What makes a good teacher?

On Thursday I start an American History Class at Wake Tech Community College here in Raleigh.  As of today all my references have given me their references to turn into NC State and Meredith.  Why?  Because I want to go back to school, to get my Master's of Education -- specifically an MAT program.

I am a pretty opinonated person.  I'll more than likely tell you what I think -- especially if you ask me to.  If it is something I haven't been asked before I may have to internally process it first, but I will come up with something to say -- well, normally.

One issue that always fires me up (whether you hear about it or not) is education.  What we can do to make it better.  Why it fails.  Why I want to teach.  Why I'll probably end up in administration.  Why my dad now loves to teach.  The best teachers I had and why. 

I want to read more about education -- articles, books, etc.  I find it interesting -- and I think a good education, a good teacher can truly change kids lives.  Education is a chance for many children to become greater than what is expected of them. 

But what makes a good teacher? passion? the right classes on classroom management? a good school? supportive parents? supportive administration?

This article looks at Teach For America, why it is so successful and takes a gander at what makes a good teacher.

It is excites me to read it.  But it also frightens me.  Do I really have what it takes to be a good teacher?  Do I have the grit it talks about?  I hope so -- and as I type this there my heart races and my inner guts says "Yes you do!"  Only time will truly tell... but I hope so.  I inspired by the Mr. Taylor in the article -- and it gives me great ideas on how to be successful in the classroom.