1. Possesses an infectious passion for the subjects that they teach
2. Ready to 'flex' their approach to fit each student
3. Recognizes that their job is to identify and nurture talent in addition to getting the class to pass the 'bar'
4. Expects high quality work
5. Makes learning fun
6. Understands that gifted kids don't always turn in great work
7. Understands the difference between inate intelligence and acheivement - able to motivate those with the former to display the latter

Become what you are