Everyone remembers a great teacher but what does it mean to be great?

What matters most in making a school successful - more than class size or curriculum - is excellent teaching. Children remember the teachers that make a difference in their lives; the ones who care enough to spend the time and find a way to engage each and every child, the ones who offer kindness, empathy, care and concern. They’ll remember the teachers that took the time to listen and those that asked them how they were going. A great teacher bridges gaps and builds relationships. A great teacher inspires.

This also goes both ways. Teachers remember their former students, often with a smile, because of the nostalgia those memories bring. Students leave a mark on teachers as well and teachers often wonder what their students have grown up to become.

Recently we had an ex-teacher, Miss Brianna, who came back to visit ISC - Pattaya and her ex-pupils after 4 years. The hugs and tears of happiness that were exchanged when they all met again was so emotionally rewarding to watch. I saw their eyes light up and a broad smile burst across their faces. The memorable times they recalled and laughed about came flooding back; school trips, end of year plays, hilarious mishaps, achievements and shared adventures.

This is what it means to be a great teacher. To have such an impact that it leaves an indelible stamp in our students’ bank of happy memories. This is why I became a teacher; to make a difference in children’s lives and inspire them.

Being a small school, ISC - Pattaya fosters a greater sense of connectedness among children, teachers, and families and enables these life-long bonds to form. At ISC - Pattaya, teachers know all of the students more personally. As students advance from year to year, children enter a new classroom where they and their parents are already known by the teacher. Strong home-school relations are one of the key predictors of a positive learning experience for children and of academic success.