The key to educational progress lies in the hands of a teacher. Every classroom teacher has a high expectation regarding the development of his learners. He wants that his learners would become self-reliant, productive, creative and hardworking individuals equipped with skills and competencies to respond to the socio-economic development of the locality in particular and to the country in general.
To attain quality education, various qualities of teachers must be considered. These qualities have acronym of ENTHUSIAM that will serve as teacher’s role, teaching behavior, goals and objectives as bases of good teaching.
ENERGETIC – Teaching is a high-energy job. The lifeless need not apply. The students we spend the day with have energy to spare, and we need to be able to keep up with them. Stay in shape and take your vitamins.
NOT BORING– Simply put, it’s impossible to be boring and excited at the same time. If you’re genuinely excited about what you’re doing there won’t be any complaints about being boring.
TOUGH– Teaching is not a job for sissies. We have to be tough both physically and mentally simply because the job is so demanding. There are also times when we need to be tough on the kids. We need to let them know that we’re not afraid to make them work. We need to hold them accountable, and they need to know that we will.
HIGH STANDARDS– Good teachers consistently maintain high standards in two important areas. The first is classroom management — establishing a culture that’s conducive to teaching and learning, one that’s built on a foundation of mutual respect. The other is academics — letting students and their parents know that we take seriously the responsibility of helping the next generation acquire the knowledge they’ll need to function well in society.
UNDERSTANDING– By this, I mean understanding what’s going on in our students’ lives — developing empathy for them. It’s a lot harder being a kid now than it was when we were growing up, and we need to acknowledge this. We should make every effort possible to learn what’s going on in their lives, what affects their learning. It’s also important for us to remember our own days as students. What was it like on a bad day? When were we distracted? When were we at our best? How did our best teachers treat us in both good and bad times?
SENSE OF HUMOR– Simply put, you’ll die in the classroom without one. An important aspect of enthusiasm for teaching — as well as for life — is the ability to see and enjoy the funny things that surround us daily. While everyone likes to laugh, it’s been proven that kids laugh about ten times more than the average adult. Teachers, more than anyone, need to understand this. Laughter makes every classroom a better place. It just means that you should never miss an opportunity to laugh with your kids and at yourself. Laughter is the shortest distance between people of all ages.
IMAGINATION– Keep in mind that good teaching is an art. It requires some degree of imagination and resourcefulness. Always look for new and better ways of making your material interesting. It will be more enjoyable for you and for your students.
ALWAYS PREPARED– It would have absolutely terrified to walk into a classroom without being fully prepared. In fact, if possible teachers should be over-prepared. At the same time, teachers need to be flexible. Good teachers are able to capitalize on moments when they occur, no matter how solid their lesson plans are.
STORYTELLER– All good teachers — along with good preachers, speakers, and writers — are good storytellers. Everyone loves a good story.
MOTIVATED– “Real motivation comes from within.” Good teachers understand this. They keep a fire burning inside rather than wait for someone else to light one for them. In addition, they help their students become motivated. This happens because good teachers are also good salespeople — they sell ideas. They help their students understand why it’s so important to pass on knowledge, and help them see education, not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to improve the quality of their lives.
If majority of the teachers are effective and efficient teachers, good leaders and good followers who possess the aforementioned qualities, there is a big possibility of achieving quality of education in the Philippines.
By: Myrna E. Castillo | Principal II | Samal High School | Samal, Bataan
