What makes a teacher great?

In my opinion, being a teacher is one of the hardest jobs in the world.

Especially in the United States, we’re living in a different era — one where teachers and students walk through school doors that may feel more like security checkpoints than places of learning. Many schools today have metal detectors, campus security, or even police at entrances and exits.

And beyond the doors, it often feels just as challenging. In some schools, maintaining order long enough to present a lesson — and for students to truly retain that lesson — is a struggle. Yet, despite these obstacles, students are still learning. And there are still teachers doing remarkable work — creatively, intuitively, and wholeheartedly engaging young minds.

💡 In my view, a good teacher:

Has a genuine desire to teach Brings creativity and flexibility to their approach Recognizes that not all students learn the same way — and adapts accordingly Possesses an intuitive ability to read their students, sensing when something is off and knowing how to approach with compassion Takes time to get to know their students and understand what captures their attention Can clearly explain why assignments matter, and how they connect to life beyond just earning a grade Builds lessons that feel relevant, purposeful, and connected to real life Knows their students’ names — and uses them in hallways, classrooms, and moments of encouragement, making each student feel seen and valued

This might sound like a lot — but when this is part of your nature and character, it’s not work at all. It’s simply who you are.

Like we adults spend our days at work, students spend the majority of their day in school — surrounded by classmates, teachers, administrators, and support staff. They deserve to be in environments that feel safe, empowering, and genuinely caring.

We want students to want to be in school — and we want teachers and staff to want to be there too, because they’re excited to teach, uplift, and help young people grow.

When that energy is present, it can transform not only a classroom — but a life.

Lady Flava aka Susan K

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