“There are plenty of fine teachers in the world – and some not-so-fine ones, too.”
–The Musician’s Way, p. 293
Effective teachers are leaders.
Whether you’re seeking a teacher or want to improve your teaching skills, gaining insight into the nature of leadership will support your goals.
Author Warren Bennis, in Learning to Lead, pinpoints four qualities that people should look for in leaders: purpose, trust, optimism, results.
Here are ways in which successful teachers manifest those four qualities.
Four Attributes of Effective Teachers
1. Purpose
Accomplished teachers are purposeful; they convey clear learning outcomes and build shared meaning with their students.
2. Trust
Effective educators engender trust because they model high standards, organized thinking, and articulate speech.
3. Optimism
They have can-do attitudes that inspire students to surmount obstacles.
4. Results
Most importantly, capable teachers get results – their students succeed inside and outside of the classroom.
Bennis further states that the best leaders also motivate others – they help students feel significant, excited about their learning, and as being connected to a community.
“Effective educators engender trust because they model high standards, organized thinking, and articulate speech.”
To conclude, I’ll add that capable teachers additionally commit to lifelong learning. They update their curricula with proven methodologies and help students stay relevant in their fields so that those who strive for professional success are equipped with up-to-date skills.
Related posts:
6 Ways to Identify High-Quality Music Teachers
Communicating with Teachers
The Growth Mindset
Making the Most of Music Lessons
Maximize Your Music Education
© 2017 Gerald Klickstein
Adapted from p. 293-294 of The Musician’s Way
Photo © bikeriderlondon, licensed from Shutterstock.com
Very true. To me trust is the cornerstone and the other 3 attributes are what build trust. Trust is especially important for singing teachers, because good singers need to expose themselves emotionally and that is a very difficult thing for beginners. They will never be able to do it unless they trust their teacher completely.
Hi Camila – Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.