What Does it Mean To Be a Good Teacher?

I often ponder the thoughts of what it is to be a good teacher. Being in the profession for as long as I have, I can now completely understand what makes a good teacher. I good teacher possesses many qualities that enable them to be effective in the classroom. Our job as educators can be demanding and the simple job of teaching is not simple when there are other expectations outside of the classroom that place additional stressors. Good teachers are those who have the ability to connect with students and can not only connect with students but are able to foster positive relationships in the classroom. This is not to say that if teachers don't connect with every one of their students that they are not good teachers.
Good teachers are able to understand their students' needs and find a variety of ways in meeting those needs. Through using a variety of delivery modes of lessons, teachers are meeting the needs of the various learning styles in the classroom. Good teachers give students trust in being able to provide feedback and provide a means to assist them. Good teachers set expectations and are consistent with their expectations, but give "a little" when they have gained their students trust.
What is a good teacher to you?

My Thoughts on TEDxUBC

On saturday, October 23, 2010, I had the opportunity to present at TEDxUBC. I had no expectations, initially - after all, it was my first TEDx conference. I have always been fascinated by the TED concept and I am a believer in innovation to create change. Getting up on that stage was a whole other story. It was taking a microphone and spreading a message to some of the most innovative people around me who are doing great things within their profession. I was simply in awe! The speakers' messages were clear: technology is advancing and will continue to advance and we need to meet these needs. We can either continue to do nothing or we can take a stand and make positive changes for our future leaders of tomorrow.

http://www.livestream.com/tedx2/video?clipId=pla_be0b5fde-401c-4f55-a4fc-cb11dbcdb910