According to research, teachers impact over 3,000 students throughout their careers. 83% of pupils say that they helped improve their confidence and self-esteem. A similar number of learners report having an educator who encouraged them to follow their dreams, while over half say they received help from them during a difficult time.

Such numbers tell us that many people dedicate themselves to leaving a positive impact on the minds of our young generation. And we’re very grateful for it. To learn more about what it means to be a good teacher and how we can better support their good work, Bored Panda reached out to Bryan Davis, a former teacher and a life coach from Mentally39.com. We also contacted Dr. Sonaleena Patnaik Lowry, an educational consultant who has experience with projects for school districts and teaching. 

Davis tells us, “Good teachers know their students, they learn their background, they know their home life and learning style. Students will remember the teacher who made them feel safe, cared about them, and made learning fun.”

Dr. Lowry’s take on this matter is very similar. She says, “There are many different areas that teachers make an impact on in the growth of their students, such as social- emotionally, academically, motivation, helping students set high goals, providing them with support academically and emotionally, believing that their students are capable of learning and creating a positive classroom environment for students. 

Teachers who have a positive impact on students have evidence of supporting students to be successful academically, social-emotionally, and also in student goal-setting and motivation.”

Indeed, just like adults, young personalities need positivity, security, a sense of belonging, and even some fun. It’s important that these requirements are met, as it helps learners progress and have a positive attitude towards learning. Often, teachers achieve this by showing respect for everyone, fostering a sense of community, and celebrating successes. 

Being able to engage students with humor and creativity is also a significant part of what makes someone a good teacher. Whether it’s sharing a video, a song, or a movie, or using technology and taking an imaginative approach, children appreciate the extra effort. A teacher dressed in a period costume surely makes history more interesting, while a nature hike can make learning biology more memorable. 

Even though about 66% of teachers are satisfied with their job, half of them still reported not feeling a great deal of support or encouragement. Davis explains this by saying, ”There is a huge mental strain on teachers. Many people are leaving because of the stress, workload, and unreal expectations set by politicians who do not have a clue what teaching involves. All of it leads to mental and physical health issues.”

Dr. Lowry notes that the area lacking support the most is collaboration between pedagogues. Luckily, she was able to work with some schools and include them in her Professional Learning Network (PLN), which gave them the opportunity to reach out to teachers from school districts other than their own. 

She shares, “Many teachers felt supported and uplifted in their teaching practices. Schools that I'm currently working with are meeting with teachers from the schools that their students will promote, such as collaboration between elementary school teachers, middle school teachers, and high school teachers. These teachers are in the same school community, and they collaborate to ensure that each of them is providing the necessary support for students as they move through the school system.”

Another thing that reportedly encourages educators is the reinforcement from the school’s leadership. "Teachers also want to stay in a place where they have a voice in decision-making," says Linda Darling-Hammond, president of the Learning Policy Institute and a professor emeritus at Stanford University.

Additionally, most educators propose hiring more counselors and school psychologists. They provide more support for students, which simultaneously lightens the workload of teachers. In addition, counselors can aid in creating a more positive school environment by teaching about social-emotional awareness and being one more trusted adult for students to rely on.

We, as students and parents, can also express our support for teachers in various ways. Davis suggests voting for politicians who place high importance on education, as teacher pay is so far behind.

He then proposes, “Read with your child, encourage reading, encourage learning, and work towards what you want.” He also encourages people to talk more publicly about the good things the pedagogues and students are accomplishing. “Teachers genuinely care about your kids' education, and we care about their well-being,” Davids adds.