The Most Important Qualities of an Educator

American educator Marva Collins describes education concisely, The essence of

teaching is to make learning contagious, to have one idea spark another. This is my ultimate
goal as a music educator. Countless teacher qualities facilitate such contagion in students.
Among them are being a clear communicator, creating a quality environment, displaying a sense
of humor, establishing routines and organization, and demonstrating a love of learning.
To be an effective communicator, a teacher uses both verbal and non-verbal language and
listening skills. Teachers must communicate clearly with students to express directions,
expectations, lead classroom discussions, and conduct effective rehearsals. They should exude an
assertive and confident spirit without an ounce of arrogance. Teachers also need to patiently
listen to and understand students needs and concerns. Likewise, teachers work with many staff
members and need to demonstrate an ability to work as a team player. They must be open to
ideas and be able to acknowledge when they themselves are wrong.
The cooperative qualities discussed above work toward creating a quality environment
within a teachers classroom. A music room should consist of individual respect, cooperative
spirit, sense of belonging, and positive expectations. Students in a music class do not work in
isolation; rather they must trust one another and the teacher as they work together to build their
musical skills. A teacher in such an environment believes in his or her students, helps them to
create attainable goals, and encourages them to strive toward those goals.
An important aspect of a positive, caring environment is humor. Use of humor builds
rapport with students, explains and reinforces concepts, and keeps students on task. They key is
to maintain a professional teacher persona and a sense of structure within the classroom. For

instance, laughing at inappropriate moments will steer the class off course, and any momentum
gained previously will need to be reestablished.
During said moments of redirection, the establishment of routines provides much needed
structure. Routines also allow for intentional moments of controlled chaos within the music
classroom. Common classroom management techniques, which are known by all students, work
to regain focus. Especially in the lower grades or during a chorus rehearsal, utilizing a common
beginning or end to a lesson allows students to know what to expect. An organized lesson allows
a class to flow smoothly; however, a teacher should also be able to adjust quickly and
demonstrate lesson flexibility if a lesson is incompatible with the group.
A seasoned educator is able to think quickly and loves the learning process. They are
knowledgeable and excited about his or her subject matter and student age group. Such a teacher
is a self-motivated, life-long learner who continuously reflects upon their teaching. They gain
professional development by observing other master teachers, asking others to observe them,
attending workshops and conferences, videotaping lessons, and keeping current with the
research. An energetic teacher with such a passion for learning certainly makes learning
contagious.