It might seem a bit unusual to have trust listed as a trait necessary for teachers to possess but it is essential to the success of the classroom setting.  Educators must be trustworthy in the eyes and minds of their students whether you are teaching a four-year old in preschool or a forty-year old in night school.  You may think that trust is something reserved for relationships, like friends, couples, families, etc., but teaching and learning create a unique relationship that requires trust at its foundation.

Educators must be worthy of their student's trust.  They can achieve this by being consistent in their teaching and classroom management style but also in their out-of-class life style, too.  Students who observe contradictory behavior are less likely to believe and adhere to the teaching of the one who seems at odds with themselves.  For example, the nutritionist who teaches student to maintain a balanced diet for myriad reasons and who also maintains a healthy weight and diet will be trusted.  However, the nutritionist who is seen in the snack room eating cheese balls and drinking soda before each class is likely to earn disdain, not trust.  

Trust is essential.  It doesn't happen overnight but it is worth the wait.  Students who trust their educator are more likely to want to learn from them.