Characteristics of an Effective Educator

What are the Characteristics of an effective educator?

The characteristics of an effective teacher are much in line with the four components that make up the framework that SPU has adopted for its teacher certification program, service, leadership, competence and character.   Teachers must first be committed to the concept of acting as “servant leaders.” Robert K. Greenleaf coined this term in his book, The Servant as Leader.   An effective teacher must hold a life paradigm that revolves around living with a desire to serve first.  As educators we must try to approach life through the eyes of service as a means to contribute to the betterment of our students. 

An effective teacher must be able to both contribute personally to the effort and have the ability to elicit the help of those around her -this is true Leadership a natural derivative of trying to serve.   All participating parties have something to offer.  An effective teacher is able to encourage others to contribute their gifts to the final goal (whatever it might be).   As leaders, effective teachers, involve themselves with passion and commitment, and inspire others to do the same.  They positively affect the growth and well-being of the students, families and administration for whom they serve. 

Effective teachers are competent professional educator.  As instructors they maintain competence in their ability to effectively maintain procedures, lesson plans, and the use of ever changing technology.  And even more importantly, they contribute to the successful development of communities that are culturally competent. 

Educators influence the future of those for whom they are in contact with.  Effective educators hold themselves to a set of high moral values and operates through the prerequisite of good character.  They in turn demonstrate an ability to teach and motivate those around them to also hold themselves accountable to live with character as well.

Effective teachers are accomplished, prepared, and respected.  They have taken the time to learn what being truly effective is.  In the words of Wong & Wong, “Every one of us is both a student and a teacher.  We are at our best when we each teach ourselves what we need to learn  (The First Days of School p.10).”