As we've been looking at the characteristics of a good teacher or educator, I've realized that these individuals often share similar roles in addition to similar qualities.   One of those roles is that of advocate.  All good educators are advocates for their students.  They will argue and fight on behalf of their students, even when the students know nothing of it.  An advocate not only identifies the rights and needs of their students but they are also willing to put the energy and effort into defending them.

Teachers in the school system advocate for their students in myriad ways.  They fight local governments for better education funding, they go to battle with the state departments over unfair or unrealistic testing expectations, and they advocate within the school for programs that they believe will enhance learning.  Educators in other realms advocate for their students, too.  They present data on how training programs benefit the individual and the bottom line.  

Being an advocate isn't so much about a character trait as it is about realizing a responsibility that is inherent to this particular position.  Teachers who deny this responsibility are probably lacking in several of the other traits that make a good teacher.  Being a teacher who is also an advocate for their students is a time consuming practice but it is essential.