What Makes a Great Teacher?

I recently came across an article in Scholastic Administrator magazine that asked several superintendents to opine on the characteristics of great teachers. Their responses are interesting and, in my opinion, right on.

"A great teacher must be resilient." Gregory E. Thornton, Milwaukee Public Schools

"A great teacher invites every child to join a community of learners." Maria Goodloe-Johnson, Seattle Public Schools

"Much of what makes a great teacher today is the same as it has always been. It's a passion for a subject, an inherently caring attitude, the ability to trigger receptiveness to learning in children, and a knack for coaching kids in fun ways...Good teachers are able to sift though a world of information and weave it into new lessons for 21st-century minds, while also teaching children how to do the same." Art Jarvis, Tacoma Public Schools

"Great teachers are instructional leaders and curriculum designers." Suzanne Freeman, Trussville (AL) City Schools

"Great teachers love what they do and perceive teaching as their calling." Neil Pedersen, Chapel Hill - Carrboro (NC) City Schools

"Great teachers are empathetic and engaged...They are also flexible, able to multitask, and willing to collaborate in professional learning communities." Keith Lutz, Millard (NE) Public Schools

"Great teachers seem to capture the artistry and the science of teaching." Jose Torres, Elgin (IL) District U-46

"A great teacher needs to excel in five key areas...comprehensive knowledge of subject matter...good communication skills...demonstrate to students that they care about them...have to be lifelong learners...must have outstanding interpersonal skills." Gene White, Indianapolis Public Schools

I might add that great teachers are infinitely patient, as good with parents as with children, never complacent, and tireless workers.