Teaching offers the chance to change other people’s lives permanently for the better. As a teacher you can help to develop somebody’s subject knowledge and maybe even their mind and personality.

Teaching is an incredibly rewarding thing to do and good teachers are needed everywhere: in schools and college classrooms to educate the young, as well as in the workplace and other settings to teach adults and colleagues.

However, teaching anyone can also be tiring, stressful and demanding. It is a responsibility and any slip up is very visible. People’s minds and motivation vary a great deal and teachers have to find many different ways to connect with their students.

Here are the Top 10 of the many 21^st-century teaching skills, that modern teachers should possess.

1. Creativity: In as much as our students must practice creativity, so must our teachers. Creativity is at the heart of engaged and productive learning . Teachers need to be creative and think of unique ways to keep their students engaged in learning.
2. Constant Learning:  Teaching is a lifelong learning process. There is always something to learn when you are teacher. Even after school, learning never stops for us and becomes a life pursuit. The world is always changing, along with the curriculum and educational technology, so it’s up to you, the teacher, to keep up with it. A teacher who is always willing to go that extra mile to learn will always be an effective, successful teacher. Teachers must model the benefits of being a lifelong learner for their kids.
3. Tech Fundamentals:  Technology is growing at a rapid pace. In the past five years alone we have seen huge advancements and we will continue to see it grow. While it may be hard to keep up with it, it is something that all modern teachers need to do. Learning about things like word processors, spreadsheets, search engines, social media, and more can help save teachers time and allow easier organization. Not only do you just need to understand the latest in technology, but you must also know which digital tools is right for your students. It’s a process that may take time but will be greatly influential in the success of your students.
4. Organization: Organization goes hand-in-hand with time management. Productivity and stress-free time management come from being able to organize efficiently. Studies show that organized teachers lead more effective learning environments. So it is even more imperative to be organized if you want higher-achieving students.
5. Innovative: A modern teacher is willing to try new things, from new educational apps to teaching skills and electronic devices. Being innovative means not only trying new things, but questioning your students, making real-world connections and cultivating a creative mindset. It’s getting your students to take risks and having students learn to collaborate.
6. Leadership: One of the most important skills each teacher must have is leadership. Your students need someone to guide them, to be in charge, and set the tone of the class. Leadership is a difficult skill, meaning you may want to get outside help if you feel that you could use more work on this particular skill, or any other for that matter.
7. Adaptability: A teacher must be able to educate themselves on changing educational trends and adapt to them accordingly. Different kids learn in different ways, and some lessons need unique teaching tools. Good teachers know how to adapt their lesson plan to their students, so that all the kids learn optimally. This trait can take some experience and practice in a classroom setting, so give it time.
8. Online Reputation: In this digital age most, if not all, teachers are online, which means they have an “Online reputation.” Modern teachers need to know how to manage their online reputation and which social networks are OK for them to be on. LinkedIn is a professional social network to connect with colleagues. Teachers’ presence on social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram must be filtered to contain content that are passing good morals always.
9. Teamwork: Educators must be able to work together proactively in the wake of increasing class sizes and dwindling resources. When you work together as a team, it provides students with a better chance to learn and have fun. Networking with other teachers (even virtually) and solving problems together will only lead to success. Doing so fosters a sense of community not only in your own classroom, but school-wide as well.
10. Communication: Being able to communicate with not only your students but with parents and staff is an essential skill. Almost all of a teacher’s day is spent communicating with students and colleagues so it is crucial to be able to talk clear and concise in order to get your point across. Making use of school websites, homework portals, and email, teachers can ensure they keep solid lines of communication open with parents.

In the meantime, what do you feel are the most important modern teaching skills to have? Please share your comments in the section below, we would love to hear your thoughts.