What makes a good teacher?

Kivukoni Primary School, Mpanda MC, Katavi, Tanzania. / Credit: GPE/Kelley Lynch

There is one high school teacher I always remember, despite the fact that there are many others that I considered great. She was a History teacher. I think she stands out for me because she was very clear in all her classes. I cannot forget one topic in particular, related to economic systems, because it was very useful all along my subsequent studies. I kind of have a still image of her explaining the difference between esclavism and feudalism, and then adding some crucial information about capitalism. This I cannot forget and whenever I talk about that topic I keep her in mind, maybe because she was very clear and understandable. As a teacher, I would love to have that ability to explain things, and I think I do not until this day, almost twenty years later.

My ideal of a great teacher, however, differs a little from this memory I have of her. She had a strong character and was young, but I think my ideal would be someone not so young and with a soft character. To me, a great teacher should be someone who enjoys been around young kids and feels confortable explaining things over and over. One of the main characteristics of a great teacher would be his or her capacity for joy.