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Personality Traits of an Elementary School Teacher

By Johney Maron

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Published: 23Jul2010
Word count: 484
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The strongest influences in a child's life are his or her parents. But after that, elementary school teachers wield the most influence. For good or for bad, an elementary school teacher can strongly affect the direction that a child goes in life and how he or she will function in society.

That being said, those who aspire to be an elementary school teacher have a big responsibility. It is the responsibility of helping to shape a child's life. The elementary school teacher has an incredibly difficult role, but it's not impossible to be successful. It simple requires a personality and character beyond the ordinary.

More than just personality
Let it be known that being a good elementary school teacher isn't just about personality. The elementary school teacher must have the right training—an elementary education bachelor degree. Studying in an elementary education program is part of obtaining certification and having the right knowledge for being an elementary school teacher. Beyond that, there are certain qualities that must be true of the elementary school teacher as a person.

Patience
Those who have a lot of patience are hard to come by. Patience with kids begins with the realization that they are still developing, learning, and growing. The path from childhood to maturity is full of stretching, growing, and learning. Being patient with kids is part of helping them grow and learn.

Cheerfulness
Stoic patience isn't enough, important though it may be. Vibrant cheerfulness is another key quality. Cheerfulness is the ability to keep a smile on your face even when a student is sticking out his tongue at you, wrinkling up a math book, or getting sick at lunchtime. Cheerfulness is keeping your head up and spirits high, when everything around you says, "be angry, be frustrated, or be harsh." Cheerfulness says no. Instead, cheerfulness laughs and proceeds to smile at the challenges.

Optimism
After you work with kids for a while, optimism can tend to ebb low. Hours of teaching might cause you to think, "These kids will never learn!" An elementary school teacher needs to have an optimistic outlook that holds out hope for even the most challenged learner. Optimism is the difference between an elementary school teacher who quits and an elementary school teacher who sticks with it for the long haul. Optimism is infectious, too, meaning that your optimism as a teacher will inspire optimism and success in your students.

Determination
Patience will wane. Cheerfulness will be challenged. Optimism will hit low points. When these important character resources are running dry, determination kicks in. While patience, cheerfulness, and optimism are rosy-colored attributes with flowery smells and harmonious sounds, "determination" has a steely edge to it. Determination is gritty, tough, rugged, and sometimes unpleasant, but it is necessary. Determination will get you through the low points and will allow patience, cheerfulness, and optimism, to flourish yet again.

Johney Maron is a part time author with an interest in education. Colorado Christian University offers elementary education programs geared to teach students how to become effective teachers and have a powerful impact on the next generation of learners from kindergarten to sixth grade. Check out CCU for information on their degree programs and how they can help shape your future.

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