What Makes a Good Teacher

        Dr. Hassett claims that the success of a teacher is not so much based on specific techniques, but rather on a general philosophy. I have to agree with this. My two favorite teachers have very different methods of teaching, but both are incredibly effective. This is partially because different fields lend themselves to different styles of teaching, but it also has to do with they way in which the instructor feels most comfortable teaching. One of the most important things for a teacher to be successful, is to be knowledgeable in the subject they are teaching. This may seem like an obvious point, but my worst educational experience was simply due to the fact that the instructor seemed to not know anymore than the students did on the subject she was teaching. That being said, it is also important for teachers to accept that they may be ignorant in certain areas.
        Another point brought up by Dr. Hassett is that a teacher must enjoy what they do. This may seem somewhat trivial, but I cannot stress its importance enough. If a teacher does not like what they're doing, the students will feel this and it contributes to a negative learning environment. Why would you want to study a subject that teacher does not even seem to enjoy? What the two teachers I admire most have in common is that they both love what they are doing. They are not only passionate about the subject the teach, but the education of their students. This engages students and makes them want to participate and learn. Simply enjoying what they do may be the most important factor of what makes a good teacher.