What Makes A Great Teacher or Coach

Saturday there was an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal entitled Four Ways to Spot a Great Teacher. These were the four characteristics the writer Ms. Goldstein picked that she believes most describe great teachers. 

1) Have active intellectual drives outside their classrooms

2) Believe intelligence is achievable, not inborn.

3) Are data driven. 

4) Ask great questions.

I like these types of articles because I want to learn how to be great. But Ms. Goldstein's list of four characteristics did not particularly resonate with me. 

I am also in the midst of reading Fred Wilt's book "How They Train: Half Mile to Six Mile" written originally in the 1950's. Despite the fact that many of the training ideas in the book are antiquated, I have found it fascinating to read from a history of training perspective. 

The introduction is especially important to me because Wilt describes the traits of his collegiate coach E.C."Billy" Hayes. Hayes had an outstanding career at Indiana University from 1924-1943. Here were the characteristics that Wilt believed made Hayes exceptional. 

1) He had a system of training developed mostly through trial and error

2) He constantly searched for better methods.
3) He continually re-examined and changed the system when something better arose

4) He recognized individual differences among his athletes

There are probably some parallels between Wilt's four characterisitic's of Coach Hayes and Goldstein's list, but I prefer Wilt's. To me it just seems to be more descriptive of what it takes to be exceptional with students or athletes. Have a system or a plan, but never be satisfied with it. Continually re-examine and change when a better way arises, and realize that every person is slightly different. 

By the way, if you are a nerd like me, you can download Wilt's book for free here:

HOW THEY TRAIN: Half Mile To Six Mile