The Power of a Great Teacher
Every student has that one teacher that they’ll never forget- the one who made them feel heard, seen, and capable of success. As schools continue to navigate the growing importance of mental health and academic success, it’s essential to understand what truly makes a good teacher stand out in the classrooms.
Ms. DeLorenzo, a counselor for LHS, believes that strong educators go beyond basic instruction. “Good teachers support student mental health by creating a safe, welcoming environment where students feel heard,” she said, “They offer flexibility when needed, and help students manage stress by being understanding and approachable.” This emotional support, she explains, is crucial to helping students thrive both academically and personally.
When asked how strong teachers connect with students, Ms. DeLorenzo emphasized the importance of genuine interest. “A strong teacher builds connections with their students by showing a genuine interest in their particular learning styles and lives,” she noted, “They foster this connection by communicating with their students regularly and creating a space where students can actively feel comfortable participating in class.”
Mr. Kalendar, LHS principal, shared how he knows when a teacher is making a real impact. “When a student who once struggled starts engaging more, performing more, or simply smiling more in their classes, that’s how I know a teacher is making a difference,” he said. He went on to say, “It’s in those small, daily victories you see the long-term influence.”
He also noted that students often overlook just how much time and thought goes into teaching, and how important it is to understand this when evaluating teachers. “I don’t think students realize just how much teachers reflect on each lesson or stay up late reworking material just to better reach them. There’s a ton of invisible effort,” he added.
In the situation that teachers realize students aren’t effectively understanding the work given to them, they will make a conscious effort to alter their teaching curriculum so that they better the chances of their students succeeding. This ultimately is another way in which effective teachers enhance the relationships between themselves and their students.
Senior Aidan George believes that the best teachers are the ones who make learning personal. “A teacher who really gets to know their students and tailors the material in a way that makes it feel relevant to them is the kind of teacher that I think stands out,” he noted.
When asked what makes a teacher truly effective, Ms. Delorenzo summed it up best. “It’s someone who creates a balance between structure and empathy, holds students to high expectations, and still shows that they care about their success.” She emphasizes that these qualities help students feel both challenged and supported, which leads to more meaningful learning experiences.
Besides teaching, good teachers inspire, engage, and support students. And for students, more smiling can make all the difference. So next time you see one of your teachers, take a moment to thank them, because a little appreciation goes a long way.
