Patience .. 😔

Great answers from everyone so far. Personally, when I look for a teacher, I'm searching for: • Someone who knows their own language quite well • Someone who understands my specific learning goals • Someone who is willing to adapt to my learning style • Someone who is always prepared • Someone who seems to care about my development in the language • Someone who takes responsibility for the fact that I am paying them and spending time learning from them • Someone who does not take themselves too seriously (someone humble) • Someone honest • No pedants! That's my two cents.

Fluency and proficiency are crucial. Knowing the fine qualities of the language. Dominance of the four linguistic areas - reading, writing, listening, speaking.

In my opinion, one of the most important qualities in a language teacher is effective communication skills. A language teacher should possess the ability to clearly and concisely convey information, ideas, and concepts to their students. This involves not only being proficient in the language being taught but also being able to break down complex grammar rules, vocabulary, and language structures in a way that is easily understandable for learners at various proficiency levels. Additionally, a language teacher should be patient and empathetic towards their students. Learning a new language can be challenging and requires time and practice. A good teacher understands the difficulties students may face and is able to provide support, encouragement, and constructive feedback to help them overcome obstacles and improve their language skills. Flexibility and adaptability are also crucial qualities for a language teacher. Every student has unique learning styles, preferences, and needs. A skilled teacher should be able to adjust their teaching methods and materials accordingly to accommodate different learning styles and create an inclusive and engaging learning environment. Furthermore, a passion for language and teaching is vital. A teacher who genuinely enjoys teaching and has a love for the language they are teaching can inspire and motivate their students. Enthusiasm and a positive attitude can make the learning process more enjoyable and encourage students to actively participate and strive for excellence. Lastly, ongoing professional development is important for a language teacher. Language learning and teaching methodologies evolve over time, so a dedicated teacher should stay updated with the latest research, resources, and teaching techniques. Continuous self-improvement and a commitment to enhancing their teaching skills ensure that the teacher is providing the best possible learning experience for their students.

The answer depends on the level of the student. For a beginner, traditional pedagogical skills work best: patience, repetition, clear speaking, understanding of grammar, and so forth. Actually, clear speaking is important no matter what the level. That means careful choice of words, talking at a reasonable pace, and not dropping consonants or slurring vowels. With an advanced student, the most important quality is curiosity. If both of you are curious, you can explore together. You can learn from one another.