How to Become the Best Teacher

“I want to be the kind of teacher students never forget… but how?”

If you’ve ever asked yourself that question, you’re not alone.

Whether you’re a new teacher trying to find your footing or a seasoned educator looking to grow, we all want the same thing: to make a real impact.

But let’s be honest teaching isn’t as simple as standing in front of a class and delivering information.

You’ve got different learning styles, disruptive students, tired days, and endless paperwork.

And still, somehow, you’re expected to inspire young minds every day.

So how do you rise above the chaos and become the kind of teacher students talk about years later with gratitude in their voices?

That’s what this post is all about.

We’ll dig into practical, experience-backed strategies that go beyond the textbook.

I’ll also share some stories from my own 10+ years in the classroom—the wins, the fails, and everything in between.

Let’s get into it.

**1. Start with why: What does it mean to be “the best”?**

Before we jump into techniques and tips, let’s define what we’re aiming for.

Being “the best teacher” doesn’t mean being perfect. It’s not about always having the right answer or being loved by every student.

To me, being the best teacher means:

Creating a space where students feel safe, seen, and supported

Making learning enjoyable and meaningful
Helping students grow—not just academically, but as people
Reflecting constantly and striving to improve

Simon Sinek, in his book Start with Why, explains that people are driven by purpose, not processes.

The best teachers teach why before how. That mindset changes everything.

2. Build relationships first—learning follows

“Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” – John C. Maxwell

This quote hit home during my third year of teaching. I had a brilliant lesson planned on descriptive writing, but half the class wasn’t paying attention. Why?

Because I had focused so much on curriculum delivery that I had ignored the humans in front of me.

From that day on, I made a small but powerful shift: every Monday morning, I’d start class by just talking to my students.

No grammar drills. Just check-ins, stories, or a fun question like, “If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?”

Here’s what happened: they started listening more. Participating more. Smiling more.

Tips to build strong student relationships:

Learn names quickly – and use them often.

Listen actively – when students talk, give them your full attention.
Celebrate small wins – even “you didn’t give up!” goes a long way.
Be consistent – students need to know they can rely on you.

3. Master the art of classroom management—without becoming a tyrant

Classroom management isn’t about being strict—it’s about being clear and fair.

You can be the kindest teacher in the school, but if your classroom feels chaotic, no one learns.

One of the biggest lessons I learned early on?

Consistency beats charisma. I once let a student off the hook for arriving late because he was charming. Word spread, and suddenly, half the class started showing up late.

That was on me.

Effective classroom management strategies:

Set expectations early and revisit them often. Don’t wait for problems to arise.
Use routines – they give students structure and save you time.

Be fair and firm. If a rule applies to one, it applies to all.
Avoid power struggles. Keep your cool. If needed, talk privately.

Research by Robert Marzano shows that effective classroom management is one of the top factors influencing student achievement. It’s not about control—it’s about creating a learning-focused environment.

4. Make your lessons unforgettable

Let’s face it—students today have more distractions than ever.

So how do you compete with phones, YouTube, and short attention spans?

You don’t. You outsmart them.

You make your lessons so engaging that they want to pay attention.

Strategies for engaging lessons:

Start with a hook. A surprising fact, story, or image can grab attention fast.
Make it interactive. Think pair work, role play, debates, or games.
Connect to real life. Show how your lesson matters outside the classroom.

Use storytelling. Even in math or science, stories stick.
Switch it up. Vary your activities to cater to different learners (visual, auditory, kinesthetic).

Real-life example:

In a lesson on passive voice, I once turned the classroom into a “crime scene investigation.” Students had to write passive sentences like “The window was broken by an unknown suspect.” The room buzzed with excitement—and the grammar stuck.

5. Keep learning—and show your students you are

Great teachers are lifelong learners. Period.

Your growth inspires theirs.

Whenever I attend a workshop or read a new teaching book, I tell my students. Why? Because I want them to see that learning never stops—even for teachers.

A few ways to keep growing:

Read widely. Try Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov or The Courage to Teach by Parker Palmer.
Join teacher communities. Facebook groups, Reddit forums, or local meetups can be goldmines.
Observe others. Peer observation isn’t just for trainees—it’s a mirror we all need.

Try new tech. EdTech tools like Kahoot!, Padlet, or Canva can boost engagement.

According to the OECD, teachers who engage in professional development have higher job satisfaction and student achievement.

But also—don’t overwhelm yourself. Pick one area to focus on at a time.

6. Teach the whole child, not just the subject

You’re not just teaching English or Science. You’re teaching humans.

Many students walk into your classroom carrying invisible backpacks full of stress, trauma, or self-doubt. The best teachers notice this—and respond with empathy.

One of my students, Priya, barely spoke in class. But when I asked her to help organize a class activity, she lit up. That moment opened a door. Later, she told me, “I always thought I wasn’t smart enough. But you helped me feel like I matter.”

Let’s never underestimate that power.

Ways to support students beyond academics:

Be approachable. Let them know you’re there for more than just grades.
Teach SEL (Social-Emotional Learning). Skills like empathy, resilience, and self-regulation are just as important.

Include mindfulness or reflection activities.
Refer students to counselors when needed. It’s not all on you.

7. Reflect, refine, repeat

No teacher gets it all right all the time. And that’s okay.

But the best teachers? They reflect constantly.

After every lesson, ask yourself:

What worked?

What didn’t?
What can I tweak next time?

Keep a small teaching journal or even voice-record your thoughts. Those reflections are gold for long-term growth.

I still cringe when I remember a grammar class where I confused my own explanation of past perfect. But instead of beating myself up, I noted it down, researched better examples, and nailed it the next time. That’s growth.

8. Prioritize self-care—because burnout helps no one

Let’s be real: teaching can drain you.

Between lesson planning, grading, and emotional labor, it’s easy to forget you’re human too.

But you can’t pour from an empty cup. A tired, overwhelmed teacher can’t be their best—no matter how passionate they are.

Self-care tips for teachers:

Set boundaries. Stop checking school emails at midnight.
Take breaks. Even five minutes of deep breathing can reset your brain.
Celebrate progress. Keep a “success folder” of kind notes from students or parents.

Stay connected. Talk to other teachers. You’re not alone.

A 2019 study in the journal “Teaching and Teacher Education” found that teacher burnout directly affects student engagement. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s smart.

9. Embrace feedback—even when it stings

Early in my career, a student wrote on a feedback form: “You explain well, but sometimes you talk too fast.”

Ouch.

But they were right.

That comment made me slow down, check for understanding more often, and become a better communicator.

How to handle feedback well:

Ask for it regularly. Use anonymous surveys or informal chats.

Don’t take it personally. It’s about your teaching, not your worth.
Look for patterns. One comment may be random; three are a sign.
Act on it. Small changes can have big effects.

10. Stay inspired—because passion is contagious

There will be hard days. Days when nothing goes right. Days when you wonder if you’re even making a difference.

That’s when you need to remember your why.

Revisit old thank-you notes. Watch a TED Talk on education. Talk to a mentor. Reflect on the impact you have made.

Because you are making a difference. Even when you can’t see it.

I’ll never forget when an old student emailed me years later and said, “You were the first person who believed I could be a writer. Now I’m in college, studying journalism.”

That’s why we do this.

**Final Thoughts: So, How Do You Actually Become the Best Teacher?**

Not by having all the answers. Not by being a superhero.

But by showing up—fully, authentically, and consistently.

By building relationships. By keeping your lessons engaging. By continuing to learn, reflect, and care.

By remembering that behind every test score is a young person trying to find their way.

So here’s your challenge: This week, pick one area from this post to focus on. Maybe it’s connecting more deeply with students.

Maybe it’s refining your classroom management. Maybe it’s taking that overdue break.

Whatever it is—start small. Stay consistent. And keep going.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to care deeply and try intentionally.

And that, my friend, is the real secret to becoming the best teacher.