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According to the Cambridge dictionary online, a teacher is defined as someone who trains or instructs others. Hence, an English teacher is someone who trains or teaches people to speak, write, read and understand the English language. It is important to mention that a good English teacher not only will teach his students English but will also expose them to the culture behind the language. On the other hand, according to Tessa S. (TEFL graduate from ITTT International), personal qualities are defined as the characteristics of a particular individual. These qualities are attributes and traits that make up their personality. In my experience, the qualities that are essential for an English teacher include but are not limited to excellent listening skills, self-motivation, empathy, and honesty. Therefore, a good English teacher is someone that puts up with the attributes needed to engage his students in a learning process and keep them engaged. Moreover, according to Tessa S. qualities such as adaptability, listening, thoughtfulness, timeliness and being personable, are the key ingredients to be a great teacher. Also, there is another factor that has a major impact on teachers' performance: motivation. It is very common to come across teachers that lack of motivation. Non-motivated teachers might become mechanical in the classroom and might tend to not acknowledge the students’ needs or areas of opportunity. Teaching is a profession of service. Teachers must be able to be resilient beyond difficulties and lack of resources. It’s not a secret that language academies and institutes may perceive students as “clients” which in reality, they are. However, it is the teacher’s responsibility to acknowledge the students for what they primarily are: students. Meaning that the teacher’s aim should be to pass on as much knowledge and information as possible and not to take advantage of “the client”. This is why honesty is a fundamental quality for English teachers. In order for teachers to encourage, motivate and address their students’ needs they must be very good listeners. This being the reason why teachers must be attentive and open to suggestions. If the teacher can listen, then, the students will be more prompt to speak and communicate. Being a good listener not only will help to build rapport with the students but will also make them feel more comfortable in the classroom and help to reduce teacher talking time. Besides, it is fundamental for teachers to be empathetic. Being an emphatic teacher means to be able to perceive students’ feelings, moods, and needs. I have had the opportunity to observe classes where I've seen a total disconnection between teachers and students. Mind states such as sadness, boredom, joyfulness, or excitement could be the difference between understanding a particular subject or feeling overwhelmed by it. If the teacher can perceive these moods, then he will also be able to visually perceive when a particular task or activity is not having the impact desired in the classroom. As a result, empathy provides the teacher with an opportunity to create a more interesting, student-oriented classroom environment. Finally, the teacher's cultivation of the qualities listed above plus a constant exposure of students to cultural aspects of the language will render great results for both students and teachers.
