The Fundamentals of Education – 5 Timeless Torah-Based Principles for Effective Teaching

In previous articles, we’ve discussed foundational principles of education that apply both to parents and to teachers. In this section, we will focus on the Torah-based guidance that directs how a teacher should relate to their students.

It is all too easy for a teacher to blame a student’s failures on the child’s character, habits, home environment, or previous teachers. In truth, a teacher who embraces the proper educational approach that incorporates the following Torah-based principles, is guaranteed to cultivate a classroom atmosphere of joy and pleasantness, with students who are disciplined, attentive, and in high spirits.

Principle One: Respecting the Student

"Let your student’s honor be as dear to you as your own."

The wording is not "be careful" or "try to respect" your student. Rather, their honor should be beloved to you- valued just like your own. A student is a human being with full dignity. A teacher who does not recognize this and cannot cherish a student’s dignity should not be teaching.

Conversely, a constant awareness of the student’s true worth, especially when coupled with a focus on their unique strengths, naturally leads to genuine appreciation and respect. When a teacher values and respects their students, this radiates through their eyes, words, and behavior. In turn, the students respond positively, and the results are extraordinary.

This doesn’t rule out discipline or rebuke when necessary, as long as it stems from love and is delivered in a way that preserves the child’s dignity, avoiding public shame or humiliation. Similarly, none of this diminishes the essential need for the teacher’s authority in the classroom.

Principle Two: The Teacher’s Authority

"Let the reverence for your teacher be like the reverence for Heaven."

Although this commandment is addressed to students, it is the educator’s responsibility to cultivate such reverence by modeling it. This reverence is vital for the child’s development as it gives a sense of security and fosters receptiveness to values, and is essential for maintaining classroom discipline.

However, this authority must be established through awe of greatness (reverent respect), not fear of punishment. The teacher should be a model of integrity and self-discipline: honest, punctual, responsible, compassionate, and kind, and should lead the classroom with firm yet warm authority.

Demands and expectations should be consistent and clearly in the students’ best interest- not based on the teacher’s frustration. Instructions should be delivered with calm strength, not angry shouting that betrays loss of control.

A teacher must also avoid lowering their own dignity in front of students. As Maimonides teaches: “A teacher should not act frivolously before their students, laugh excessively, or eat and drink with them...so that they maintain reverence and learn from them more readily.”

This reverence enhances student focus and allows deeper, more lasting absorption of values and learning material, which is the ultimate goal.

Principle Three: Leading by Example

The Talmud teaches: "What is meant by the verse: 'In the days when the judges judged'? It was a generation that judged its judges." A judge would tell someone, “Remove the splinter from between your teeth,” and the person would reply, “Remove the beam from between your eyes.”

This illustrates a universal truth that before correcting others, correct yourself. Teachers must be especially mindful, as students constantly observe and imitate them. Their speech, facial expressions, gestures, phone manners, eating habits all become a lesson.

A teacher who contradicts their own teachings with their behavior loses credibility and becomes the subject of mockery. In contrast, one who embodies their values becomes a role model, admired and emulated.

Even in private, a teacher must uphold a high standard. Children have an uncanny sense for authenticity, and eventually they see the teacher’s true character. As our sages say, prophecy was given to children after the Temple's destruction- their perception is not to be underestimated.

Principle Four: Like One’s Own Child

"Whoever teaches the child of another is considered as if they gave birth to them."

Upon accepting the responsibility to teach a student Torah, the teacher should feel as if they have “given birth” to the child. This transforms respect into deep love, like that of a parent for a child. When a child feels loved, their heart opens, and they absorb both guidance and rebuke with trust.

Moreover, a teacher who feels this bond never gives up on a student, no matter how many times they stumble. They do everything they can to help the child succeed. just as they would for their own child. Such a teacher reflects on their student’s needs even outside class, creatively seeking ways to spark enthusiasm and help the child grow. Ultimately, such teachers succeed.

Principle Five: Be Firm, Not Harsh

"An overly harsh person should not teach."

Being firm occasionally is necessary, especially when a child acts out. Constant harshness however is damaging. Even difficult students need smiles and praise when they make an effort. This balance creates fairness and inspires them to improve.

Being firm when needed, but never harsh by nature is the key.