The Difference Between a Good and a Great Teacher

What is the difference between a good teacher and a great teacher? Well, this question comes up during teacher interviews sometimes, and it is a tough question to answer just off the top of your head. We’ve been giving it some thought, and here is what we have come up with:

Good teachers work hard. Great teachers work harder than anyone else. They learn, grow, change, and evolve every year, if not every month or day. Great teachers read every teaching book they can get their hands on. They follow other inspiring teachers to gain as much inspiration as possible.

Good teachers focus on making sure that students learn the grade level standards and have completed all of the work that has been assigned. Great teachers focus on making sure that their students will succeed in the real world and can apply their learning to new situations.

Good teachers cover a lot of curriculum in an engaging way for students to learn. Great teachers find the talent within their students and help to bring and develop that talent.

Good teachers have high student expectations. Great teachers are able to help students do better than the student even thought was possible.

Good teachers create a classroom environment that promotes positive relationships with students. Great teachers see more in students than even the student can see or even thought was possible. A great teacher can give a student hope for a better future.