Characteristics of an Effective Educator

An effective educator is knowledgeable about methods of pedagogy and their specific subject areas. An educator knows how to lecture, facilitate group work, and evaluate what the students have learned. Furthermore, an effective educator has energy. They have a passion for the subject that is infectious. A teacher with energy has new approaches and engages their students. 

There are many skills and educator needs to be effective. Beyond the basics of organization, lesson planning, and the knowledge of the subjects, an educator needs a social grace. They hold their composure under pressure. They know how to give bad news gently and often discretely. They are ready to answer questions, not only of their material, but how their lesson maybe received through varying cultural perceptions. An educator should have a parental attitude toward their students. They are caring but firm. They have the composure to not favor one student over another yet provide aid to those whom need it. An effective educator has spent the time to know each of their students.  

An educator is of good character and possess moral fortitude. They know themselves and are true to who they are.  Students will see through falsehoods and they won’t trust the teacher. A student who doesn’t trust the teacher will not engage in the material. A student who respects and likes their teacher will attempt to please the teacher.  

An effective educator will have an impact on their students. For we all aspire to imitate those people we like and respect.