There are over 1,000 students at Benet Academy, and each and every individual has their own opinion on what a perfect learning environment looks like. One question this poses is, “What qualities make a good teacher?”

Certain teachers are more accommodating to students’ needs than others. For example, students with high workloads and busy schedules may prefer a teacher that assigns a minimal amount of homework. By not taking up too much ‘outside of school time,’ that class allows students to focus on their harder-level classes.

For students who struggle to fully understand topics discussed in a 43-minute class period, a teacher who assigns numerous practice problems can be most accommodating.

Does a good teacher allow students to pick where they sit, or do they have an assigned seating chart? Talkative kids can be easily tempted to converse when surrounded by friends, so an assigned seating chart may be most helpful to them. However, if a class is group-work heavy, students may prefer to have the choice to sit next to people they are comfortable with.

All of the topics discussed above are subjective to students’ preferences. But are there any objective attributes that make a good teacher? Yes, there are. The best type of teacher genuinely cares about kids, and this caring is evident in how they prioritize students’ needs and students’ preparation for the future.

Although teachers should require students’ utmost respect, teachers should also make themselves approachable. This balance between an authoritative figure and a helpful resource is an essential aspect to a good class. A teacher should never make a student feel stupid for going in for extra help, but rather accept them with an open mind. Junior Julia Kastelic says, “A good teacher would go the extra mile just to help one student understand the material.” This could be in the form of organizing meet-ups during free periods or designing practice problems specifically for that student.

While discussing what makes a good teacher, one must not fall under a myopic perspective. Rather, they must take into account the long-term job of teachers—namely, to prepare students to meet their future responsibilities effectively. A good teacher is one who teaches kids accountability, time management, and discipline. They do take points off for late work. They do not accept low-quality work. They do punish kids for cheating or talking. They do ban playing video games. Although many students may categorize these teachers as strict, they will later appreciate the skills instilled in them. By learning these good habits when they are still young, students will be well-prepared for college life and jobs. All in all, the best type of teacher cares about students enough to place clear expectations on them.