Would you agree that a teacher’s personality influences the atmosphere of a classroom? Students may respond better to teachers who have characteristics such as compassion, positive attitude, laughter, passion, enthusiasm, professionalism, and being human. Read about these suggested traits in a survey that asked MENC members, "What are the essential practices of successful music teachers?"
Compassion and Positive Attitude
Tim Lautzenheiser believes that caring is an essential characteristic that makes great teachers. He says, “Caring is an attitude. It takes a certain amount of skill to maintain this attitude, but caring is a choice of behavior.” Choose to be caring toward your students. Create an unthreatening, conversational environment in which students can feel comfortable expressing themselves.
Always phrase your feedback in a positive way. For example, “To produce a beautiful tone, it’s necessary to …” versus “The sound you’re producing is not very good.” Look for the good and positive in everything you do.
Laughter
“Humor is the shortest distance between two people. The most effective humor stems from the enjoyment of the day-to-day situations that occur right under our noses … Humor releases tension, anger causes it. Definitely, a sense of humor is an attitude,” says Tim Lautzenheiser.
Use humor and laughter in your teaching to help get your point across. A smile and a good laugh will get you through almost anything!
Passion and Enthusiasm
Without enthusiasm, you can’t get past the fun stuff to get the students to do the hard part—practicing and listening. Like laughter, enthusiasm is contagious! Teachers should enjoy what they’re doing. Students can sense if you're sincere or not. Your love, passion, and enthusiasm will shine through and students will respond in kind.
Professionalism
Make a commitment to respect students, parents, and administrators. Set an example of professionalism, but know and believe in your principles. Always keep your comments professional—especially with colleagues and supervisors.
Being Human
Be real, establish traditions, and have fun. When we establish ourselves as the only authority, we do not validate and encourage questioning, or accept the making of mistakes. Let students see the imperfect side. Share personal stories that relate to what you are teaching. Learn from your students as well as teach them.
What other characteristics or traits do music educators need? Write Shauna Leavitt to share your thoughts or post your comments on the Future Teachers Forum.
References:
This article is adapted from “What Personal Characteristics Do I Need?” in Teacher to Teacher, A Music Educator’s Survival Guide (2001). Reston, VA: MENC.
Lautzenheiser, Tim. 1992. The Art of Successful Teaching: A Blend of Content & Context. Chicago: GIA Publications, Inc.
--Shauna Leavitt, December 10, 2008, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education