total unflappability!

Answer 5

Give them boundaries but have fun with them.Listen,be patient,remember what it was like to be their age.Say if you're having a bad day ,they need to know you are human too.Talk to them about their lives ,keep in touch with parents/carers,keep up with current 'stuff'.Know your subject ,be open to ideas and be prepared for them teaching you as much as you will teach them.It really is like the adverts!

Answer 6

A Black Belt in Martial Arts and the patience of a Saint, I reckon.

Answer 7

a good school teacher

Answer 8

listen
respond
be assertive when neccesary
be cool - don be jerks like uni professors
and don be harsh
try to mix in with ur students - be one of them

Answer 9

Knowledge of subject(s)
Sense of humour
Patience
Tolerance
Thick skin
Innovation
Ability to think quickly
Leadership
Good organisation

...........not necessarily in that order.

Answer 10

should be gud in thier subject