Fern Michonski / Fern’s Music
Pre-School Music Education Expert: The Children’s Advocate for Love and Kindness, Inspiring Creativity and Joy.
September 5, 2012—What Makes a Great Teacher? 
Every year children are placed with a particular teacher and then the conversations begin among the parents. They want to know if their child has been placed with the best teacher or not. They are concerned because they want their child to have a good year in school. All of this is very understandable and as a parent, I get it.
As I sit here thinking back over the years to all of the various teachers my three children have had, I find myself wondering who were the really great teachers and why? How do you rate a teacher? Given the fact that I am both a parent and a teacher, I obviously have my own opinions on this matter. However, I asked the experts—my children. Now young adults, I asked them to look back and consider this.
You might think they would mention the person who taught their favorite subject. No. You might think they would shout out the name of the teacher who favored them. No. You might think they would suggest the “coolest” teacher, or the most fashionable, or the one with the greatest command of a particular topic. No.
The words that came out of their mouths were the teachers with the most understanding and compassion. I was impressed. Their favorite teachers cared, took the time to listen to them, and expressed compassion throughout the day, no matter how smart they were, what the subject was or how old they were.
Kids are smart—really smart. They know who the best teachers are. They shrink and wither when dealt with anger, lack of patience, unfairness and yelling. However, they innately know that if they are nurtured with patience, understanding, and kindness, they will thrive. It boils down to love and respect.
In the words of the experts, the children, the key essential ingredients that make an excellent teacher are understanding, compassion and kindness. If your child’s teacher exhibits these traits you are in for a fabulous school year that will live in your children’s hearts and minds forever.