I want to hear from teachers (and others, as well) - what qualities do you find make a good teacher?

Being able to realize and tap into the specialness of every child is so important for a teacher.

@Likeradar GA. :)

….respect for learning process
....respect for the learning space
....respect for the students
....respect for differences
....respect for the material that needs to be taught
....respect for yourself, as the teacher

[..sequence is not important]

Intelligence, patience, ability to truly communicate at whatever level, and especially creativity, whether it comes to teaching a concept or disciplining a child.
When I was teaching I could almost see inside each of my kids head, and almost feel what they were feeling when they didn’t understand what I was saying, WHY they didn’t understand, and adjust my lesson accordingly. But then again, maybe I was just nuts! :)

Listening
anticipating the students’ needs
guiding them to the right answer instead of giving it to them
being warm, funny, and engaging
making your classroom a safe place to take a risk and be wrong
setting high expectations and watching your students live up to them.

@nikipedia “guiding them to the right answer instead of giving it to them” Oh, absolutely!!! Great comment! All of them were great and insightful comments!!

understanding.
a realization that just because it’s in a textbook we’re assigned doesn’t mean it’s important.
a passion for learning themselves.
a sense of humor helps a lot too.

the ability to keep alot of balls in the air and handle interruptions
a passion for you subject matter, and broad knowledge beyond it
a genuine caring for students and recognizing their academic and emotional needs
the ability to gracefully navigate conflict

All great answers. Thank-you!

There is a lesson to be learned in EVERYTHING, even a snowfall that disrupts the class room. Take every opportunity to teach, even if it means deviating from your lesson plan!

Being there for your students – whether it’s emotionally or being physically present at their events. When you show up for the band concert or the cross-country meet, they notice.

In my experience, a good teacher also has a commitment to learning. This means that the teacher is not only a reflective practitioner, but is also actively engaged in ongoing learning. A language teacher, for example, might choose to learn a new language, or to improve their professional qualifications through further study.

My tuppence.

The most successful teachers have the same skills as confidence tricksters: somehow, the student is impelled to listen and to learn.

Remembering that you are (or can and should) there to teach them more than the given subject; you are there to coach them in life. [You may spend more time with your students than their parents do….you become a saragot.]

Realizing that most kids go around with their heart in their hands, looking for someone to give it to; they will be yours, if you really care.

Reaping what you sow. You and your students will gain as much as you put into it. If all you give is 7–3, that’s all you’ll get. If you give your heart and soul, you’ll get the same from your students.

Both of my parents are teachers… and i believe the qualities they have that make them such excellent teachers are that they are patient, kind and always willing to help each and everyone of their students.