"On the one hand, you can argue that the better qualified graduates are, the better teachers they will be. But of course there are other characteristics which make great teachers, such as interpersonal skills and resilience."
If you look back to your own days at school, who were the teachers your remember as being the most effective? Was it the geniuses who were terrified of interaction with the pupils and appeared to have a panic attack at the start of every lesson, or the teachers who had a more human side and were able to explain things on your level? It is imperative that teachers are of an intellectual level that ensures pupils are taught the correct knowledge and to as a high a level as possible, but the pastoral inspirational and disciplinary role a teacher must play must not be overlooked. If you are considering entering the teaching profession, it is important to do so for the right reasons.You may have adored studying for your English degree and be on course for a first, but this does not mean you have all the skills to be a good teacher.It may also be hard for you to face pupils who are not interested in your specific passion.Will you be able to take this sense of rejection? Patience, organisation and charisma are important qualities to possess if you wish to be successful in the teaching profession.While you may possess the degree classification that the government deems to be the necessary criteria for being an effective teacher, do you tick the other boxes as well? Mona, GRB Journalist
