The Difference

I have always felt that a good teacher is inherently a good motivator. In order to be successful in the classroom you must show enthusiasm for what you are teaching. I was recently discussing this with a colleague who happened to disagree. He felt that you could be successful without projecting enthusiasm. Maybe enthusiasm was the wrong word to use. I have thought about this for awhile and have come up with several alternatives. A teacher can demonstrate enthusiasm by...

sharing the JOY of learning.
having a PASSION for science, math, language, etc.
making learning FUN.
showing an APPRECIATION for art, music, literature.
sharing their EXCITEMENT for learning.
demonstrating a CURIOSITY for the world around them.
being OPTIMISTIC.
having an EAGERNESS to learn and grow.
providing HOPE.
creating a STIMULATING learning environment.

Joy, passion, fun, appreciation, excitement, curiosity, optimism, eagerness, hopefulness - these are just a few of the words that describe that special ingredient you'll find in every great teacher.

Enthusiasm can be loud and boisterous, or soft and quiet. It can come across as joy, passion, or curiosity. In the end, it is what motivates students to be lifelong learners. It is what makes the difference.