I believe a successful teacher is primarily a matter of...

I believe that the primary trait that makes a teacher successful is care. Care for the students is the driving force that motivates teachers to continue instructing at an exceptional level. There are several traits that all of the successful teachers I have ever had share, but all of the traits are a product of considering the needs of the students.

Reflection is a necessary trait for any teacher that wants to constantly improve lessons and differentiate instruction for diverse learners. Looking back at lessons and considering what went well and where improvements can be made takes plenty of thought and consideration. More than anything, it takes time. It takes time outside of the classroom to push those lessons to the next level or to figure out a teaching strategy that will benefit a very small portion of the classroom. Without care, the time needed to reflect and shape lessons would be lost.

Ensuring that students are connecting their education with their lives is another trait that I identify with a successful and caring teacher. A teacher that really cares will take the time to create an interest survey or have discussion with students about their values. Gaining insight into what students want to learn and value in order to create instruction that is relevant and meaningful shows a great deal of care. Lessons can become outdated or reflect the instructor's interests, which ultimately leads to decreased student motivation.

One of the best quotes I have ever had the pleasure of hearing came from the University of Iowa Women's Basketball Head Coach, Lisa Bluder. During a visit to my class, she spoke of care and motivation, she told us, "They don't care how much you know, till they know how much you care". It is a quote that has stuck with me for years and I have recently been able to witness how correct that quote is. The toughest students that I have had all seem to respond well and increase productivity when I spend a little time with them, one on one, just talking about them and their work. Letting students know that you care about their development as a student, artist, or successful adult can make all the difference and set them on the right track.