When you’re a teacher one of the things you want more than anything is to make a true difference in your classroom; you want to be the teacher the kids remember best, and the one who gives them a great start in life. You want your lessons to be memorable and entertaining as well as informative. In other words, you want to be the best teacher possible. So just how do you know if you’re achieving this and that you’re doing things the right way? Here are some signs to look out for:

Children Are Asking Questions 

When children are asking questions as well as answering them, it means they are fully engaged with what you are teaching them, and they want to know more. It shows they are able to relate what you are saying to queries they might have, and because they trust you and believe in you, they are happy to ask you the questions, knowing that you’ll have an answer that is going to make your subject even more interesting. 

Of course, in order to truly make a difference you do need to have these answers, which is why it can be useful to obtain a double qualification such as a dual certification in childhood special and general education because this way you will know much more than if you only studied one subject, and you can therefore offer much more information, making your lessons even more enjoyable. 

You Listen

If you find you are listening to your students, either in the classroom setting or in a private communication, then you are definitely making a difference. Children need to be listened to, and even if they can’t get the support and encouragement they want at home, knowing they can get it from you shows you are truly making a difference to their lives. 

This shows a level of respect for your students that not all teachers are capable or willing to offer. If you can, not only will you encourage your students to do better, but you’ll potentially change their lives in the most positive way, and it is this that many people go into teaching to do in the first place. 

You Haven’t Been Afraid To Fail

Teachers make mistakes just like the rest of the world, and allowing your students to be there when those mistakes happen shows that you are making a difference. Of course, no one wants to make a mistake, but if you are willing to try something new without knowing how it will turn out, and your students can trust you to show them and you know they will understand if it doesn’t quite work, you are certainly making a difference. 

Firstly, you are showing them that you trust them, and this is vital. Secondly, you are also showing that mistakes happen and they’re okay as long as you learn from them and get up and continue onwards afterwards. No one is perfect, and when you’re in a position to teach this along with your subject, you can make all the difference in the world.