What makes a good teacher?

After reading what makes a good teacher, I had a chance to do some reflecting. I only remember one teacher from my school years that I have fond memories of, the rest are not good memories. I did have a couple of experiences recently at Olympic College. My first quarter of school, first week of school, feeling overwhelmed and reflecting on my, not so positive thoughts of past experiences of school, I sit in my first Math class. Within 15 minutes my Math teacher took most of that stress away. He wrote his personal phone number on the board, said we could call anytime. He would meet with us and tutor us if needed. I suddenly thought, I can do this. I got this. It felt good to know I had someone there if I needed it.  I know that most teachers are not going to do that, but most make themselves available to a degree.

My next class was English 98. I was so lost. I had never wrote a paper and lacked in computer skills. The first day of class, my first day back in school, our teacher went over some basic computer skills with us. What a relief. Then she said that when we get our first paper assignment, bring it to her. I did, and it paid off. I got a 11 out of 10 on my first paper. What a relief.

I think that patience, and the ability to listen, makes a great teacher. All students learn differently and it you can not reach that one student who isn't getting it, then find another way to reach him. My favorite teacher story is "Good Morning Miss Toliver" I think she possess all the qualities of a great teacher. The number one thing about her that I like the most, you are never wrong in her class, and she calls the parents to tell them how well her students are doing and never the opposite. This video pretty much covers all the qualities that I think make a good teacher.

http://www2.nau.edu/~d-ctel/mat/mat601/ms_toliver/ms_toliver.swf