What It Takes to Be an Outstanding Teacher at EHL

Practical Recommendations for Faculty Members

As a world-renowned institution, EHL Hospitality Business School (EHL) offers educational excellence in hospitality services and business. To achieve and maintain this excellence, EHL relies on outstanding teachers to educate hearts, hands and minds. But what actually makes a teacher outstanding at EHL?

Based on feedback collected from students and faculty members in the past years as part of the annual EHL Teaching Awards, we have gained a clear picture of what is expected of and consequently valued in our teachers as artisans of future leaders. Preparation, structure, passion, clarity, real-world relevance, accessibility, empathy and collegiality have been listed as the most effective pillars of memorable teaching at EHL.
While there is obviously no single model of the ideal teacher who would concomitantly and perfectly exhibit all these key characteristics, they nevertheless form a coherent and aspirational ideal of outstanding teachers at EHL, a sort of EHL teaching spirit.

Such characteristics can serve as recommendations for faculty members who wish to elevate their impact in the classroom and beyond. These qualities convey the endogenous message (from EHL to EHL) that outstanding teaching goes far beyond the simple delivery of knowledge; rather, it is about inspiring, supporting and connecting with students while collaborating with peers.

The following pedagogical recommendations embody the EHL teaching spirit and aim to create memorable, transformative learning experiences for our students.

Skills and Attributes for an Outstanding Teacher

1. Strong preparation and structure

Design courses with clear objectives, logical progression and transparent expectations.
Provide students with resources and materials from the start that are well-organized and easily accessible.
Put a clear rhythm in your teaching to create consistency and clarity (e.g., concept presentation → practical example → discussion → application).

2. Passion and enthusiasm

Show genuine excitement for your subject, because your energy spreads to your students.
Engage students in learning by making the learning enjoyable.
Let your passion for the subject inspire students’ own academic commitment.

3. Complex topics made intellectually accessible

Break down abstract or difficult content into manageable, clear concepts.
Use examples, analogies and repetition to reinforce understanding.
Focus on what students learn and how they can learn it effectively.

4. Theory with real-world practice

Integrate industry insights, case studies, and simulations into your teaching.
Show the relevance of academic concepts through real projects and practical exercises.
Encourage students to connect classroom knowledge with professional realities.

5. Accessible and supportive beyond the classroom

Make yourself available outside of class hours, both in person and online.
Respond to student questions with patience and thorough explanations.
Show genuine care for students’ learning journeys, providing guidance step by step.

6. Empathy and emotional intelligence

Treat all questions with respect; never dismiss student struggles.
Balance high standards with compassion: challenge students but also support them in meeting your expectations.
Empower students by motivating them, especially when they doubt themselves.

7. Collegiality and collaboration

Share insights and teaching strategies with colleagues.
Engage in teamwork to build transversal and practical learning experiences.
Serve as a mentor or role model, not only for students but also for peers.

Download the Practical Recommendations

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Further Recommendations

- Get to know EHL’s Pedagogical Peer Coaching team (PPC) that regularly offers a confidential and supportive space to refine teaching practices.

- Read about the EHL Teaching Signature defined by Dr. Sebastien Fernandez.

- Find out about the importance of faculty development in upskilling to become an outstanding educator.

Written by

Dr. Alain Eloka

Faculty Affairs Project Manager at EHL Hospitality Business School