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An effective teacher can make all the difference in student achievement. Teachers who strike the right tone in the classroom help their students enjoy school, and that means they're likelier to work hard and remember their lessons. Good teachers share a number of traits, including creativity, an upbeat attitude, consistency and instruction skills.

Creativity

Effective teachers embrace creativity — both theirs and their students’. Some of the most memorable classroom exercises are the unusual ones. Good teachers emphasize the importance of boosting children's originality, and they embrace students’ ways of expressing their imagination. Students are more motivated to learn from lessons tailored to their interests and inspirations.

Positivity

Teachers who do well in the classroom foster a positive learning environment. They listen to students without judgment. They speak to students with courtesies such as “please” and “thank you.” They use a calm voice to project acceptance and set up activities that encourage students to get to know each other. Also, they make positive statements as often as possible, and avoid negative statements that can hurt students. Good teachers provide students with opportunities for early success so they want to learn more. In short, good teachers convey the attitude that they care about their students. They establish rapport, trust and respect, and they believe in students’ ability to achieve.

Consistency

Teachers need consistency to run a successful classroom. It’s essential to remind students of expectations and acceptable behaviors. Goals for students and the classroom should be long-term and steady, rather than changing from day to day. Important classroom rules to enforce regularly include showing respect toward all people, following all school rules and being on time and prepared for class. Teachers must be clear at all times about assignment requirements, and they must monitor student progress to head off developing problems. Regular feedback is also key to outlining and enforcing classroom standards. Finally, consistency means being patient with all students, regardless of their abilities.

Instruction

Instruction skills are the cornerstone to any teacher’s effectiveness. Teachers who show passion keep students interested during lessons. Plus, good teachers know how to use play, study groups and different types of media and materials to explain new lessons. They know which instructional methods suit specific lessons. Effective teachers can explain difficult concepts in terms students can understand. Also, they know when and what kind of individualized instruction is necessary.

Knowledge

Accomplished teachers master the subjects they teach. They understand how their subjects link to other disciplines and how they relate to real-world settings. They must know enough about their subjects to create several paths to knowledge. Teachers also must be aware of preconceptions and background knowledge that students bring to the subjects they learn