A TEACHER plays a pivotal role in the process of education. Theoretically, no teacher will ever become totally ideal. Becoming totally ideal would mean that the teacher has achieved such a level of perfection that she or he no longer requires further effort toward improvement and, consequently, growth would be checked.

An ideal teacher usually possesses these characteristics: he has unassailable command on his subjects. He knows fully the contents of the subjects which he has to teach. Truly exceptional teachers are scholars and are constantly reading and upgrading themselves in their subject. The tone of expression of the ideal teacher is not gruff, irksome and morose but is pleasant.

An ideal teacher has a good sense of humour/smiles. But this fun is not of impolite nature. An ideal teacher has the highest degree of integrity. An ideal teacher is susceptible to adaptation or modification.

Being flexible means that if students are not interested in learning a new or even a new good lesson due to some reasons, then he is not recalcitrant regarding straightway teaching of the lesson. Rather he talks about problems that have arisen in the classroom and eventually gets back to the lesson.

An ideal teacher is concise and clear in both oral and written expression in the classroom. An ideal teacher is patient. Being patient is often expressed as being diligent or persevering.

Learners are genius, gifted, mentally retarded, dyslexic, emotionally disturbed and some patience is required for employing carefully individual teaching - learning technique for individual learner. Only in this way, bits of progress can be observed day to day.

An ideal teacher is self-confident. The ideal teacher is a model of self-confidence. It is a source of great pleasure and they show it in their facial expression and in their positive attitude around the school. People always seem to have time to talk to a colleague or to do something extra for the school or the staff. One key to be upbear is having a good self-concept.

An ideal teacher is open. This trait is related with willingness of the teacher to share happiness about his own life to illustrate a point or share how they feel about a given situation. An ideal teacher is diversified with regard to his preparation. This means that the teacher not only focuses on specific areas but has considerable command on the related subjects. This diversification trait will enable him to elaborate and illustrate the subjects in more persuasive manner.

The ideal teacher is an excellent role model. Being a good role model to all the children, teacher whatsoever teaches is one of the greatest contributions he can make to society.

An ideal teacher is capable of relating theory with practice. In textbooks, there are suggestions for doing things individually or as a group to enhance interest and motivation in teaching. Learners can display these activities, if their teacher is capable of interrelating the theory in practice.

An ideal teacher has good personal hygiene and is well groomed. He is always neat, clean, and wears type of clothing that is acceptable in the school building in which he teaches.

He helps students having difficulties. Furthermore, he or she is disciplined, cooperative, friendly with his colleagues and obedient to the head of the institution.

MALIK KARRAR HUSSAIN JHAKAR Rawalpindi