Good teachers are rare. They are strict, but fair, they know how to motivate the most restless students. Coach Marty Nemko talks about what distinguishes good teachers and how to avoid burnout if you choose this profession.
About half of teachers, according to British statistics, leave the profession within the first five years. They can be understood: working with modern children is not easy, parents are too demanding and impatient, the education system is constantly being reformed, and the leadership is waiting for mind-blowing results. Many teachers complain that they do not have time to restore strength even during the holidays.
Do teachers really need to come to terms with the fact that constant psychological stress is an integral part of the profession? Not at all necessary. It turns out that you can work at school, love your job and feel great. You need to become a good teacher. Teachers who are passionate about their work and who are respected by students, parents, and colleagues are less likely to burn out. They know how to create a comfortable, motivating atmosphere both for their students and for themselves.
The best teachers employ three tactics that make their work interesting and enjoyable.
1. DISCIPLINE AND RESPECT
They are patient and caring, whether they work with the class full-time or replace another teacher. They radiate calmness and confidence, with all their appearance and behavior they show that they are happy to work with children.
Any teacher can become a good teacher, you just have to want to. You can literally change in one day.
All you have to do is tell the students that you are starting an experiment called Becoming a Great Teacher. And ask for help: “I expect good behavior from you in the classroom, because I care about you and it is important for me that our meetings are useful for you. If you make noise and get distracted, I will reprimand you, but I will not raise my voice. If you fulfill your part of the contract, I, in turn, promise that the lessons will be interesting.
A good teacher looks the child straight in the eye, speaks kindly, with a smile. He knows how to calm the class without screaming and humiliation.
2. FUN LESSONS
Of course, the easiest way is to retell the textbook material to the students, but will they listen carefully to the monotonous presentation of the material? Many children do not like school precisely because they are bored of sitting in monotonous classes.
Good teachers have different lessons: they set up experiments with students, show films and presentations, hold competitions, arrange impromptu mini-performances.
Children love lessons using computer technology. Instead of forcing a child to put away their phone or tablet, good teachers use these gadgets for educational purposes. Modern interactive courses allow each child to learn the material at a pace that is comfortable for him. In addition, computer programs are much more effective at attracting and retaining attention than blackboards and chalk.
3. FOCUS ON YOUR STRENGTHS
Teaching methods in junior, middle and senior classes are different. Some teachers are great at explaining grammar rules to kids, but they lose patience with first graders who can’t seem to learn the alphabet. Others, on the contrary, love to learn songs and tell stories with kids, but cannot find a common language with high school students.
If a teacher does something that he is not interested in, there is little chance that he will be able to motivate children.
This profession is difficult and energy-intensive. For a long time, those who see a vocation in it and were able to fall in love with working with children, despite all the difficulties, remain in it for a long time.
About the author: Marty Nemko is a psychologist and career coach.