This essay presents a list of 11 qualities that outstanding teachers possess, including: (1) flexibility (being able to change plans at a moment's notice and make adjustments accordingly); (2) enthusiasm and energy (showing a drive to excite students and model positive behavior); (3) empathy (acting understanding and compassionate of parents as well as students); (4) knowledge of content (learning continually and keeping current in the field); (5) humor (being able to laugh at oneself and divert potentially difficult situations); (6) tolerance (valuing all people, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, religion, or sex); (7) advocacy (mentoring both parents and students); (8) curiosity/risk taking (being willing to try new approaches and setting an example for students to go above and beyond the assignment); (9) defiant determination (never giving up on a student); (10) creativity (being able to make something out of nothing on a small budget and inventing creative ideas for lessons to capture all students); and (11) forming relationships with students (gaining their trust and respect). (SM)