Socrates was one. Plato too. So was John Taylor Gatto of New York City. And so was dear Mrs. Corey in rural Indiana who ushered 32 second grade students happily through phonics and arithmetic for many years. The greatest of all was Jesus Himself. I'm talking about great teachers of course. They inspired their students, whether those students were formally enrolled in a class they taught or were simply those who crossed their paths.
We've all had good teachers and bad ones. What makes us scurry quickly from the latter and flock to the former? I believe it is just a few characteristics or traits that just about anybody can develop. And surprisingly, these traits have nothing to do with academic credentials, intellect or measurable knowledge. What's more, it's not just classroom teachers who find success and the ability to relate to others when they develop these traits. Parents, coaches, employees, in short, anyone who needs to convey information to another can benefit from developing these qualities. If a person can develop just a few of these he can become a Great Teacher. If someone can develop them all, there is no telling who or what that person can inspire.