Is Teaching Preschool Right for You?

Ask any teacher and they’ll probably tell you that teaching is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling careers, and they can’t imagine doing anything else, but that doesn’t mean that teaching comes without challenges. Teaching comes with a lot of responsibilities and it takes a special kind of person to be able to handle everything that’s thrown their way. Great teachers don’t mind the challenge because they truly love what they do and find joy in making a difference.

What makes a great teacher? While there’s no exact formula, there are some traits that good teachers frequently share. If any of these apply to you, then you’re headed in the right direction:

Leadership

Good teachers are effective leaders and have the ability to lead their classroom with confidence and assurance. Teachers must be able to manage a variety of different personalities and behaviors and help guide children in the right direction. A good teacher is one who leads by example and sets the tone early on from the start of the year, as far as what they expect from their students.

Patience

Patience is a must when dealing with children, as there will be times when behavioral issues arise or there are classroom disruptions. You will need to remain calm and be understanding when these things occur, no matter how frustrating it can get.

Sense of Humor

While this isn’t necessarily something that can be taught (you either have a sense of humor or you don’t), it’s a definite positive when it comes to engaging and connecting with your students on a personal level.

Flexibility

Being flexible when it comes to dealing with an unforeseen event is a must, as you never know what’s going to occur in your classroom on any given day. Good teachers can adapt when something isn’t working and can quickly go in a different direction. When dealing with children it’s also imperative that you can think and respond quickly in an emergency situation.

Organization

Great teachers are attentive and highly organized. Teachers have a lot of material to cover, and don’t get much time, if any, to themselves, so good organizational skills and being able to find what you need in a hurry is a must.

Communication

Teachers must have strong communication skills as they interact with people of all ages, including students, administration, fellow staff members, and familes. A great teacher knows how to effectively deliver information in a way that is clear and easy to understand and respond to.

Compassion

Effective teachers have real compassion and empathy for their students and truly want to see them excel in school and in life. Students should feel safe and respected by their teacher and should be comfortable approaching and talking to their teacher.

Enthusiasm

Part of what makes a great teacher is the enthusiasm, passion, and joy they have for teaching and for being able to play such an important role in the lives of their students. Great teachers remain upbeat and positive because they truly love what they do and it shows.

Think Teaching is Right for You?

Teaching is a rewarding profession that offers the unique ability to make a lifelong impact on the lives of students. If you’re ready to get started on the path to becoming a teacher and making a difference, contact Athena Career Academy to learn more about our early childhood education program.