THE TEACHER YOUR STUDENTS WANT

As I was contemplating topics for a "back to school" post , I felt that it needed to be inspiring rather than strategy based.  While bulletin boards are going up and lesson plans are being written, most of my teacher friends have shared that they aren't quite ready to tackle a new school year.  So, with that in mind,  I decided some serious inspiration was in order.  And, I went straight to the source.

I interviewed a number of students of all ages and stages and asked one simple question.

"What is most important in a teacher?"

Here are some of their thoughts.

"That they are nice and give me challenges, so I'm not bored."

"The most important thing is knowing that the teacher cares about me beyond the classroom and really enjoys his/her job."

"They play games, and there is not a lot of talking."

"That they actually care about us."

"They use humor so that sometimes you forget you are in a classroom."

"That they know what they are doing, so I am not taught something stupid."

"They make learning fun."

"They don't punish me because of the tattle-talers and listen to my side."

"They laugh."

"They care about me."

"Their passion for teaching and wanting kids to enjoy/learning what they are teaching is really important."

"They listen to me when I talk.  They are there for me."

"They understand me.  And, they are patient."

"They are nice and fun but still a good teacher.  They aren't too strict."

"It's important that they enjoy teaching because students have a better attitude when a teacher is positive and fun."

"Someone who honestly tries to get to know their students without being their best friend."

"They should be understanding and caring."

"Have a calming voice and be nice.  And, listen to and answer my questions."

"They have a good sense of humor and know and love the subject they teach."

"They talk to me and listen to me."

"They know how to explain things.  They are nice and care."

"They shouldn't be that strict when school starts.  But, as the year goes on they should be more strict because we know better!"

"They smile a lot and care about me."

You probably noticed that, time and time again, in their own words, kids of all ages touted the importance of a teacher who cared about them.

I know we all know that relationships are key number one to success in the classroom, but my hope is that hearing it from the students themselves is a reminder of the incredibly important work you do in the classroom. 

You aren't just teaching a subject, you are shaping lives.

So, as you stand at your door again this year, greeting your students for the first time, remember that you are the teacher that those students want because you are the teacher who cares.

Thank you for the work you do each day, and good luck this school year!

:) Brandy