What characteristics make a master teacher?
A: I believe there are three qualities every
outstanding teacher should have. First,
he or she should be a constant learner.
They should realize that education is as much about the journey as it is
the destination. Continuous learning is an
essential ingredient in every teacher’s career.
Second, they need to develop a positive partnership with their
students. They need to create a
classroom that is truly a “Community of Learners” – one that supports and
encourages learners of very stripe both cognitively and affectively. And, third, a master teacher must be willing
to admit mistakes. Teaching is never a
perfect science and we will all make some mistakes along the way. Good teachers – just like good students –
learn from their mistakes to become stronger, better, and more
accomplished. I believe I have those
three qualities.
The interviewer wants to know if you are aware of the
qualities of outstanding teachers AND how well you match those qualities. From your answer the interviewer must be
confident that you are keenly aware of the expectations of teachers and must be
equally aware that your skills and talents are in line with those abilities
and/or philosophy. If you are not
directly asked this question, it would be a good one to use as a wrap-up to the
interview – particularly in response to a question like, “Is there anything
else you would like to say or add to this interview?”
