The difference between an “ok” teacher to a “great” teacher is their willingness to go above and beyond. Great teachers challenge students through a hardworking but comfortable environment. They bring a bang to the topic and keep students interested in the topic as well as teach them in a organized and easy to understand way.

Teachers need to be more than a talking textbook. Teachers should be a never ending encyclopedia of knowledge that goes above and beyond just what the textbook says. Teachers should bring new experiences and material to the table that allows students to fully understand the topic. A teacher should keep students engaged while clearly explaining what students need to know about the topic. Motivating students is a big part of a teacher’s job. Trying to get a bunch of lazy, tired, and grumpy teenagers to pay attention and be interested in chemistry can be next to impossible unless there’s a great teacher. Teachers should inspire and do new and exciting things to liven up the classroom and keep students paying attention in class.

My Spanish teacher in middle school, Mrs. Flaherty, is a great example of a knowledgeable teacher. She loved what she taught and she also knew what she was talking about. Mrs. Faherty always was finding new ways to motivate her students and easily explain what we are learning in class. Mrs. Faherty had an array of songs to memorize Spanish forms and words. At the time I thought she was crazy, but now I am so thankful for the songs. I still use the songs three years later in my Spanish class and they help me everyday in class. Mrs. Faherty did a fantastic job of preparing me for high school Spanish and I still use her teachings every class.

One of my pet peeves of a teacher is if they are not organized. Organization does not only include having an organized classroom but it also includes organization through communication. Teachers should plan ahead and give clear and exact deadlines. They should inform students on what is to be expected of them and what they need for the class. If a student misses a day of school, they should be able to get all their work. Teachers should be available for students before they return to school. This prepares great hardworking, and time managing students. Students should know from the teachers the exact due dates, test dates, and the general layout of the class.  Having an organized teacher creates a great working environment for students.

Mr. Destache, my math teacher, does a great job of creating an organized class. He provides a note packet and uploads notes online so students can catch up on work if they miss a day. Mr. Destache is a great communicator in and outside the classroom. He is always emailing students and parents on what to expect in the class and when the next quiz or test is. Mr. Destache does a great job teaching students, but he also does a great job of making students work hard and be responsible in school.  Mr. Destache has helped me succeed in math this year and he has provided me with the tools and lessons on how to study for a challenging math exam.

Teachers should be friendly, but not a friend. There is a key difference between being a friendly, kind, and caring teacher to the students to being a friend of the students. A friendly teacher is easy to talk to and is willing to help students. A great teacher is always offering help so that the student can do their best in the class. Students should feel comfortable asking for help from that teacher and feel at ease talking with them. Although friendly, the teacher is not a student’s friend. A teacher should have control of their classroom and conduct a productive and successful classroom.  This keeps students with their mind in the classroom and working hard instead of chit-chatting with the teacher.

The best example of a teacher that went above and beyond for me is my Chemistry teacher Mr. Antony. I find chemistry to be a very confusing topic so I am constantly seen before school getting help from Mr. Antony. Mr. Antony is always willing to help go over homework or notes to help me understand Chemistry better. He also is always offering extra credit projects to help bring up my grade and enhance my understanding of the topic.

Benjamin Franklin says, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”  Teachers can make the difference between a student understanding a class and feeling like they are drowning in information. Teachers are much more than a talking textbook. They bring the topic to life and entertain, inspire, and leave students with knowledge that will last them a lifetime.