Teachers know that they teach far beyond the subjects of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Here is my list of 10 personal qualities students learn from their teachers. Is there anything you would add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!
#1. Positivity
Teachers with a positive outlook exude positivity each and every day of the school year – even when they are stressed, frustrated, or feeling under the weather. They greet their students with huge smiles each morning and end each day with hugs and high fives. They teach their students that no matter what happens before or after school, having a positive attitude while at school is essential to their educational success!
#2. Independence
One of the most important life skills teachers instill in their students is independence. Exceptional teachers know how to teeter on the delicate line of guiding versus showing. We guide our students to do certain things, but we also leave a lot of room for them to use trial and error and conquer problems using strategies we model for them on a daily basis. There is something so completely satisfying seeing a student’s level of independence grow throughout the school year.
#3. Courage
There are many times during a school year where teachers push their students to go outside of their comfort zones. We don’t do it to be mean… we do it to get our students to practice new skills, to think outside of the box, and to gain confidence in themselves. Oral presentations, timed assignments, and group research assignments are all prefect examples of how we foster courageous development in our students.
#4. Accountability
Teachers are great at setting rules and expectations. They make sure that the rules are clearly understood and followed by their students on a daily basis. Now we know that with rules that need to be followed, there are also consequences that must be given for when those rules have been broken. Teachers, with loving guidance, make sure that when a student breaks a rule, the proper consequences are given so that the student is held accountable for his/her actions. We take the time to talk about the negative actions, and provide guidance on how to make better choices should the situation arise again.
#5. Diversity
Teaching a group of 20+ students gives teachers a wonderful opportunity to teach children about diversity and tolerance. A classroom with twenty students with different maternal languages, values, religious beliefs, economic backgrounds, etc. is the most wonderful place for children to learn how their similarities and differences positively contribute to the global community. Teachers facilitate this delicate subject with grace and open hearts each and every day.
For Part 2 click here!
In the meantime, if you have any that you would like to add to the list for next week, leave them in the comments for me!
Have a great day!
Christine says
This list is spot on! Children are so impressionable and it is so true that our students learn so much from their teachers. It’s probably because students spend more time with their teachers than their own families. Crazy but true! It is so important that teachers are good role models for learning in the classroom.
I Heart Grade 3 says
Thank you for your insight, Christine!
Monica
The K Files says
Wow! This was a great read to remind me of the power of positivity! Thank you for the inspiration!
I Heart Grade 3 says
And thank YOU for stopping by!
Monica