Teachers' and Students' Perceptions of the Ideal Teacher

The purpose of the Study was to describe the characteristics of an ideal Turkish teacher from an interpersonal point of view. A total number of 21 teachers and 276 students (Grades 9 to 11) answered the questions "What should be/should not be the characteristics of an ideal teacher?" A total of 17 students and 5 teachers were randomly selected from this group and were interviewed. The interviews were based on the Model for Interpersonal Teacher Behaviour (MITB) and its two dimensions (Influence and Proximity). Results of the stud), indicated that Students and teachers described the ideal teacher as a person who guides Students, motivates and encourages them, gives confidence, has a tendency to build more positive relationship and has earned respect from Students.