Well-organized teachers come to class prepared with a lesson plan filled with goals and objectives about the subject matter. This means knowing what material they can cover effectively and what activities they can assign (including homework) that correlate with the subject, and anticipating any questions that students might ask. These skills also apply to the classroom setting; teachers know where to find books, maps, supplies, and resources, regardless of the age of the students they teach. Good organizational skills also give teachers the maximum amount of time to teach within the given time period.
Effective and outstanding teachers bring a wealth of education, often from diverse backgrounds, to the classroom. The educational skills they learn by obtaining a master's or doctorate in education allow them to display deep knowledge in their area of expertise and pass that knowledge on to their students. Teachers who continually seek refresher courses on the latest skills and teaching techniques also benefit from receiving the best information for their students while distinguishing themselves as the best in their field.
Good oral and written communication skills must accompany a teacher to any classroom. Delivering concepts, procedures, and directions -- as well as explanations of homework, assignments, and various subjects -- all take good communication skills that must be clear, concise, and easy to understand. When students ask questions, teachers must explain the subject matter in a way that students can understand, which, depending on educational level and learning handicaps, can take additional skill. Teachers must also possess good communication skills when dealing with parents, especially when problems arise with a student's behavior or learning behavior.
Outstanding teachers who absorb themselves in the latest technology, so they can incorporate those skills into their daily lesson plans, can help students learn better with emergent technology. This means teachers can use presentation software, digital camera images, graphics, and even animations to help students learn and understand sometimes difficult and complicated material. Technology also means knowing how to use word processing and spreadsheet programs as well as online learning applications like WebCT and Blackboard.