What I Learned Today: What Makes a Great Teacher?

Here are some characteristics that students (I'm assuming middle school and high school?, but I think this would hold true with adults as well) say make a great teacher.  A great teacher:

• Knows us personally, our interests and strengths
• Lets us know who they are as individuals
• Smiles at us
• Encourages us to participate in school activities
• Spends time beyond class time to help us be successful in their class
• Gives us descriptive feedback on assignments
• Tells us why
• Shares how what we learn is connected to real life
• Apologizes when they make mistakes
• Gives meaningful work
• Are energetic, enthusiastic and enjoy their job

Something to keep striving toward.