Skills You Cannot Do Without This Year as a Teacher
Here’s my list for the year:
1️⃣ Digital Literacy
Whether it’s creating slides, using learning apps, or exploring AI tools for teaching, being comfortable with technology isn’t optional. Your students are digital natives, meet them where they are.
2️⃣ Classroom Management & Emotional Intelligence
It’s more than rules. Understanding your learners, reading the room, and responding calmly can make your class run smoother than any punishment ever will.
3️⃣ Content Creation & Communication
Can you present lessons clearly? Can you make notes, videos, or resources your students actually engage with? Can you communicate effectively with parents too? This is a must.
4️⃣ Adaptability
Curriculum changes, new school policies, tech issues, or even a sudden inspection, teachers who thrive are flexible and solution-oriented.
5️⃣ Self-Development & Reflective Practice
Teaching isn’t just about giving, it’s about growing yourself. Seek feedback, learn new methods, read widely, attend workshops, and always ask: how can I be better this week than last week?
6️⃣ Collaboration & Teamwork
You are not an island. Work with your colleagues, engage in PLCs, share ideas, and support one another. Great schools are built by teams, not lone heroes.
7️⃣ Time & Energy Management
Planning lessons, grading, and engaging with parents, all while maintaining your health is tough.
Master prioritization, set boundaries, and take care of yourself.
8️⃣ Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
Unexpected situations happen daily. Be proactive, analyze challenges, and implement solutions that benefit students and the school.
9️⃣ Creativity & Innovation
Bring lessons to life. Think of new ways to explain concepts, make learning exciting, and inspire curiosity beyond the syllabus.
🔟 Relationship Building
Your impact is amplified when you build meaningful connections with students, parents, and colleagues. Trust and respect will follow, and learning becomes easier.
Teachers, if you focus on these skills this year, you’ll not just survive, you’ll shine, and your students will feel it.
© Ayooluwa Oyebode
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
