A good teacher is characterised by numerous qualities which make it possible for them to do their job well.

Without a doubt, every teacher comes with his/her own unique blend of such qualities. What kind of blend are you?

Are you the popular type? Kids love you. Other teachers want to be you. Students get each year’s new schedule hoping your name is on it. You are someone who, in point of fact, knows how to get along with the kids. You are funny and cool in a non-awkward way. However, there are some drawbacks. Students never leave you alone!

They are always hanging around your room after school. You have to be careful not to become too friendly with kids and allow this to cause you to decrease the quality of your teaching.

The type I call ‘mangoes’ are very inefficient and should consider joining other professions. They are what Coloroso’s theory brands the jellyfish teacher.

They are often inconsistent about classroom management, allowing chaos in the classroom and using mini lectures, put downs, bribes, and threats to control students. They do not see the need for students to develop inner discipline. Punctuality is not one of their attributes.

They go to class 10 minutes late and are out 10 minutes early. They will ask for a sick leave for common cold or regular monthly periods. They bitterly complain about extracurricular supervision or supplementary activities. 

The strict disciplinarians love the sound of silence. They pride themselves on keeping order in their world. If students speak out of turn or pass notes or worse, they are right on it. While students don’t necessarily consider them their best friend, learning does take place.

They have to be careful, though. Many times strict disciplinarians have problems with balance. It is hard to balance being strict with not becoming overbearing. Students should want to come to your class to learn. They should not be afraid of you. if you are this type, stay away from yelling and make sure that you are always consistent and fair. You can have your ‘peace’ and enjoy it too.

Then there are those psychologists call the idealist. Teaching is a passion and a call to them. They really care about making a difference, not just to their students but to society in general. They see improving social justice as a key part of their role. These teachers are also attracted to the job because they love their subject and have a desire to work with young people. Their motivation does not waver either.

Consistently, they prepare their lessons; impart knowledge, experiment with new teaching methodologies and correct students’ work without succumbing to the stress it comes with. They are both incorruptible and candid.

Perhaps, you are the seasonal type. Occasionally you are thrilled and passionate about teaching but sometimes, not so much. When you have a problem with the employer or an administrator, the students drink the wrath. You are not sure of the reasons you joined the profession and are likely to quit at any rate.

The practitioner on the other hand is a different type all together. They are not so much interested in contributing to society as in contributing to the development of their own students. Although psychologists describe them as teachers who are in the profession because they want to be teachers, and that they enjoy their craft and are committed to the job, I beg to disagree with this kind of profiling.

With a concern only for students and not the society, such teachers are bound to rejoice in the adage: the end justifies the means. Apparently, "whatever-the-cost” has never been a good thing- it comes with rote learning, cheating in the exam and exam based teaching among other things. Clearly, the only enjoyment here is in the victory of the student and not in the job.

Another type is the rationalist whom I have branded: "complainant company limited”.They join the profession for practical reasons. They believe they can make a difference but are also pragmatic, realising that they need a job with good pay and holidays. They are the ones that "produce” grades; unfortunately, they are also always at logger heads with their employers. They are always complaining. The pay is never enough for them and the work conditions can never satisfy them. They are usually too good for the institution and are not afraid to say so. Their quality of work is good but so is their ability to voice out their teething troubles.

Then there are the moderates. Unlike the rationalist, this type of teacher isn’t likely to raise strong opinions in the staff room – he is Mr or Mrs Middle of the Road. There is no one factor that brings them into the profession. In fact, they are motivated by many things (from a love of their subject to the need for a job- not the passion for teaching) and they stay in the profession for a range of reasons. Like the stoics, they are open to suggestions.

They do not care so much about results; it may even suffice to say they really don’t care about anything except that their pay comes at the end of the month. They are annoyingly patient and overwhelmingly calm at all situation. To them, life is here to stay.

Conclusively, teaching is hard work and some teachers never grow to be anything better than mediocre. They do the bare minimum required and very little more. The great teachers, however, work tirelessly to create a challenging, nurturing environment for their students. Great teaching seems to have less to do with our knowledge and skills than with our attitude toward our students, our subject, and our work. Endeavor to be a great teacher!

The writer is a lecturer at The Adventist University of Central Africa