Ok, so you are just beginning your teacher-training course. I've been a school teacher for twenty-five years and I'm here today to highlight the qualities I believe you need to become not just a good teacher but a great teacher. In my last talk on this question, the students said that an in-depth knowledge of the subject was the most important factor. I think that's true for university professors, but it's not that high on my list for school teachers. Other people have said that a teacher should be well dressed otherwise they won't get respect. Now I'm not suggesting you should turn up to class in scruffy jeans and a T-shirt, but I don't put much emphasis on appearance. In my view, a great teacher is someone who takes time to understand each student and to value them as individuals. Everyone has different abilities and learns at a different pace, and you have to be aware of that. And another thing, all of you will spend a great deal of your working life in the classroom with your students but a great teacher also knows they are a member of a wider professional team. So a great teacher is someone who is as prepared to ask for help from colleagues as they are to give it.