As a student from the late 80s I must admit I find it hard to recall any efficient and successful learning experience with any of my teachers. The only teacher I may have seen as a professional, who gave us knowledge was Miss Katarzyna Galkowska. She was consistent and professional, demanding but reliable. We had a fair deal, she required us to get prepared for next classes and she also checked our tests or homework. The teacher was strict, but we obeyed her. Everybody knew the rules. The only thing I can recall now is that she was not friendly, a very distant person, what made her a scare to us.

After my learning experience and a few years of teaching English as a foreign language practice I may have a picture of a good teacher.

They shall keep in mind that a course or a class is designed for a student to benefit. A teacher is a tool, a relay and a source of knowledge to convey.

Their duty is to impart their knowledge using their professionalism, teaching materials and connection with their group of students. They need to trust their teacher. A confident and consistent tutor may build a communication channel at ease. A friendly and open- minded teacher shall induce an interaction within a group.

A successful teacher is the one who sees learners as individuals as they have different minds and abilities, hold various talents and come from numerous backgrounds.

A good teacher adjusts a pace of a class to the performance of their scholars. Tutor’s way of reasoning must be explained and illustrated at all times. Various learning techniques need to be shown to students as lots of them struggle with these. People just simply do not know how to study and practice at home. At some point a factor of competition may be introduced as well.

A part which shall not be forgotten is the assessment. Teachers are responsible for fair evaluation of their students’ learning outcomes.

The advice to teachers is to undergo a constant professional development. This allows being updated with latest teaching methods, resources and tools.

I think a good teacher needs to be a shepherd to lead their students to where he or she is, if we talk about fluency in English language. A positive feedback and appreciation of students’ efforts and progress are key factors to becoming a likeable and successful teacher.