To become a great teacher, one must have a deep understanding of their specialty, as well as an understanding of how knowledge is learned. It's important to be aware of students' existing mental models and work to change them through guided questions. Preparation is key, and it involves starting with meaningful learning objectives and designing the course around those objectives. Great teachers have high expectations of their students, seeing each one as intelligent and capable. They inspire students to go beyond what is discussed in class and expect personal, intellectual, and professional development. The teaching technique used can vary, but the common thread is creating a natural critical learning environment where students are engaged with higher order thinking skills. Treating students with respect and fairness is crucial. The best teachers see the best in their students and work to cultivate their best performance. They approach their interactions as collaborators on a journey of discovery, acting as mentors and coaches. Assessment is also important, but the focus should be on fostering development rather than just giving grades. The best teachers assess their own teaching as well, seeking feedback and striving for improvement. Finally, adhering to the four essential pedagogic principles can lead to better teaching. These principles state that students learn best when definitions are clearly provided, exemplars effectively show concepts in action, new concepts are integrated with existing knowledge, and students are provided with motivation to learn.