What makes a “good” teacher in this day and age?

[SeldomFollowedIt]

Curious to hear your responses, about how teachers succeed in this day and age.

I’ll go first,

Being good at manipulating data.

Exceptional resilience.

Stamina

Ooo I like those two. It’s a very gritty job these days.

Strong subject knowledge and adaptability.

Sense of humour

The ability to put away a full bottle of wine in one night and still function the next day

Same as ever. Good subject knowledge, good relationships, ability to explain things a million ways.
Data isn’t about teaching or education. Dealing with that is appeasing government and SLT, not good teaching.

Thick skin

Childish answer: a strong liver

Proper answer: an understanding of the science of learning. Good resource here www.ambition.org.uk/blog/explaining-science-learning-teachers/

Having a level of physical energy beyond the average person. I’m convinced that’s the only way people stay in it long term.

A pulse, ability to follow slt orders, doesn't cry too much. Or get ill and die.

Playing the game. Staying positive and on the right side of SLT even if you think their decisions are BS. Keeping a low profile and getting on with the job. Making sure you bite your tongue and grit your teeth rather than saying what you really think or feel. Basically, staying under the radar 🤣

If all else fails, go part time 😉

If your face still doesn't fit or you can't play the game, find another school or a different profession altogether 😔

Behaviour management. You've either got it or you haven't.

For a long time I have been dabbling with the idea of doing a PGCE or a masters in nursing. I have worked as a TA in primary and secondary, and I have also worked in healthcare roles in the NHS and the community.

The truth is I love doing both, but I’m going to pick nursing. I just can’t “do” the bullshit in schools. It’s a shame because I’m actually good at what I do.

My sisters are all nurses and they have various roles. They do not do shifts, they have autonomy, and I know for a fact they’re not stressed out of their minds (like most of my current teaching colleagues)

Good luck to you all, I have finally made up my mind. I feel relieved.

@sundaysgirls

Behaviour management. You've either got it or you haven't.

Is this true? And why? Or how do you know you’ve ‘got it’?

If you teach and you don't have it then you will know very soon. The pupils can tell and behave accordingly.

No, you can definitely learn to be better at behaviour management.

@noblegiraffe

No, you can definitely learn to be better at behaviour management.

And lose the shine off your skills if you don't make regular use of them.

I teach in an SEMH school which used PBS:Team Teach techniques, the behaviour is very very challenging. I can deal with it but it’s tough and definitely question my abilities. I’m not sure whether I’ve ‘got it’ or not as it can be so tough sometimes

Keeping your mouth shut when you are asked to do something ridiculous and then not being noticed when you don't do it.

@lonelyplanet

Keeping your mouth shut when you are asked to do something ridiculous and then not being noticed when you don't do it.

Love it 🤣

At the moment, adaptability and the ability to pick up new tech skills quickly!

You need stuff in your personal life - supportive friends or partner, hobbies (even if you only do them in holidays) - that means you can survive the occasional character assassinations, vexatious parental complaints or mad new policies that seem to happen periodically even in nice schools. A strong sense of self basically. You also need to focus much more than you'd think on eating and sleeping properly and taking care of your physical and mental health.

@lonelyplanet

Keeping your mouth shut when you are asked to do something ridiculous and then not being noticed when you don't do it.

This. Very very important.