“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
-Nelson Mandela Word on Skills for Teachers

Education has always held an important place in Indian society. Our country has always been an advocator of education for everyone for the longest time, irrespective of gender or caste. The field of education has seen a gradual transition from education being imparted. In Gurukuls and mosques to the present system of universities and schools. But both public, as well as the private sector, are now involved in the educational system. In fact, free and compulsory education is being provided. As a fundamental right to children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. It thus becomes imperative that education is provided in the right manner, using the right tools, and by the right people with Essential Skills for Teachers.

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
-Malcolm X

With the various changes in the system of education, teachers also have to adapt to modern ways of teaching. The present and future generations of students have a different way of living as compared to their older counterparts. Their attitude is different and it is important to tackle anything related to them accordingly. Teachers might face difficulties in the various aspects of providing education.

Here is a list of some Skills for Teachers to develop a better relationship with students and make teaching more fruitful:
1. Understanding of the Subject
2. Communication
3. Continuous Learning
4. Leadership
5. Creativity
6. Adaptability
7. Internet-savvy

“The influence of teachers extends beyond the classroom, well into the future.”
— F. Sionil Jose

1. Understanding of the Subject

As a teacher, one of the foremost things is that one should have a deep understanding of the subject to be taught. There can be many subjects and topics that students find difficult or lose interest in, like mathematics, history, politics, etc. The teachers will have to create interest in those subjects or topics. This kind of method will prove to be a better learning experience for the students.

2. Communication

“Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing.”

-Rollo May

Having a deeper understanding of the subject is not enough, it is also important that teachers have exceptional communication skills to pass on the knowledge to the students. It is one of the key requirements of being a teacher. Teachers need to be able to communicate with everyone, be it young or old students, or parents and colleagues. The delivery of lessons and knowledge will be more effective and easy if the skills of communication are good. Good verbal skills will keep the students’ interest alive in class.

There are many courses and classes to improve communication skills as the ability to communicate well makes teaching an easier process both for the teacher and the learner. It also helps in getting a better understanding of the different points of view and the choices that people make in various situations.

3. Continuous Learning

“The education of a man is never completed until he dies.”
-Robert E. Lee

Being a continuous learner is an essential quality to have, especially for people who work as educators. Each student and each class of students differs substantially from the others. The experience with every individual is different and teaches something different. The teachers should keep increasing their horizons of knowledge. As they need to be well-equipped to answer any queries that come their way. Learning new things and new ways of teaching helps teachers to make the lessons more interesting. Teachers should ensure that their teaching doesn’t become stagnant and they have examples and content that is relatable to the new students. This can be achieved by incessant research, reading new material online and offline, and attending workshops, courses, seminars, etc.

4. Leadership

“Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions.”
-Harold S. Geneen

Usually, the teachers are responsible to manage a class of 50-60 students. Children are full of energy and it is essential to manage and redirect that energy towards productive tasks. It is important that teachers have the ability to guide the students and that the students see their teachers as a figure of authority and obey them. The teachers are in charge and set the tone of the class. They have to maintain the proper decorum of the classroom and it is possible only if the students respect their teachers and trust their ability to be the leaders.

5. Creativity

“Creativity Is Intelligence Having Fun.”
-Albert Einstein

One of the important things that a teacher should know is being creative. Students tend to lose interest when lessons become monotonous. To keep them engaged, the teachers need to come up with different ways that will make the lessons more interesting. An element of fun was added to the studies by using roleplay or other activities. Relating the studies to things in everyday life will help the students to remember better what they’ve learned. The teachers need to encourage students’ imagination and they can set a great example for students by being imaginative themselves.

6. Adaptability

“Adaptability to change is itself a hallmark of successful education.”
-Peter Hilton

Teachers need to be adaptable to every situation that comes their way. Unforeseen circumstances can throw people off guard, but it is important to have the ability to tackle everything with a calm and composed attitude. Children are very impressionable and need to be handled with caution and care. They observe and learn from the elders’ response in an irregular situation. If the teachers panic when anything happens, it might cause similar chaos for the child as well.

7. Internet-savvy

“The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow.”
-Bill Gates

The Internet has connected everyone and brought people together in a way that was never seen before. Children have become accustomed to using Internet services to a large extent, even for educational purposes. So, collaborating with students online will help both the teachers and the students to understand each other in a better manner. Teachers can use social media applications to stay connected to the students and to provide important information. Students use the Internet for their projects and other work. Teachers can ask for digital preparation and submission of projects as it will make things easier for students as well as for the teachers. Using the digital medium for work will increase the overall productivity and communication will also become faster.

“Teachers are our greatest public servants; they spend their lives educating our young people and shaping our nation for tomorrow.”
-Solomon Ortiz

Teachers play a significant role in guiding young minds toward a better future. It is an important responsibility that defines society and the people who live in it. People who choose to be educators need to have the above-mentioned skills to make teaching and learning a worthwhile experience. But in case that does not happen, one can always opt for various professional classes and courses to develop and groom these skills. It is an effort that contributes to the betterment of society.

Tula’s International School is a top residential school in Dehradun. The school understands the important role that teachers play in shaping the lives of the students. The faculty consists of expert teachers who have the necessary skills that are essential for teachers in the modern world today. The teachers are well-trained and attend seminars and workshops regularly to stay updated about the latest trends in the sector of education. The school and the teachers ensure the best quality of education for the students and make every effort to achieve the same.