The Power of a Great Teacher

The Power of a Great Teacher

By Head, Nic Anderson

As I left home for university at the age of 18 back in 1990, I certainly wasn’t dreaming of becoming a teacher. In fact, if I’m honest, I didn’t fancy the marking! My decision to study Mathematics and Chemistry, as advised by my Sixth Form tutor, was intended to keep my career options open and delay any firm choices for a later date. However, as I entered my second year, I realised that the most important factor in my career choice was to make a difference and have the chance to influence others.

I reflected on my time as a student at Wolverhampton Grammar School and considered who had inspired me in my life. My conclusion was that it was my teachers. Their passion and enthusiasm for their subjects had a profound impact on me. This was the moment when my passion for teaching was ignited.

By the time I completed my PGCE in secondary Maths, it became clear that the best way to make a difference was to engage with each of my students on a personal level and ensure they knew I was working with them and believed in their ability. Now, 30 years on, this mantra of teaching the individual has served me well. I believe that if you can understand and work with each individual student in your class, you can make a difference. Maths, my subject, is like Marmite to many; you either love it or hate it. My job as a teacher is to make it fun, relevant, and memorable.

A great teacher understands that education is not a one-size-fits-all experience. They recognise that each student comes with their own set of strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. By tailoring their approach to meet the diverse needs of their students, they create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. This personalised attention helps build self-esteem and encourages a love for learning that extends well beyond academic achievement.

The influence of such a teacher extends far beyond the classroom. Great teachers have the unique ability to inspire, challenge, and uplift their students, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. They are not just conveyors of knowledge but mentors who shape character, instil confidence, and ignite curiosity. The classroom becomes a space where ideas are nurtured, questions are encouraged, and individual potential is realised.

Moreover, effective teachers foster a growth mindset in their students. They teach that intelligence and ability can be developed through effort, perseverance, and resilience. This perspective empowers students to tackle challenges with confidence and view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failures.

In addition to their role in individual development, teachers also contribute to the broader community by preparing future leaders, innovators, and responsible citizens. They inspire students to think critically, act ethically, and contribute positively to society. The lessons learned in the classroom often translate into real-world skills that benefit both the individual and the community at large. This is exactly what I experienced as a student at Wolverhampton Grammar School.

Now, over 40 years later, as Head of this wonderful school, this is exactly the kind of teacher that we have employed and look to employ. Teachers that care about their students and form great relationships with them. Our teachers are the catalysts for change, the motivators behind personal and academic growth, and the architects of a brighter future. Their dedication and passion resonate through the achievements and successes of their students, demonstrating the profound and enduring influence of exceptional teaching. 

Nic Anderson was a former student at Wolverhampton Grammar School and was appointed Head in 2023, after 26 years as a member of the school’s teaching staff.  

For further information, please contact WGS on 01902 214042.