Teaching – a sector increasingly lacking in power. Tales of pupil-on-teacher bullying is on the rise, discipline is lax and the idea of teachers going on strike produces a sneer from the media that can be seen from space.

According to business website LKMco, “People in the UK are more likely to think that unions have too little influence on pay and conditions (just over 40% of people), than too much (just under 30% of people).” But the government seems intent on not listening.

Yet, schools still require thousands more teachers if they want to remain fully functional – and you need a high skillset if you want to succeed in this challenging environment.

Indeed, the old maxim that “those who can’t do, teach” is about as accurate as a broken Rolex. To be an effective teacher takes a lot of hard work and dedication – and a few of the qualities listed below.

Know the mind of a child

Kids can be very particular creatures, and they’ll hide their love of learning behind a macho bravado or a shy passivity. Your job as a teacher is to weed out that love of learning and know how to handle kids at all times.

To complement your teaching degree, invest in a degree in child psychology that will allow you to delve inside the minds of your pupils and get them excited about learning.

Your next key skill in the art of teaching is to spot any troubles your pupils might be having, whether in school or at home. Teachers are taught this on a foundation level, anyway, but you’ll develop a keen eye with psychology on your side.

Plan for success – and disaster

Planning is the watchword in teaching. Without an effective schedule by your side, chaos will reign supreme in your classrooms as your little terrors run wild.

With a rigorously planned schedule, you can ensure your classes go off without a hitch. More than this, you’ll be able to tick off the core elements of your lesson as you go.

But your schedule shouldn’t all be about discipline. It should also give your pupils room to think for themselves. The ideal plan finds this tight balance and maintains it, like a wire-walker with a blackboard.

Discipline – without fear

“Back in my day, we had the cane!” yells your senile gran. “It never did me any harm,” she claims, as she twitches at the memory.

Disciplining children is still a hot topic in the media, especially where schools are concerned. And, while canes are out of the question, the need to keep your pupils in check is paramount.

The trick is deceivingly simple. Keep them entertained. While you might be doing dull as ditch water maths, do your best to give the subject some pizzazz.

Ultimately, discipline can be found by maintaining an engaging lesson. Stick to these tips and you’ll be engaging with the little ‘uns like it was child’s play.