Second a good teacher can break down the materials that need to be taught in a manner that multiple students will be able to understand the concepts that are taught, or can bring alive a subject so that they not only can hold the students attention, but also ignite a spark so the student will want to learn more about it on his/her own.

This is not determined by a “degree” but rather by the kind of person the teacher is, and how much they believe in what they do.

I do not put much stock in certification requirements – that is paperwork that does not necessarily reflect the abilities and motivation of a teacher. I believe that the highly qualified teacher is one willing to meet current academic, financial, and political challenges presented by the students and school environment. The teacher is willing to listen and learn new things every day, all so the students before him/her will be better for it.

There is really no such thing as a teacher. All there is is learning. A good teacher will be able to manipulate the learning enivornment so there is an opportunity for learning and experience to happen.

The rules about degrees and licenses are an objective but imperfect way of defining this.