Wouldn't It Be Great if Every Class Had a Teacher Like That?

Dr. Jim Elsberry

has taught at all levels of education from kindergarten to graduate school, and has been an administrator in both private and public education. He currently is the chair of the division of education at Indiana Wesleyan University. He graduated from Indiana Wesleyan in 1970 with a degree in music education, and his master’s and doctorate degrees are in educational administration from the University of Texas at Austin.

What is it about some teachers that makes students flock to their classes? Why are some teachers remembered fondly by students years after graduation, while others are all but forgotten? How is it that some students become eager, motivated learners while others languish? In short, why do some teachers pass on the fire of enthusiasm to students while others have difficulty even lighting the match?

As a principal in both Christian schools and public schools, I engaged my teachers at the beginning of the school year in an exercise that asked them to think about teachers from their own school days who had a positive impact on them. Now in my role of preparing young men and women for service as teachers in God’s kingdom, I ask my students the same question: Think about teachers who made a difference in your life. What were they like? In the dozens of times I have used this exercise—with teachers, with students, and with parents of students—the answers have been remarkably similar. My informal research has revealed three characteristics of teachers who make a lasting difference in the lives of students:

Passion and Enthusiasm

Teachers who make a difference in the lives of their students are enthusiastic and passionate about their subject areas. They love what they teach, and it shows in class. One student said, “I could tell by his teaching that he loves math. He loves to talk about it all the time, and he wants his students to share his passion.” Another said, “My teacher thought literature was the most wonderful thing there was. She would tell us about one of her favorite passages, and tears would come to her eyes. I couldn’t help but love it too.” These teachers bring an in-depth knowledge of their subjects to the classroom, and they talk about them with excitement. They are continuous learners, and they share their discoveries with their students. One of the benefits of enthusiasm in teachers is that these teachers often draw reluctant students into active learning. Students will say that the subject was a difficult one or was one they did not particularly care about but that they became interested because the teacher made it so interesting.

Strong Personal Relationships

Effective teachers get to know their students on a personal level, and they care about what happens to students both at home and inside the classroom. One student explained, “I was going through a difficult time at home, and I didn’t have anybody to talk to but my teacher. It wasn’t like she was trying to be my buddy, but she took the time to listen to what I had to say without judging me. That really meant a lot to me.” Effective teachers also make an effort to establish positive relationships with parents. They will often call parents or write notes of encouragement and praise, especially for students who are having a particularly difficult time in school. Effective teachers find ways to encourage and support students in the classroom. Carl Jung said, “One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary new material, but the warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.”

High Expectations

Just because effective teachers care about and support students does not mean they are pushovers—quite the contrary. Effective teachers expect students to show self-discipline and achieve high levels of learning in the classroom. They give challenging assignments and expect students to do the work and do it well. One student said, “My teacher didn’t let things slip. He expected top-notch quality for everything. He expected me to be the best I could be.” Descriptions of these teachers include words such as strict, hard grader, and tough.

An interesting note about the characteristics of strong personal relationships and high expectations is that one will not work without the other. Many of us know teachers who try to make friends with students by getting down on their level. In a misguided attempt to win respect, these teachers do just the opposite—they lose whatever chance they had at being effective in the classroom by giving up their authority. Other teachers hold high academic standards for students but do not provide personal support for students’ efforts. These teachers tend to be cold, distant, and removed from the very students who want to do well but don’t get the support they need to succeed. Teachers who make a difference combine all three characteristics effectively. As they show enthusiasm, they maintain appropriately high standards in the classroom while supporting students in achieving them.