Every child that enters a school a teacher plays an import role in her life. Being the molder of our youth, a teacher should always be careful in all his ways because children do the acts they imitate. They learned more by what they see and observe.

The following are some qualities of an effective teacher. A teacher should be a model in all his ways. He should be a good model not only inside the classroom, but also outside the classroom. Setting a good example in his speech, attitudes and his ways at any time and any place will gain him respect from the children and people around him, children will learn good values. Values are caught not taught.

A teacher should be sincere and true to his commitments. If the teacher possesses these qualities, the objective of the school which is to educate the children into a wholesome personality, is easily achieved. If a teacher has these characteristics, he puts his teaching job first priority over all other duties. He is always punctual. He does his job well with or without his superior.

A teacher should be respectful and honest. Sometimes we wonder why some children are disrespectful. Why? Children are still disrespectful because they have observed from their teachers the attitudes opposite of what they teach. To make his teaching effective, the teacher should show respect for those in authority. Dishonesty is also another problem that exists in children. Unless teachers are honest even in little things, he cannot teach honestly effectively.

A teacher should be firm in his words. Word of honor is very important to one’s personality to gain respect and obedience from the students and other people. Assignments should be checked and discussed the following day. Projects should be checked and gathered a reward should be given to those who have done their responsibilities. Rewards are incentives to students to perform better. Penalty or punishment should be given to those who do not comply with it. By doing this it will serve as a lesson to them.

A teacher should be kind and friendly. A teacher who is friendly will make a child feels comfortable in the classroom. Children’s shyness and fear will be lessened. As a result, they would not be afraid or hesitant to ask questions on what they could not understand; such teacher will eventually minimize the absences of tardiness of the students. They will look forward to attending their class with joy.

Since the teacher is a part of every success and failure of a child, she should strive to be a model, a perfect molder and the silent mentor in her special way.

By: Celeste L. Caparas | Teacher I | Limay Elementary School | Limay, Bataan