A Successful Educator

The primary goal of an educator is to provide a student with the tools needed to accomplish lifelong goals as an adult. Specifically, each teacher is charged the responsibility to equip a student with the knowledge and skills that will contribute to his/her cumulative educational goals. All too often, students do not come to school with an unconditional love of learning. The educators therefore, have the ominous task of educating, motivating and coaching the often disinterested young person. Often, the best teachers are those that find ways to connect with their students. They therefore, find ways to encourage connections to the students short and long term goals. Many times, students do not find it easy to identify goals. Younger student’s goals are often geared towards pleasing parents or their teachers however, as students grow and mature their motivations change. Many students in the later grades find it much more important to please their peers. Educators need to understand that preteens and younger teens need to find a reason to learn and excel in each subject area. The best educators help students make valuable connections that motivate them to personalize their motivation to be successful participants in their own learning. Older teens are often motivated by collegiate goals. Some students, however, those who may be underachievers or nontraditional learners, may require educators to find nontraditional methods to motivate and/or help students identify long and short-term goals. Finally, best teachers are observant of his/her student’s individual learning styles and needs.

Teachers’ responsibilities are not limited to the instruction of the student; educators are also responsible for their wellbeing for a goo...

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... art. Yes, instructors must be proficient in their subject matter but, more importantly, must be able to deliver the information in such a style to meet the individual needs of their students. The teacher observes his/her environment (i.e. her students) and paints the subject matter in such a way that his/her students appreciate the subject matter presented, much like a work of art.

Finally, passions of a successful educator are not limited to subject matter but, to their students as well. Educating young people takes a person who is passionate, patient, empathetic, and energetic. Teachers are educators, coaches, and cheerleaders. They have an undying love of their subject matter and students. In conclusion, it is the educator that exudes these qualities who will help the young people of our country meet their goals and become the leaders of the future.