What makes a good foreign language teacher?

The first and the only thing, that makes difference between a bad teacher and a good teacher is that the last one can sing perfectly. Yes, just sing. Don’t think, I am talking about conservatoire, I simply want to say, that the teaching process can be compared to singing. And it is up to singer to make it sound unforgettably. So, let’s make a list of songs, which are to be sung by a perfect teacher.

Song 1. “All, that I have, all, that I’ll ever need is right here inside
Let the wings of freedom be my guide…” (Symphony X)
Yes, it is right here – in your mind. Try to fill it with knowledge, because you should be a professional in you sphere, know methodology perfectly well and be as many-sided as possible. Only then you’ll feel this very freedom, which will accompany you while teaching, only then you will be respected by your audience.

Song 2. “Do you feel good, do you feel fine,
Did you achieve what you had in mind”? (Helloween)
Ask your students, whether they feel fine. Because it is you, who should provide a friendly atmosphere at the lesson. Use humor, but don’t over try and, of course, don’t let students violate the discipline. Be sympathetic, but strict enough.

Song 3. “You rise, you fall, you’re down and you rise again,
What don’t kill you, make you more strong”. ( Metallica)
Oh, yes, remember it, when you come to your class for the first time. Don’t be afraid of them, or they will feel it and you’ll mocked and even humiliated. Show yourself, make the students respect you. Yes, it is a challenge, but be a winner.

Song 4. “Can it be true, why can’t you see? I’m burning for you”. (Symphony X)

You look at your favorite student and read something like this in his or her eyes (of course, he doesn’t burn, but raises his hand). No doubt, that this student is the smartest, the cutest and the brightest, but don’t dare show your preferences. If you want to be a good teacher, you have no right to be prejudicial.


Song 5. “Say your prayers, little one,
Don’t forget, my son,
To include everyone” (Metallica).

And, believe, it is very important. Activities on your lessons should be various, be able to interest students and be oriented on all the types of learners. Moreover, you are to know students’ social and family backgrounds, in other words, you have to include everything and everyone.

Song 6. “Another time, another place,
Where I could care no more”(Y. Malmsteen).

But you should! Time changes and a teacher must follow these changes, be acknowledged of all the innovative techniques and methods.

Song 7. “You don’t remember, I’ll never forget”(Y. Malmsteen).

Shame on you, who don’t remember. Not to forget about time and activities, teacher should plan everything beforehand and schedule his or her time correctly.

Song 8. “It’s a lie, it’s a lie, it’s a lie
We couldn’t learn to fly”(Helloween).


A good teacher will never limit students’ imagination. He or she will only encourage their creativity, but to some extend, because speaking about flying hamsters instead of learning grammar is not the best thing to do.

So, try to compose your own song and make it sound perfectly. Don’t be a pop-star for a week, create immortal masterpieces.