Eight things great teachers do differently Here’s what makes a great teacher. Shutterstock Samantha Twiselton , Sheffield Hallam University Teaching is one of the most important professions in society and touches every aspect, of every community in the world in some way. I was recently lucky enough to attend the Varkey Foundation’s Global Education and Teaching Forum in Dubai, which culminated in the announcement of the US$1m Global Teacher Prize , which was won by Andria Zafirakou , who teaches art and textiles in north London. The ten shortlisted teachers from across the globe were announced in a video from Bill Gates and they are all outstanding individuals making a significant difference to the lives of their students and their communities – some of which are in very challenging contexts. To witness teaching excellence celebrated on such a global platform was really encouraging, inspiring and humbling. But it also got me thi