Story by Kayla Denson
Staff Writer
Mr. Chris Beck, who teaches American history, greets all his students and waits patiently for them to settle down as they finish piling into the classroom after the bell.
He then starts off his 80-minute class period with an outlandish remark about the current nuclear crisis in North Korea, which then results in a class discussion.
He keeps his students attentive when he transitions to his lively lecture about World War II throughout the full period and they leave feeling like class wasn’t a complete waste of time.
Winner of the best teacher award in 2007, Mr. Beck is considered one of the teachers at Bishop Amat students like the most. One of the reasons for his success as a teacher, his students say, is he understands them and the points they are in their lives.
“A good teacher is centered upon their understanding of their students and their lives,” junior Jose Garcia said.
The student-teacher relationship is important in the classroom because it creates a comfortable learning environment, Bishop Amat students say.
“I want to be able to relate and really connect with my teacher,” junior Stephanie Iniguez said. “They have to be someone you can talk to and make you know that they care for you to learn.”
Mr. Beck said he tries to emulate the teachers he had when he was a student.
“A teacher who attempted to relate to his students was always the best,” he said.
There are many teachers who are overly strict and many who are easily pushed over and can’t control their classrooms. According to students neither of these types of teachers are good for their learning, but the perfect combination of the two could create a fun environment.
“I like a relaxed teacher. Not strict but also not a pushover,” junior Zach Hoffman said. “The class should be enjoyable, but at the same time you still want to learn something.”
Garcia agreed.
“I like the teacher who gives respect to their students and can differentiate a fun learning environment without losing focus on the subject,” he said.
In February, the online-only education magazine Edudemic conducted a Twitter survey of students about what they want from their teachers. Most of the students shared a common want: they want to learn something, but class should be fun.
“Some teachers enjoy hearing themselves talk to [sic] much. I can Google most of what they tell me,” one student tweeted.
“I want to learn by doing. Not writing down facts I will never need,” that student continued.
The key to teaching someone is making students actually want to learn.
“A teacher should make me want to learn and look forward to their class, not dread it,” Iniguez said.
From a teacher’s perspective, the trait needed in the profession is the passion for the job.
“A good teacher enjoys the job they do and has a passion for the subject they teach,” Beck said. “I think a good teacher believes they can truly make a difference in a student’s life. I really care about my students, and I try to convey my genuine interest in their future.”