So you’re pretty sure you want to be a teacher, and you know what the job entails. But you’ve got more than a couple of reservations. ‘How do I know I’ll be any good at it? Will the kids like me? Do I even like kids? How do I know if I’ve got what it takes?’

Teaching is more than just a career; it has the power to change lives and leave a legacy. But if you like your working life to be calm and collected, you might be looking down the wrong path.

But, if your personality is a good fit with the characteristics of a good teacher, you’ll be off to a flying start. Some of these character traits are innate, but some of them can be learned, so don’t panic if you struggle with a couple of them.

Ask yourself these questions to see how many characteristics apply to you. If you can tick off most of the list, you’re going to be just fine.

Are you an organised planner?

Planning is not just the process of putting your lessons for the next day, week or month down on paper. It’s having a clear vision for class and pupil goals, the strategies you’re going to use to achieve them, and preparing your lessons thoroughly to ensure that this happens. Organisational skills are also useful for teachers, so if you swear by a wall planner and having a place for everything, you’ve got a head start.

Are you adaptable?

There will be many occasions when things don’t go to plan. Whether your lesson is interrupted by a dramatic teenage love spat, a vomiting five-year-old or a resource that fails to work, sometimes you’re going to need to think on your feet and change your plans at a moment’s notice.

Do you love your subject?

In secondary school, it’s obvious when you’re being taught by somebody who loves their subject because that passion is infectious and makes you want to engage and learn more. If you’re naturally brilliant at maths, but theatre studies is what really inspires you, you’ll never be as happy teaching maths.

Do you know how to hold attention?

All the subject knowledge in the world is no good if you can’t get a class to listen to you. Natural confidence gets you a long way here, but if you find you struggle with this, observing teachers who excel at it will really help. However, if addressing a large group of people fills you with dread, you may be more comfortable in another job.

Can you form strong relationships?

Pupil teacher relationships are at the heart of good teaching. Are you a warm, approachable person who cares about their students? Can you inspire a sense of community in your classroom? Are you a good listener? Can you make your classroom feel like a safe space for all students to share their thoughts and ideas? If so, you could be perfect for the job.

Can you be firm but fair?

Behaviour management is an important part of successful teaching. You need to have high expectations and to command respect without inspiring fear. The good news is that if this skill doesn’t come naturally to you, it can be learned.

Are you creative?

Books and technology will only get you so far. A creative approach to teaching and classroom management is what sets great teachers apart from the rest. Are you an ‘ideas person’ who likes to find new ways to solve problems? Those skills are perfect for teaching.

Do you like children?

Everyone has experienced a teacher who appeared to loathe children with a passion, so it must be possible to do the job and feel that way, but who would want to? If you don’t like kids you’re getting yourself a one-way ticket to hating your job and feeling miserable about your life. This one is the real deal-breaker.

Lisa Jarmin is an early years teacher and freelance journalist