In the teaching profession, it’s common to hear a teacher say, “In my school…” when sharing something positive about their institution. However, when the narrative shifts to something negative, the phrase often changes to, “In the school where I teach…” This subtle shift in wording reflects an underlying reality—teachers identify strongly with the success of their schools but may distance themselves from its challenges.
Beyond the staffroom politics, there’s one undeniable fact in every school: there is always a particular class that outperforms the rest. Whether it’s a full exam, a mock test, a mathematics contest, or even a simple class quiz, this class consistently takes the lead. But why?
It’s not about entry behavior. When students enter Form One, they are randomly assigned to classes. The magic ingredient that makes the difference is the class teacher.
The Influence of a Class Teacher
A great class teacher can transform an average group of students into top achievers. If you doubt this, just observe what happens when an effective class teacher is transferred. If the new teacher doesn’t maintain the same energy, the class’s performance drops significantly.
What makes these exceptional class teachers so special? Here are 10 key attributes that set them apart:
1 ) They Communicate Expectations
A great class teacher constantly reminds students of what is expected of them academically. They set clear goals and reinforce them regularly, ensuring students stay on track.
2 ) They Maintain Close Ties with the Director of Studies (DOS)
They understand that the primary goal in school is academic excellence. These teachers frequently engage with the DOS to discuss students’ progress, ensuring that weak students improve and top performers excel further.
3 ) They Are Aggressive
You’ll find them in class as early as 5 AM, supervising morning prep. They leave as late as 9 PM, ensuring no student is dozing off or wasting time. Their energy and commitment set the pace for the class.
4 ) They Take Ownership
They take full responsibility for their students' academic performance and discipline. If a student gets into trouble, this teacher doesn’t just punish them—they counsel and mentor them.
5 ) They Are Go-Getters
They set realistic but ambitious targets. For instance, if the class has a Mathematics mean score of 5.3, they aim for 5.4 first before gradually increasing the target. This step-by-step approach builds confidence and motivation among students.
6 ) They Work with Numbers
These teachers understand that success is a game of numbers. They analyze study hours, track improvements, and use statistics to measure progress, making adjustments where necessary.
7 ) They Stay on the Ground
They don’t rely on second-hand reports from the guidance and counseling department or the deputy principal. They are actively involved in their students’ academic and personal lives, ensuring no detail goes unnoticed.
8 ) They Focus on the ‘How,’ Not Just the ‘What’
Rather than simply telling students to study, they show them how to study effectively. Instead of commanding them not to sleep in class, they introduce practical strategies to keep them engaged and alert.
9 ) They Value Consistency Over Intensity
They understand that small, consistent efforts yield long-term success, while short bursts of effort produce only temporary results. Their approach ensures that students develop lasting academic discipline.
10 ) They Prioritize Individual Performance, Not Just Overall Results
They don’t just celebrate class averages; they analyze individual student progress. If a student’s performance declines in two consecutive exams, they step in—contacting parents, working with subject teachers, and providing tailored support to ensure improvement.
Conclusion
A class teacher wields immense influence over students' academic success. They are not just educators but mentors, strategists, and motivators. Their dedication, consistency, and passion set the tone for excellence, proving that behind every top-performing class, there is always a powerful and committed class teacher.
What are your thoughts on this? Have you encountered an exceptional class teacher who made a difference in your life or your school? Share your experiences in the comments below!
