What Makes Great Teaching?

 

    When looking back at your years in elementary, middle, and high school there are many teachers that could come to mind when you think about 'great teaching', common characteristics with those educators are that they took time to produce quality lesson plans in which keep students engaged in the material and creating assignments and activities which allow for student creativity to flourish. These educators also go an extra mile to provide a safe environment in their classrooms which advocate for the acceptance of many identities, often these educators will also provide students with accommodations if needed, for example, setting out enough space so students with wheelchairs can get around the classroom without struggle, allowing items to be at lower locations so these students can also reach them without assistance, etc. Great Teaching leads to many students remembering the impact this instructed had in their academic careers due to the attitude they had towards their job of educating them.

    Even in college there can be wonderful professors who will still allow for a proper environment to flourish within a classroom filled with 200 people, there's no limit to how much effort you're allowed to put into your students and classroom. These educators will always work to help you succeed regardless of any obstacles, there's always a way to get past them and as long as you meet your goal then they have done their job in being a great instructor.