The best teachers are teachers that never stop learning. Here are some ideas to enhance your teaching skills so that you might become more effective.

1. A teacher should develop a mastery level of understanding for their subject. Quite often, college students pick their major because of their teacher's inspiration back home.
2. Understand child development. Who they are right now? Where they are right now? How large is their vocabulary?
3. A teacher should learn to over prepare. Preparation is the key to confidence and control! Not another five pages of notes, but by way of illustrations and applications. 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 says that we should be gentle with the student. Teaching is total communication.
4. A teacher should overcome insecurities. Dont' stand up and apologize. Proverbs 10:13: "In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found..." Know the truth, state the truth, embrace the truth! That's an "epigram," a philosophy of life in a sentence. Poor teachers remain poor for a reason. Listen to your excuses: "I'm too busy." "I never have enough time!" "I didn't go to college." "I'm just not as good as she is." "I just don't like to read." The solution! Change! Or go back to the pew.
5. A teacher must learn to take care of and manage their health. You want to last as long as you can.
6. A teacher should make it their goal to understand each student. You teach students first, subjects second. If they dont' understand, nothing will happen. What do you know about your student? Have you visited his home? If not, you probably still don't know why he acts the way he acts.
7. A teacher's ability to remain teachable is a priority. You must be willing to change old habits, if necessary.

Abb Thomas
Director of Training
Master Ministries