Faculty of foreign philology english teaching methodolgy department course paper

Essential Skills and Qualities Every Teacher Needs

Qualities of a Good EFL Teacher
The best EFL teachers are not born but are made. While an innate interest in teaching is required, I have realized over the course of my education and my teaching career that to stay on top of the game, we EFL teachers must always be learning. We cannot afford to lose focus on the qualities we need to practice, the knowledge that we need to acquire, and the learners we need to keep up with. Teaching is far from being a passive role: a professional teacher is always active and observant, even when they are not teaching.
There are some qualities that make a good EFL teacher. Being aware of these qualities, and more importantly, working at it, can turn a competent teacher into a brilliant one! Based on my experience and my interactions with fellow EFL teachers I have narrowed these down to ten.
1. A Love for Teaching and Language
Some of us know teaching as a calling. We know that we want to teach. It comes from a need to help our community and to make a difference and to make lives better. You must really want to teach and to share knowledge to be effective as a teacher, irrespective of what you are teaching. EFL teachers must also love language and its intricacies, but that alone will not be enough. Teaching a language requires more than telling students what the rules of the language are. You must be able to identify strengths of a learner as well as their weaknesses, know the most appropriate methods of skill transfer, and possess immense patience in order to make the jump from a language specialist to a teacher.
2. Communication is Key
In language learning, communication is extremely important because that is the aim of a language class – to enable learners to communicate in a new language. Again, a teacher is required to be a good communicator. A teacher must be a good listener to understand the learners and their needs. In addition to that, a teacher must also be able to communicate clearly so that learners, who often come from diverse backgrounds, understand the teacher. Communication is also the best way to get feedback from learners and assess if they have learned the concepts satisfactorily³
3. An Organizer and Planner
As a language teacher, you have to set objectives and plan your lessons. Many of these lessons may require activities. The learning activities need to be planned ahead – goals, steps, resources, and evaluation. Apart from this, crucial to a teacher’s success is classroom management. It involves lesson planning as well as managing different learners with different learning styles and behaviors in the classroom. Most of the organizing and planning strategies can be learned in teacher training. Practical experience will, over time, assist the teacher with what works and what does not work.
4. A Learner for Life
Language does not remain static – neither are the modes of language use and learning. They are constantly evolving. Hence, teachers must evolve. It can be achieved through refresher courses as well as paying attention to the news in the English language teaching field as well as other related fields. Technology is also important. Teachers need to understand how to exploit technology to teach language as well as how technology could change the way in which language is used. Language is not restricted to verbal communication anymore. It has been adapted to suit technology – abbreviated forms in texting, for example. Traditionally, language teachers used pen-to-paper writing practice in class yet now teachers should teach students how to write emails which would follow a different format and style. Besides, teaching and learning feed each other.
5. Knowledge, Knowledge
It is important to have a call for teaching, enjoy language and possess good interpersonal skills. Yet for all of these to be used effectively and to have the intended impact, what is necessary is a solid foundation and that comes with knowledge. Not only do you need to have knowledge pertaining to the language but you should also need to have teaching knowledge – methodologies, evaluation, classroom management, and learning styles. Together, language and teaching skills, will make you more effective as an EFL teacher.
6. Innovative Thinker
An EFL teacher must be able to quickly think on their feet and to respond with new ways to present concepts. This is helpful on many levels. Being able to think in an innovative manner could help you simplify complex concepts like grammar rules that normally put learners to sleep. Different learners may respond differently to a lesson and you’ve got to be able to explain the same thing differently to each learner using diverse examples and activities. Some students may learn through tasks while others learn with images, and still other learners may acquire through storytelling or dictation. An EFL teacher must think out of the box to keep learners engaged and to achieve objectives.
7. Empathy Opens Doors
Teaching is humanistic. Hence, empathy is a prerequisite quality for EFL teachers. A teacher must have an interest in people – who they are and what they are about – in order to meet their language learning needs through teaching. Not all people have an easy life. A learner may be performing badly due to stress that interferes with their ability to pay attention. Another learner may be shy or bullied and hence doesn’t participate in classroom discussions. Teachers have to pay attention to these cues, empathize, and be patient with such learners. Empathy builds trust and that can dissolve barriers to learning.
8. An Interest in Culture
Since many people who commence language learning lessons could be from differing cultures, an EFL teacher must be curious and interested in other cultures. It can inform teaching in many ways. Learners may use grammar rules influenced from their first language while their intelligibility may be reduced due to the learner’s language. An Asian learner may use ‘they’ as a form of respect even when referring to an individual. When an EFL teacher comprehends culture, they will know how it is influencing a learner’s ability to learn English. EFL teachers can also use the customs and traditions of various cultures in teaching so that learners don’t feel completely alienated and learn English through familiar contexts.
9. Know How to Motivate
A teacher is a leader due to the fact that they must encourage learners to meet a common goal. And as with any good leader, a good teacher must know how to motivate learners to continue life-long learning. Just showing up for class and completing assignments is not an indicator of learning. A teacher must generate enthusiasm to learn by understanding the needs of the learners. Are learners interested in learning English to increase employment opportunities, to move to an English-speaking country, or to communicate their thoughts better? Understanding these needs is necessary as an EFL teacher can encourage a student to meet their personal needs and sustain their interest in learning.
10. Be Reflective
A good EFL teacher must be reflective by nature because this will make them aware of themselves as people and as teachers. They will know their strengths and weaknesses, and this understanding could help them improve as people and as professional teachers. Reflective time lets you focus on methods that have been used in the classroom and what needs to be developed. It is also a good idea to take feedback from colleagues and students to grow as a teacher.
So these are the 10 qualities that I think are useful to me as an EFL teacher. I am constantly working on these qualities while also keeping in mind that teachers are always on a journey and never a finished product. The learning never ends.
Without further ado, here is a list of the top 25 skills needed to be a successful primary or secondary school teacher.
1. Enthusiasm
A great teacher is enthusiastic about their job and lesson, and encourages students to share the same passion as they do. Think back to your favourite teacher at school – was this person always upbeat and entertaining? The answer is probably ‘yes’. So, you need to adopt a similar attitude and share that same excitement for your class!
2. Leadership
An effective teacher has the ability to lead and guide their classroom; they can manage a number of different personalities, including misbehaving children, and steer them in the right direction. They lead by example and are an important role model in their students’ lives. Embark on an online leadership course here.
3. Organisation
Teache rs have to juggle a number of tasks, from lesson planning to activities and marking. In order to succeed in their role, they are required to have exceptional organisation skills. They need to be able to keep on top of these tasks and complete their duties in a timely manner.

4. Respectfulness

A good teacher sets a respectful tone in the classroom. Students feel safe to share their values and opinions, and their classmates have learnt to be good listeners and respect others’ thoughts. Essentially, the educator creates a safe learning environment for their pupils.
5. Multitasking
Teaching is not only about following the curriculum and marking exam paper s; it’s also about multitasking. A good teacher needs to have eyes on the back of her head and should be able to monitor her pupils’ behaviour and keep their attention while completing their class. After the class, they will need to plan their following week, as well as create and mark tests and assignments.
6. Teamwork
Part of being a teacher is the ability to work as part of a team, as well as alone. They’ll need to make their students feel like they are part of a team to enhance the learning experience. Furthermore, they must network with fellow teachers to solve problems and create plans regarding the overall teaching scheme. Join an online teamwork course here.
7. Ability to teach
This is a given, but being a teacher is not just about the credentials you hold to educate others. You’ll need to have instructive skills, your own style of teaching and the ability to explain and demonstrate clearly so that concepts that are not easy to understand are simplified using memorable examples or props. Explore online teaching courses here.
8. Communication
Teachers must have remarkable communication abilities. They must be able to interact with people of all ages, including colleagues, pupils, parents and managers. Educators should effectively deliver information, understand the different points of view from other people and exp lain the rationale for the choices they make in regard to their teaching.
9. Adaptability
Being adaptable to unforeseen situations is key; you never know what will happen in your classroom each day, and you will need to handle each circumstance appropriately and come with quick solutions. For example, if one of your pupils is really sick or injures themselves, you’ll need to remain calm and come to the rescue.
10. Interpersonal Skills
Strong people skills can turn an average teacher into a great one. An educator that is inclined towards helping others will create warm relationships that, in turn, boost learning. A pleasant teacher who has an engaging personality creates attentive and enthusiastic students. You will also be adept at handling students that may have learning difficulties or other disabilities that need special attention.
11. Creativity
Teachers need creativity to keep students interested and engaged, especially children that are in primary school. You’ll need to find different ways to keep the class interested and attention levels high – this could be through role play or other fun learning activities.
Embark on an online creative thinking programme here.
12. Self-evaluation
To develop professionally and provide quality education, you’ll constantly need to self-evaluate and reinvent yourself. You will have to push your pride aside and analyse where you have gone wrong and what can be improved within your classes.

13. Patience

Patience is key when working with children and teenagers; they won’t all be well-behaved, and you’ll need to be understanding when kids start to act out. You will also need to be patient if a pupil doesn’t comprehend what you are saying – you must discover alternative ways to explain things.
14. Emotional intelligence
If you’ve ever seen Matilda, think back to Miss Trunchbull and her erratic behaviour which made the young students fear for their lives. That’s neither beneficial for the pupils nor for yourself! However angry or upset you get, you need to have the ability to control your emotions and no t let them get the better of you – otherwise, you too will turn into a complete wreck.
Enrol in an online emotional intelligence course here.
15. Empathy
If you are empathetic towards your students, they too will learn to handle their emotions and be compassionate towards each other. Elyse Rycroft, a primary school teacher and the woman behind Proud to be Primary, advises that building ‘healthy social-emotional skills in your students will benefit your class, as well as future classrooms. Classes cannot function well if classroom community standards aren’t discussed and encouraged’.
16. Critical thinking
Teachers need to solve a number of different problems, often on a tight deadline. This frequently involves, answering difficult questions on the spot, solving conflicts, creating new lesson plans, teaching games and dealing with other personal issues between pupils or colleagues. Join an online critical thinking course here.

17. Confidence

You can’t be a teacher if you don’t have the confidence to stand at the front o f the classroom and talk to your students. You have to be a strong character that can answer questions positively and instil the same self-assurance within your classroom.
18. Commitment
You can’t stroll into your classroom when you feel like it and take a personal day because you just can’t be bothered. If you want to be a good educator, you must be committed to your job and your classroom. You need to have the passion to teach and change your pupils’ lives for the better.
19. Sense of humour
This isn’t strictly a skill; you either have a sense of humour, or you don’t – but having one is super useful if you want to engage with your students. You should be able to have a laugh with them and make the lesson as fun as possible – and students that are happy tend to be more open to learning!

20. Approachableness

Being approachable is a vital quality to have. Your students need to feel comfortable to ask you questions and to talk to you if they have an issue. They shouldn’t be afraid of failure or saying the wrong thing. Great teachers have warming characters that invite children to open up and get involved in the lesson.
21. Imaginative thinking
Having a great imagination is essential for any teacher – you’re going to need to expand the curriculum and come up with inventive and interesting ways to teach your students (especially if they are under the age of 10). Although catchy songs are great, it doesn’t matter if you don’t have a great singing voice, you could create learning games instead.
22. Time management
Being a teacher requires excellent time management skills. You don’t only have to arrive at work before your students do, but you also need to allocate time after class to review and grade homework and plan your lessons. That said, you’ll also need to schedule in personal time where you can relax and do something for yourself.
Embark on an online time management programme here.
23. Computer skills
Besides all of the above skills, you’ll need to be technologically advanced too! You’ll probably use spreadsheets to plan work and other tasks. And now, with a lot of teaching having gone online; you’ll need to be able to host an online class and keep everyone’s attention. Enrol in an online computer course here.
24. Discipline
You can’t be too soft when it comes to manning a classroom. You must be stern when needed and discipline a student that is misbehaving. Whether it’s giving them detention or additional homework, you will have to wear your ‘serious’ trousers every once in a while.
25. Stamina
Since you will be working on your feet for most of the day, it’s important to have physical and mental stamina. You need to be physically strong to endure a long day, and mentally strong to handle whatever your day will throw at you!