What Makes an Exceptional Teacher?
When looking for a teacher in the professional healing arts, and specifically hand analysis, there are many aspects to take into consideration. High quality teachers have an extensive knowledge of the subject matter, curriculum and standards, a caring attitude, and a love of learning; experience facilitating groups of individuals and expectations, a desire to make a difference in the lives of students, and those lives who the student will touch.
– Exceptional teachers set high expectations for all students while meeting each student where she is emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually.
– Exceptional teachers have clear, written-out objectives for each class and/or program. With integrity, they follow through with commitments. Students do better when they have a clear idea what to expect and receive what is expected.
– Exceptional teachers are prepared and organized. They are in their classrooms (and tele-calls) early and ready to teach. They offer homework assignments and hands-on practice plans to build subject knowledge.
– Exceptional teachers help students see differently. Effective teachers use intuition, scientific facts (reliable and repeatable data) while also asking “why” questions. Students learn better when they are challenged to look at all sides of the subject matter and are given plenty of time to ask and answer questions.
– Exceptional teachers communicate effectively, engage all students and treat each student with dignity and respect.
– Exceptional teachers form strong heart-centered relationships with their students and show that they care. They are warm, enthusiastic, considerate and caring. Students feel supported when their teachers are available to them during and outside of scheduled class time.
– Exceptional teachers are masters of their subject and spend time continuing to gain knowledge in their field of expertise. They present the material with enthusiasm and instill hunger in their students to study and practice.
– Exceptional teachers help students build confidence through praise, appropriate correction, and individualized guidance.
– Exceptional teachers pursue and exhibit life experience to support their curriculum and overall teaching objectives.
– Exceptional teachers give the student cause to be both fulfilled and delighted about the learning institution or academy where they are or have been taught.
– Exceptional teachers gratefully acknowledge their sources of content and pay homage to their revered teachers and mentors.
Exceptional Teachers by Kay Packard printer friendly version
Written by Kay Packard, M.A. Director of the American Academy of Hand Analysis * Inspired by www.greatschools.org * Contributing Editor Linda Salazar * Visit www.AcademyofHandAnalysis.org