Being a teacher is more than just handing out information. It’s helping students grow, getting them excited about learning, and guiding them through tough topics.
But what makes a teacher truly stand out? It’s not just about knowing the subject, but also about how they connect with students and create a positive learning environment.
KTR asked students and teachers at Charlottesville High School about what they think makes a good teacher. Here are their responses:
Freshman Olivia Dawson said, “When they make jokes and can have fun with the class. Also when they actually help students when they have questions instead of telling to try to figure it out.” When asked who her favorite teacher was this year she said, “Mrs. Dally”.
Junior Mel Russel said, “Be kind and appreciate your students, and being on time.” When asked who her favorite teacher was this year she said, “Ms. Westphal”.
AP and Honors Chemistry teacher Sherry Hodges said, “I’ve been a teacher for 27 years, all at Charlottesville High School. I think it’s important to have a good relationship with my students, to make sure they feel comfortable and safe in my classroom, and they might not all love Chemistry by the end of the year, but they’ll all appreciate it because I’m going to make them critically think about things.”
AP Psychology and AP Human Geography teacher Justin Newberry, last year’s Charlottesville High School teacher of the year said, “I think the most important thing to be a good teacher is to have good people skills because just like a salesman or anybody who has to face their clientele, you’ve got to build a relationship with that clientele even if they’re teenagers. You’re selling students your content and if they don’t like you they’re not going to buy your content. You might be the only teacher they have in that subject but that doesn’t mean you have a monopoly on their attention, you don’t have a monopoly on their effort or their energy. So, you have to sell yourself and your class in a way that makes them want to buy that. Why’s your class better than spending time on my phone? Why’s your homework more important than spending time with my friends? That ability to sell yourself comes in different ways, but everyone’s got to have something about them that sells it.”
While some people may have different opinions on what makes a good teacher, a common trait is being supportive of your students. Having a nice and supportive teacher encourages students to be more attentive and respect their teacher. As said by Mr. Newberry, a teacher has to have an attribute to grab their students attention and make them want to participate in their class.
