Qualities and Characteristics
So What Makes a Great Teacher?
At AET, we understand that academic qualifications, while important, are not the only thing that makes a fantastic teacher. The qualities and characteristics we look for in candidates allow us to determine whether or not the programme could be a good fit for you, and are designed to give you every opportunity to shine during the application process.
Feedback and development are key focuses of the programme. We encourage trainees to reflect on and look critically at their teaching daily to identify areas for development (as well as their strengths!) and accept and absorb feedback from their coach.
These practices, combined with a natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, ensure that your improvement, however small, is ongoing: every day, you’re a step closer to becoming a fantastic, well-rounded teacher for your students.
1. Alignment with Our Ethos and Values
Our trainees and teachers play a huge part in furthering our shared mission of ensuring each and every child is inspired to choose a Remarkable Life.
It’s therefore important to us and our pupils that this mission aligns with your values, and that equality and equal opportunity for all is as fundamental to you as it is to AET.
2. Excellent Communication
Being a teacher is so much more than ensuring your students have strong written and verbal communication skills. Communication style and proficiency can be the difference between a class that listens and understands and a class that doesn’t!
During the application process, we’ll be looking at how you try to engage us as a willing adult audience, as it will give us insight into how you might manage and maintain an entire class’s engagement!
3. Keen to Learn
Feedback and development are key focuses of the programme. We encourage trainees to reflect on and look critically at their teaching daily to identify areas for development (as well as their strengths!) and accept and absorb feedback from their coach.
These practices, combined with a natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, ensure that your improvement, however small, is ongoing: every day, you’re a step closer to becoming a fantastic, well-rounded teacher for your students.
4. Resilience
Teaching is hard! And while helpful and constructive, not all the feedback you receive as a trainee will be positive. It can be incredibly frustrating if you don’t see yourself improving as quickly as you would like. The workload is intense, and your students may face challenging circumstances that manifest in the classroom.
You’ll need emotional strength to manage this daily, and to always look for the silver lining and remain optimistic in the face of setbacks, because we promise you – this challenge is so worth it!