What makes an awesome teacher?

I have a character who revolutionizes the way my main character sees the world. He goes from a scared little boy to a courageous scientist over the course of six years. But what makes a great teacher great? I've had some good teachers over the years, but what does it take to make a student do a complete 180?

 

I don't think it's much more than encouragement.

 

encouraging what exactly? My parents "encourage" me to find a job, but so far nothing has turned up!

 

Guiding the student toward something he will find interesting and letting his curiosity take over. The best teaching happens in response to questions the student asks on his own initiative.

 

It may be an effect and not the cause, but i'd say respect, even begrudging respect, is a sign of a great teacher. As for the cause I say that the teacher showing the student how to think, instead of what to think, is a pretty big one.

 

Scared boy to courageous scientist: self-belief virus.

Teacher has it, student does not.
Teacher shows belief in self.
Teacher shows belief in student.
Student learns to trust teacher.
Student trusts teacher's belief.
Student learns to believe in self.

To be a great teacher: passion for the subject and ability to impart that passion as well as the knowledge.