While watching a brilliant teacher in action, you too may have wondered: "What is it that makes them excellent?"
Do we, as an educational community actually realise what makes a true teacher? Is it purely down to perfect pedagogy, rigorous planning and assessing, diligent resource making and clever behaviour management; or is there something more?
As important as all of the above are in excellent teaching, I believe that there is something else, something as of yet not commonly talked about, and it's called the "T Factor!"
In my experience, teachers with the T Factor, run a happy, high achieving environment in which the pupils feel content, valued and achieve high respective standards academically and behaviourally. These teachers create a sense of awe and wonder to develop enquiring minds with an insatiable thirst for learning that endures.
"So, what is the mystical T Factor?" I hear you say. Well, put simply, the T Factor is ultimately the teacher's ability to progressively build, maintain and reinforce high quality educational attachment relationships (linked to the principles of John Bowlby's attachment theory). This, in its infancy, can be termed rapport; however, as this is built upon, a quality psychological connection or attachment relationship conducive to learning and attuned interaction is developed and strengthened.
Emotional intelligence and empathy are two huge features of a T factor teacher's practice. Knowing how, when, and what to say in order to bring about conditions in which educational attachment flourishes, is an incredibly subtle yet powerful tool. I believe that these skills can be somewhat coached and taught; although it is clear that some individuals have a natural propensity towards innately interacting in an emotionally intelligent manner, without coaching or training.
As social animals we require and therefore seek psychological attachments naturally and subconsciously. The need to form and maintain attachments in our professional, social and home lives are among the strongest forces in us. The bridge formed by the educational attachment relationship provides the teacher with a "way into the pupils' worlds"; allowing them to boost their self-esteem/belief and manage their perceptions and motivations: revolutionary powers I'm sure you'd agree!
I've put together a resource The T Factor containing a number of key approaches and strategies that I have found powerful and have witnessed T Factor teachers using effectively to develop quality educational attachments. If used consistently, then revolutionary changes in all aspects of pupil well being, behaviour and attainment can emerge.
The T Factor approach to education via empathetic and emotionally intelligent interactions helps us recognise and appeal to the humanity in people; educating them from the inside out, and not the outside in. Please share your thoughts on these ideas in the comment field of this blog.
• Adam Lopez is a primary school teacher at Langstone Primary School in Newport, South Wales.
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