Adam Lopez at The Guardian’s Teacher Network Blog attempts to answer the question, What Makes a Brilliant Teacher:
In my experience, teachers with the T Factor, run a happy, high achieving environment in which the pupils feel content, valued and achieve high respective standards academically and behaviourally. These teachers create a sense of awe and wonder to develop enquiring minds with an insatiable thirst for learning
that endures.
“So, what is the mystical T Factor?” I hear you say. Well, put simply, the T Factor is ultimately the teacher’s ability to progressively build, maintain and reinforce high quality educational attachment relationships (linked to the principles of John Bowlby’s attachment theory). This, in its infancy, can be termed rapport; however, as this is built upon, a quality psychological connection or attachment relationship conducive to learning and attuned interaction is developed and strengthened.
Emotional intelligence and empathy are two huge features of a T factor teacher’s practice. Knowing how, when, and what to say in order to bring about conditions in which educational attachment flourishes, is an incredibly subtle yet powerful tool. I believe that these skills can be somewhat coached and taught; although it is clear that some individuals have a natural propensity towards innately interacting in an emotionally intelligent manner, without coaching or training.
What do you think of the T Factor? Before commenting, be sure to read the full article.
Re the T: dunno. I thought of all the teachers I regarded as great. They didn’t seem to have or not have the T. But they all liked and thoroughly knew their subjects, and wanted me to like and know them too.