What are the qualities of an outstanding teacher?

When I was lecturing education students, I would ask them in their first class, who was their best teacher and why.If they were training to be teachers, I wanted to know who inspired them, and what these teachers did that set them apart from the others.The characteristics were varied, but usually centered around knowledge, personality, empathy and the ability to challenge them to reach their potential.

The topic of excellence in teaching has always fascinated me. From an early age, I was aware of the impact that outstanding teachers had in my life. These teachers recognised my talents and provided opportunities for them to be nurtured.