7 Key Qualities of Effective Teachers. Robin Brian Cox

names of all teachers, students, and parents have been changed to protect their identity, with the exception of my teachers mentioned in this introduction.

      7 key qualities of effective teachers

      Jesus models both the way we should behave in our community without being of it, and the meaning of living in the Spirit of Jesus. He offers us reassuring words: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16).

      A chapter is devoted to each of the seven key qualities of effective teachers that provide the framework for this book:

      1.Relationships

      2.Christlikeness

      3.Empowerment

      4.Empathy

      5.Humility

      6.Affirmation

      7.Teamwork

      Each of these qualities is briefly unpacked and considered through the lens of a Christian teacher to reassure us that, no matter how challenging our work environment might be, we can positively impact lives, we are making a difference, and we are never alone.

      God’s extraordinary servant leaders

      Each chapter concludes with examples of how God uses ordinary, imperfect, and fallible individuals to do his extraordinary work. They highlight the importance of the gospel and serve as reminders that we have a responsibility to train disciples. Further information about these “movers and shakers” can be found in libraries and the media.

      These stories are shared for two reasons. Firstly, as teachers, we impact the life of every student with whom we interact and invest our time. Any of these students could ultimately become an extraordinary individual—a mover or shaker—doing Christ-centered work with a global impact. Secondly, you might feel a call on your heart to move out of your comfort zone and take your God-given gifts into a new mission field. Maybe one of these stories will inspire you to prayerfully seek God’s direction for your life.

      A Christlike attitude

      A Christlike attitude will positively impact more lives than we might realize. Kate, a young student I encouraged as she battled serious illness, wrote: “Thank you for being such an incredible supporter and guide over the past three years. Your constant help and faith have strengthened me and given me hope an innumerable amount of times. Thank you for always believing in me, praying for me, supporting me, and guiding me to God’s love. You’ve impacted my life in a very positive way and I can’t thank you enough for that.”

      I penned this short daily prayer a few years ago after one of my morning times of Bible reading and prayer:

      Jesus, let me see with your eyes,

      hear with your ears,

      reach out with your hands,

      walk your talk with your feet,

      connect with your heart

      and love with your love.

      Let us walk together in the footsteps of Jesus with enthusiasm and commitment, encouraged by these words and, in our brokenness, with humility, take ownership of this truth: Hey, teacher! You are amazing!

      Movers and shakers

      God calls a variety of people to serve him, such as teachers, writers, army commandos, athletes, people in business or trades, politicians, nurses, and missionaries. We have the responsibility to respond to that call and follow him, no matter the cost. As we respond positively to his call, we sow messages of hope and pour out an abundance of unconditional love in a variety of ways.

      Anne Sullivan (1866–1936) was a determined and courageous American teacher who spent almost fifty years working alongside Helen Keller, a journey made famous by the film The Miracle Worker. Anne was almost blind herself, yet persevered through a challenging upbringing. Anne’s mother died when she was eight. Her father abandoned her two years later. Through Anne’s teaching, selfless commitment, and friendship with Helen, the world received the wonderful gifts of Helen Keller, an exceptionally talented blind and deaf woman. Helen Keller was the first deaf-blind woman to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. She wrote twelve published books, was a prominent political activist and lecturer, and also helped found the American Civil Liberties Union in 1920.

      It is a rare privilege to watch the birth, growth, and first feeble struggles of a living mind; this privilege is mine. (Anne Sullivan)

      Clive Staples Lewis (1898–1963) was a British novelist, poet, broadcaster, lecturer (at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities), and the author of more than thirty books, which have been translated into more than thirty languages. Well-known books include The Chronicles of Narnia, The Screwtape Letters, Mere Christianity, Miracles and The Problem of Pain. C.S. Lewis’s Christian faith, which took many years to develop, had a significant impact on his writing and his life in general. Well-known author J.R.R. Tolkien was a close friend, who helped bring C.S. Lewis to Christ. The writings of Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister George MacDonald also had a profound impact on C. S. Lewis.

      We must show our Christian colors if we are to be true to Jesus Christ. (C. S. Lewis)

      My vocation is grounded in belonging to Jesus, and in the firm conviction that nothing will separate me from the love of Christ. The work we do is nothing more than a means of transforming our love for Christ into something concrete. I didn’t have to find Jesus. Jesus found me and chose me. A strong vocation is based on being possessed by Christ . . .

      He is the Life that I want to live.

      He is the Light that I want to radiate.

      He is the Way to the Father.

      He is the Love that I want to love.

      He is the Joy that I want to share.

      He is the Peace that I want to sow.

      Jesus is everything to me.

      Without him I can do nothing.

      Give! Give the love we have all received to those around you. Give until it hurts, because real love hurts. That is why you must love until it hurts. You must love with your time, your hands, and your hearts.

      —Mother Teresa of Calcutta

      To gain a fresh perspective on your world, try actually looking at life through a child’s eye.

      —Thomas Kinkade, painter

      1. Whanau: A New Zealand Maori word. An extended family or community of related families who live together in the same area. For more information: https://teara.govt.nz/en/whanau-maori-and-family/page-1.