There are many ways to define a good teacher, from the official measurements to the anecdotal memories and we can all remember our favourite teachers from our own school days.
We’ve decided to gather together some views from students, staff, teachers, alumni and our chancellor about what they believe is the all-important definition of a good teacher.
Martha Russell, primary education with QTS degree student with maths specialism:
“I think a good teacher must be passionate about learning, patient with the children, and most importantly inspiring. Children can be inspired by people all around them but if their teacher is not supportive and doesn’t inspire them to work hard and achieve their dream, they are not reaching their potential as a teacher.”
Faisal Ahmed, director of academic school, Stretford High School, Manchester:
“A good teacher is reflective, shares good practice, maintains subject knowledge and listens to students. Great teaching covers the content of the lesson but also explores life and the skills required to make a difference in today’s society.”
Pat Link, teacher of technology, Stanley High School, Southport:
“Someone that is understanding, challenging, and fair. They know the students they teach and how to communicate with them and get them to want to work hard to progress.”
Professor Tanya Byron, Edge Hill University Chancellor, psychologist, author and television personality:
“A good teacher inspires their learners. They understand each student’s individual learning profile and have the courage to step away from a narrow curriculum and the pressure of targets and creatively engage their students with passion and intellectual rigour inside and out of the classroom.”
Wally Brown CBE, honorary doctor of education from Edge Hill University, and former Principal of Liverpool Community College:
“For me great teachers create the perfect environment for learning to take place. But above all great teachers inspire their teaching continues long after they have gone.”
Matthew Budd, year two teacher, Elton Primary School, Chester:
“A good teacher is an individual who can ‘create a spark and leave a mark’ in a classroom environment. A teacher who has respectful and trust worthy relationships with their pupils, parents and colleagues, to ensure children aspire to reach their full potential. Finally a person who is resilient, adaptable and understands that the education sector requires us all to reflect on a regular basis to ensure we deliver high quality teaching and learning.”
Sonia Cooke, a recently retired teacher with over 35 years experience in primary education in the north west:
“A good teacher is someone who wants to inspire children and are able to see their potential and capabilities”.
John Tench, teacher of mathematics, Bridgewater High School, Warrington:
“Let’s look at this mathematically. Let x, y and z be what makes a good teacher. That is, x = hard work; y = passion for learning; z = empathy with young people; So xyz = students who aim higher, work harder, achieve more.”
Joan Steele, Edge Hill University curator:
“A caring attitude. Enthusiasm, wanting to make a difference. A broad knowledge and love of the subject they teach.”
Alex Winstanley, Edge Hill University alumnus - secondary PE PGCE, Australia:
“For me, a good teacher is genuinely passionate about their subject, its development and how they can use it to provide a meaningful, holistic education for as many pupils as possible.”
Stuart Maconie, author, broadcaster and alumnus:
“A good teacher is as much an actor as an academic. You are onstage to a degree and the goal is inspiration as much as inculcation. Unless you’re a driving instructor. Having said that, some things they just have to learn; times tables, Shakespeare, Irregular Verbs. But if they love it, they’ll learn it.”
Margaret Carr, special school teacher, Lancaster area:
“Good subject knowledge, a calm, consistent approach and a desire to make learning fun and memorable. Oh, and ( I nearly forgot) endless stamina!”
Katie Hilton, early years education with QTS degree student, Edge Hill University:
“What makes a good teacher is perseverance, creativity and hard work. It isn’t just a 9-5 job with plenty of holiday bonuses, it requires developing relationships with parents, staff and children to ensure they strive to be the best they can be. A good teacher will challenge children’s thinking and provide experience’s to prepare them for real life situations.”
If you’re feeling inspired, find out more about studying to become a teacher, or continuing professional development, on the Edge Hill University website.
