Students relate to instructors who are able to establish a good rapport with their students. The instructor must be able to show her students that she cares about them as people. She must get to know their individual strengths and weaknesses, and provide opportunities for all of them to succeed. She must believe they are capable of succeeding and have high expectations for them all. She must transmit her belief that they can all be successful.
A teacher who reflects upon his craft of teaching analyzes his successes and failures and makes changes accordingly. If a student makes a mistake, the supportive teacher can correct the behavior without damaging the student's self-esteem. The teacher questions his own actions to determine how problems might have been avoided. He treats all his students in a kind and caring manner. He speaks to them in encouraging words even when they have done something wrong.
A motivational teacher loves her job. She looks forward to getting up in the morning and going to work. She cares passionately about her students and the material she is teaching to them. It is not just a 9-to-5 job for her. She enjoys preparing exciting lessons for her classes. Her joy in her course content bubbles over and her students catch her enthusiasm. She embraces the opportunity to go above and beyond the minimal contractual obligations of her profession. She readily volunteers for extracurricular activities because she welcomes the opportunity to know her students better.
All teachers must have a solid understanding of the concepts they are teaching; motivational teachers' expertise is even better. They constantly strive to learn as much as they can about their subject and the art of teaching. They keep themselves up-to-date on innovative teaching methods. They know they must provide lessons that address the needs of the diverse learners in their classes. They provide graphic aids for their visual learners. They provide hands-on opportunities for their students to grasp deeper understandings.
The motivational instructor must exude confidence. If he is unsure about what he is doing or how he is doing it, the uncertainty may be transmitted to the students who will soon lose confidence in his authority. A teacher who is confident in what he knows -- and in himself -- is able to honestly admit when he has made a mistake. Students appreciate authenticity in their teachers. This builds the trust relationship that is crucial for deeper learning.