World Teachers Day-October 5, 2016

This international event is recognized in over 100 countries around the world. It is recognized that teachers are not only a means to implementing education goals: they are key to sustainability and national capacity in achieving learning and creating societies based on knowledge, values, and ethics.

So I asked our students at Hollyburn, “What makes a great teacher?” Here are their responses.

 Aleya (Kindergarten)

“A great teacher lets you make things. She smiles a lot and she helps keep you safe. A great teacher has been learning stuff.”

Cruz (grade three)

“A good teacher makes good rules like don’t throw things. A great teacher has nice assemblies, takes care of the garden and does what they need to do for the school. They help people when they need it and are kind and caring and respectful.”

Arta (grade three)

“A great teacher teaches math, knows a lot of stuff. They teach good things that you might need to know in the future like how to read and write. A good teacher gives children time to chat and go outside and makes sure you have a good day.”

Nura (grade five)

“A great teacher is someone who cares for their students and balances fun and learning. A good teacher is helpful and thinks of creative ways to teach. A great teacher is close with their students and understands them. A good teacher has good instincts and is positive.”

Callum (grade five)

“Kind. They need to be kind. They help you if you are struggling even if you don’t ask. Great teachers are funny and smart. A good teacher is kinda playful, like they would play California Kickball with you. A great teacher cares if you are hurt.”

Andra (grade seven)

“Great teachers connect with the students and help when you ask questions. They will help you to improve so you don’t keep making the same mistakes. They will make you feel comfortable and confident and give you resources to work with. A great teacher cares about students and respects their students.”

While there is some variation in the students’ idea of a great teacher, one thing is very clear. Children need to connect and build a relationship with their teacher. It is more important then any of the other stuff. Pedagogy, assessment practices, lesson plans, and assignments don’t matter if teachers don’t connect with kids. Gordon Neufeld, developmental psychologist argues “You don’t have access to their minds until you have access to their hearts.” If education is at the heart of free and just societies, and teachers are the heart of education, it all rests on the relationships and connections we make with our students.