Abstract
The purpose of this research is to find out, using empirical methodology, what factors make an outstanding English teacher. The research is based on the viewpoints of learners (students at an academic high school). I collected data from 296 students of an average level academic high school, using questionnaires with a 5-point likert scale. Principle factor analysis was used to analyze the data. After using exploratory factor analysis to account for professional skills of outstanding English teachers in a typical academic high school in Japan, I have singled out six important factors. They are as follows: teachers who, (1) give good lessons to make sure students will pass entrance exams; (2) are knowledgeable and cultured; (3) give student-centered lessons; (4) treat students with a "counseling mind"; (5) are strict on students in class, but can improve their achievement in English; (6) speak English fluently. Following this I carried out a three-way analysis of variance where each factor score is a dependent variable and the attributes (grade or interest, score, and gender) of the subjects (high school students) are independent variables.
