CHAPTER 2: CHARACTERISTICS OF PROFESSIONAL

TEACHER
Teaching can be quite satisfying for people who do it well. I know this
because I am a teacher, too. Although I do not think I'm always the best
teacher, do I know that the majority of my students love me, and I guess this
is partly why good things happen in my classroom. I have spent a lot of time
thinking about—and done a lot of research into—the question of what
characteristics make a teacher effective and how I can succeed in the
classroom. Although every great teacher has their own special, unique style, I
have found that there are nine specific universal qualities that are necessary
for anyone who wants to teach effectively, whether they want to teach in an
elementary school or a university. If any teacher possesses the following
characteristics and qualities, he/she can become a very good teacher with
large fan base.

What Makes a Great Teacher

expert communication skills
superior listening skills
deep knowledge and passion for their subject matter
the ability to build caring relationships with students
friendliness and approachability
excellent preparation and organization skills
strong work ethic
community-building skills
high expectations for all

Each of these characteristics is described fully below. Although great teachers

may also possess a number of other wonderful qualities (like a sense of
humor, personality, flexibility, kindness, leadership, classroom management, a
calm demeanor, experience, and the ability to multitask), these are the
qualities the best teachers universally possess.

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.

— William Butler Yeats

Teaching is a part of life of a committed teacher. To be an effective teacher,

you do not only possess knowledge of educational theories. You also possess
a willingness to assume your multifaceted roles.

3 BASIC SKILLS
1. FUNCTIONAL SKILL
This involves the skill of a teacher in planning, organizing, controlling,
communicating, motivating, developing and managing.
2. ADAPTIVE SKILLS
Skills like creativity, dependability, resourcefulness, persuasiveness,
discipline, memory, perceptiveness and other personal skills related to
self-management.
 3. PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
This refers to skills some kin to work content. It includes the teacher’s
knowledge of the subject matter to be taught, as well as his
understanding of philosophical, psychological, legal, social, historical
dimensions of education.
a. The professional teacher possesses an in-depth
understanding of the principles governing human behavior.
b. The professional teacher exhibits attitudes that poster
learning and authentic human relationship.
b.1 attitude towards him/himself
b.2 attitude towards others
b.3 attitude towards peers, superiors, and parents
b.4 attitude towards the subject matter
c. The professional teacher possesses mastery of the subject
matter
d. The professional teacher must possesses the competency to
facilitate learning through appropriate teaching skills
e. The professional teacher must be able to translate knowledge
into practical/reality.

ROLES, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL TEACHER AND A SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHER AS
STATED IN THE QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

A novice teacher is confronted with various apprehensions. One worries how

to efficiently handle the routines of classroom. To become an effective and
competent teacher entails a tedious works. One must be aware of the
different roles, duties, and responsibilities a teacher must assume. These are:
a. Teaches subjects
b. Enrolls pupils/students
c. Prepares effective lesson plans
d. Prepares visual aids and other devices for instruction
e. Sees to it that pupils/students in his/her advisory class provided with
necessary textbooks when available.
f. Implements rules and regulations
g. Conducts guidance services for his/her advisory class
h.Evaluates pupils/students progress and provides various experiences
for their continuous development
i. Supervises curricular and co-curricular projects and activities of the
pupils/ students
j. Checks/records the attendance of the pupils/students
k. Keeps up-to-date anecdotal records of pupils/students
l. Keeps school records and prepares required reports
m. Keeps parents informed on pupils/student’s progress
n. Attends and participates in in-service trainings and faculty meetings
o. Executed the administration of school polices designed for the
welfare of the pupils/student’s
p. Maintainsmembership in professional organizations
q. Works with other school personnel, parents, and the community
r. Participates in the socio-economic development projects in the
community
s. Coordinates and cooperates with other teachers in school projects
or activities
t. Safeguard school facilities and equipment
u. Does other related works