5 Habits of Competent Teachers

Being a teacher is a noble profession. Being a teacher is a calling to contribute to educating the nation's children to become quality individuals who will benefit society in the future. 

What are the habits possessed by outstanding teachers?

The teaching profession can be considered unique. Why? The image of a teacher stays with you all the time, not limited to specific working hours.

Constant Self-Improvement

A good habit that teachers should continuously pursue is the continuous pursuit of self-improvement, including pedagogical, personality, professional, and social competence. These competencies must be continually honed to maintain the quality of teaching.

There are various ways for competent teachers to enhance their competence. They can continue their studies at formal institutions if they have the financial means. If funds are limited, teachers can still improve by reading books, attending training or seminars, participating in supportive communities, and more.

Teaching with Love and Compassion

Being a teacher is a calling. Therefore, teachers must do so wholeheartedly in carrying out their duties. How can this be achieved? Teaching with heart only sometimes means transferring knowledge to students. Teaching with heart means that every activity performed by teachers is for the benefit of students, without expecting praise or rewards.

Is it wrong to expect material rewards from work? Of course not. However, it should not affect a teacher's professionalism in teaching. Characteristics of teachers who teach with heart include displaying kindness and compassion, showing empathy and sympathy towards students, and always striving to improve both in terms of knowledge in the subject they teach and in character, setting a good example for students and those around them.

Collaborating with Colleagues

Collaboration is a new form of competition. Teachers don't need to feel the need to excel on their own. Instead, by collaborating with other teachers, they can progress in various aspects, whether pedagogical or other elements.

Maintaining Communication with Parents

Maintaining communication with parents means building a close relationship with them. Once a strong bond is established, it will be easy for teachers or parents to find solutions to the problems or challenges faced by students.

Remaining Open-Minded

A good teacher is willing to be open-minded. Regardless, teachers are also human beings who are not exempt from mistakes and have their strengths and weaknesses. By being open-minded, teachers won't hesitate to learn and accept criticism to improve themselves. There's no need to be ashamed, teachers. In fact, by acknowledging their shortcomings, teachers can promptly seek solutions to become even better.

CONCLUSION

Teachers must continually hone their pedagogical, personality, professional, and social competencies to maintain the quality of education. Teaching with love and compassion is not merely about transferring knowledge but about wholeheartedly dedicating oneself to the betterment of students, without seeking personal accolades.