The Rebbe's guidance for teachers on how to educate — reaching students' hearts, discipline, and each child's needs:
The heart of teaching. A teacher's deepest mission is not only to impart knowledge but to instill faith, yiras Shamayim and love of G-d, whatever subject he teaches (IK 4141, 4595). Reaching students' hearts takes both fear of Heaven and sincere words (IK 3443), and a teacher's influence should reach beyond the classroom into students' lives (IK 3811). Every teacher — even of music or agriculture — shapes students through personal example (IK 6370, 6790, 10326).
Each child is different. Tailor the material to each student's character and abilities (IK 3719, 1419, 9210, 4223). Give each student personal attention and guidance (IK 6319, 10608, 6734). Don't judge students by first impressions — hidden talents emerge with time (IK 7285). Never give up on a student, however distant or badly behaved (IK 152, 7409). A child struggling socially in class needs help with that too (IK 806).
Discipline with warmth. Education needs order and discipline (IK 5666, 5760, 4976, 6509), but the Chabad way is inspiration rather than rebuke or punishment (IK 3385). Blend firmness with pleasantness and sensitivity (IK 2261); even when strictness seems needed, prefer kindness (IK 4410). Harsh rebuke or physical punishment is never appropriate for older students (IK 4276), who should be related to as both students and colleagues (IK 3483). Balance order with compassion, for instance with latecomers (IK 4055), and take each situation individually (IK 2287). Awareness of G-d's presence and love helps prevent improper speech in class (IK 7569).
Method. Teach the Alef-Beis in the traditional way, which roots children in holiness (IK 9773, 2283). How material is explained matters more than which texts are chosen (IK 3342); explain difficult verses to children carefully (IK 058). Avoid changing teachers in mid-year (IK 9606). Keep education free of partisanship (IK 6901), and don't appoint students as counselors at their own expense (IK 4000).
See also: Education – Being a teacher; Parenting – Discipline, warmth and setting an example; Jewish outreach – How to reach others.