Hi Edward, I think most teachers were hired becasue of past training and education, experience, and knowledge about a some specific topic areas. The question is "is someone campable of sharing that knowledge, facilitating instruction, and guiding students to to a memorable learning experience. Confidendence goes well with the competence already possessed. So, patience, being approachable, and willing to appreciate students don't have the background the teacher comes in with - these attributes will contribute to teachers becoming continuously improved instructional helpers. Barry Westling