There’s been a lot of talks recently about what it means to be a learner in the 21st Century. Earlier this year, we put together a guide with skills important for students today. So, why not a list for educators, too? The list goes beyond technology and social media. Check out what skill we think makes a modern teacher.

Here are some of the 10 skills you need as a modern teacher-

1) Engage in social communities

Teachers can sometimes lead a very solitary existence at school spending all of their time tutoring before and after school and scarfing down lunch in front of the copiers or spending their free period if they are lucky enough to have one, at their desks while grading paper.
But as professional, teachers need to know how to learn and grow from participation in professional communities. No one teacher’s experience is universal, so networking with your educator peers is an important way to get a great idea and share your own.

2) Understand How to use technology:-

You just have to understand the use of technology in the classroom in an effective way. You don’t have to flip your class or employ a 1:1 device, but you do need to understand how the technology works and how it benefits education. Your students are undoubtedly tech savvy and you should be, too.

3) Know where to locate useful resources:-

Make asking about and sharing resources part of your participation in professional communities. And don’t forget to ask your school or community librarian they are experts in resources procurement.
This means keeping up to date on new learning technologies and apps, and browsing the web and connecting to fellow teachers. Any way that you can engage students and keep things interesting is a must.

4) Patience:-

The single most important skill every teacher must have is patience. Patience will take you very far in a classroom where students are on a sugar high from their Halloween Party. It will also help you to get through each and every repetitive day that you are in the classroom.

5) Team Player:-

Part of being a teacher is being able to work together as part of a team. Educators call this “team teaching.” When you work together as a team it provides students with a better chance to learn and have fun.

6) Manage Online Reputation:-

In this modern age, most if not teacher only is online. This means that you have an “online reputation.” Modern teachers need to know how to manage their online reputation and which social network is right for them to be on. LinkedIn is essential in connecting to colleagues, but Snapchat or any other social networking site where students are is probably not a good idea.

7) Good communication:-

Be able to communicate with not only your students but parents, and staff is an essential skill for every teacher to have. Almost all of your day is spent communicating with students and staff so you better be able to talk clear and concise. If not, then you should take a refresher course and brush up on your communication skills.

8) Confidence:-

Every teacher needs to have full of confidence, not only in themselves but in their students, and their colleagues. A confident person inspires others to be confident, and a teacher’s confidence can help influence others to be a better person.

9) Organization:-

A modern teacher has the ability to organize and prepare for the unknown. They are always ready for anything that is thrown their way. Need to go home sick? No problem, they have a substitute folder all ready to go. Studies show that organized teachers lead a more effective learning environment. So it is even more imperative to be organized if you want higher-achieving students.

10) Know when to unplug

Modern teacher must know when it’s time to unplug from social media and just relax. They also understand that the teacher burn out rate is high, so it’s even more critical for them to take the time to slow down and take a moment for themselves. They also know when it’s time to tell their students to unplug and slow down. They give their students time each day for a brain break and let them kick their heels up and unwind.