Personality Traits of Successful Teachers
Personality is described as a person's observable behavior. The interplay of a unique human being in interaction with people and things form personality. How one meets and responds to events and relationships shapes ones personality.
Successful teachers have numerous personality traits that make them good teachers, however, some traits seem to be common to all successful teachers. In a study completed in 2000 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Paul Marchbanks determined that the traits of passion, patience, cooperation, authoritativeness and creativity were the essential personality traits of an effective elementary school teacher. This is a look at how those personality traits affect learning.
Passion
A good teacher is enthusiastic and goes about her job in a dynamic, confident manner. She is dedicated to furthering the goals of education for her students. A passionate teacher will radiate that energy to her students and motivate them to learn. A negative energy can pull the energy out of those around them, therefore it is not conducive to a successful learning experience.
Patience
The trait of patience may meet with resistance at times. Being able to stay composed when trying situations arise takes a lot of patience. No matter how frustrating the circumstances, the teacher must remain supportive and understanding. Being patient means listening to the students with a sensitive, objective, respectful ear. In this manner the students will soon know the teacher can be trusted and will not hurt them.
Cooperation
Successful teachers interact effectively with students using flexibility and cooperation. She has good social skills and is easy to get along with. A good teacher is compassionate and cooperative. Suspicion and antagonism will have a negative effect on learning. Being able to trust their teachers is important to students.
In addition to the children, the teacher must also be able to work well with other teachers, supervisors and administrators.
Authoritativeness
Effective classroom management is an essential part of a good teacher’s role because discipline and personality conflicts have to be dealt with. Successful teachers administer clear and concise rules in a consistent, authoritative and firm manner. However, it is important not to be too rigid. Often a spontaneous moment will present a very good teaching moment. Good teachers will seize that moment to teach a valuable lesson to the students. The good teacher will create a comfortable, positive and secure classroom and be flexible as well.
Creativity
Successful teachers have the personality trait of creativity. Lessons are devised in a way that reflect what is known about learning strategies and self-learning skills are promoted in order for the student to learn independently. A creative teacher is imaginative and ingenious by thinking of new ways to do things. She has an appreciation for adventure therefore presents a variety of experiences to her students.
