Wondering ‘Should I Teach?’ 7 Qualities of a Good Teacher

Becoming a teacher is more than mastering subject matter or preparing lesson plans. 

While those elements are crucial, what truly sets exceptional educators apart is a blend of personal qualities that empower them to inspire, connect with, and positively impact their students.  

Aspiring teachers often wonder, “Do I have what it takes to be a good teacher?” (I know I did when I first started teaching!) The answer lies not only in technical skills or your ability to teach but in your commitment to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for learners. 

At Moreland University, we believe that teaching is a craft that can be developed, but it also requires essential qualities that will help you thrive in the classroom. Whether you’re entering the profession for the first time or considering a career change, understanding these key qualities can help you on your journey to becoming an effective and impactful educator. 

1. Passion for Teaching and Learning 

A love for both learning and teaching is the foundation of being a good teacher. Passion not only drives teachers to create engaging lessons but also inspires students to love learning themselves. Teachers who are passionate about their subject matter can spark curiosity and foster a classroom environment where students feel excited about exploring new ideas.  

When I taught English courses in higher ed and K-12 classrooms, sharing my love of storytelling often encouraged even reluctant readers and writers to discover joy in stories — a reminder passion truly is contagious when students see their teacher’s genuine enthusiasm. 

Moreland prioritizes the development of educators who are enthusiastic about lifelong learning. Our programs are designed to encourage aspiring teachers to continue their own educational growth, which translates into classrooms that inspire intellectual curiosity. Passion is contagious, and when students see that their teacher is excited about the material, they are more likely to engage and participate actively. 

2. Adaptability and Flexibility 

The classroom is an ever-changing environment, and no two days are the same. A good teacher knows how to adapt their teaching style to meet the diverse needs of students, whether that means modifying lesson plans on the fly or using different strategies to support various learning styles. Flexibility also means being open to new technologies and methods, such as using digital tools or innovative teaching approaches to enhance learning. 

Moreland’s teacher preparation program places a strong emphasis on adaptability. The hands-on, project-based learning approach equips aspiring teachers with the tools to think critically and adjust to new situations in the classroom. From integrating edtech tools to managing unexpected disruptions, Moreland graduates learn how to be flexible educators who can handle whatever comes their way. 

3. Strong Communication Skills 

Good communication is at the heart of effective teaching. It’s not just about conveying information clearly (and in an engaging manner) but also about building meaningful relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. Listening actively and fostering open dialogue are just as important as giving instructions.  

When teaching in higher ed and K-12, I prioritized creating a space where students felt comfortable asking questions and expressing their thoughts. Clear and empathetic communication built trust and confidence in my learners at every grade level. 

In Moreland’s online programs, communication is a key focus. Aspiring teachers develop both their verbal and written communication skills through discussions, collaboration in global cohorts, and feedback from peer teachers and mentors. These experiences help future educators practice how to explain complex concepts clearly and engage with students from diverse backgrounds. 

4. Patience and Empathy 

Teaching requires immense patience. Students learn at different paces, and they bring unique strengths and challenges to the classroom. Patience paired with empathy — the ability to understand and share the feelings of others — creates a supportive learning environment where students feel valued and understood. 

Moreland places a strong emphasis on understanding student needs and developing the social-emotional aspects of teaching. Coursework on classroom management and student engagement helps aspiring teachers foster empathy while ensuring their students feel comfortable and encouraged to participate. These skills are particularly important when working with students who may be struggling academically or emotionally. 

5. Strong Organizational Skills 

From lesson planning and grading to meeting deadlines and managing classroom materials, organization is essential for teacher success. Without staying organized, I would never have been able to plan impactful lessons, ensure constructive feedback, or grade assignments and exams in a timely manner. Teachers who are organized can focus more on their students and less on administrative tasks. 

At Moreland, aspiring teachers learn the importance of organization through project-based learning, where they are required to design lesson plans, manage teaching materials, and reflect on student outcomes. By the time they enter the classroom, Moreland graduates have developed the organizational skills needed to handle the complex demands of teaching.

6. Creativity and Innovation 

Creativity is one of the most important qualities a teacher can have. Innovative teaching methods keep students engaged, make learning fun, and cater to different learning styles. 

Creative lessons aren’t just rewarding for students but for teachers as well! I’ll never forget the way my students lit up when designing arguments to defend or convict fictional TV characters. Or the way some of my littlest learners used arts and crafts to bring their stories to life. Or when my college students stayed late to continue debating cloning based on the novel we were reading.  

Whether it’s using a new app for interactive lessons or finding a creative way to teach a difficult concept, good teachers constantly look for innovative ways to make their lessons more effective.  

Moreland’s programs emphasize the importance of creativity in teaching — encouraging educators to experiment with different teaching methods, incorporate new technologies, and think outside the box when designing lessons. By fostering innovation, Moreland helps future teachers become leaders in their classrooms, always ready to inspire their students with fresh and exciting learning experiences.

7. Commitment to Student Success 

Above all, good teachers are dedicated to the success of their students. They believe in their students’ potential and are committed to helping them achieve their goals. This commitment often extends beyond the classroom, as teachers offer extra help, encouragement, and support to ensure their students succeed academically and personally.  

Whether tutoring students one-on-one, running a small writing workshop, or teaching my full class, being able to see and celebrate my students’ progress — no matter how incremental — was a wonderful reminder of why commitment to student success is at the heart of teaching.  

At Moreland, aspiring teachers learn to place student success at the center of everything they do. From setting high expectations to developing personalized learning plans, Moreland graduates enter the classroom with the mindset that every student can achieve success with the right support. 

At Moreland, Cultivate the Teacher Qualities You Need to Succeed 

Becoming a good teacher requires more than just content knowledge and technical skills — it’s about cultivating qualities that inspire and support students. Whether it’s patience, creativity, or communication, these essential qualities are what make teachers truly great. 

Moreland’s programs are designed to help aspiring teachers develop these traits — preparing them to become effective, adaptable, and empathetic educators. If you’re considering a career in education, remember that the qualities you already possess can be nurtured and honed. With the right guidance and support, you can become the kind of teacher who makes a lasting impact on students’ lives.