Purpose: To develop a comprehensive model of professional characteristics of an educator that will prepare them for high standards of professional achievements, as all professions demand standardization and formulation of guidelines in today's competitive environment. Design/methodology/approach: Literature on essentials of an educator was sourced to collect the various characteristics for diverse academic oriented goals. A set of ten vital characteristics was identified which were sorted under three spheres of the educators work life. These characteristics were then defined appropriately for the teaching discipline. Findings: A wide range of literature has resulted in ten characteristics and a comprehensive model was developed that would encompass the different characteristics that an educator ought to possess to develop his/her self, institution and with those he/she connects in professional life. Research limitations/implications: The paper limits itself in identifying the characteristics of the educator. Further study is possible focusing at the impact of these characteristics on students, institution and the community as a whole. Practical implications: Adapting the model and practice of these characteristics will bring about standard and desired outputs that would help the teaching profession establish its high standards. It would also provide a deep impact on students who will be trained and dealt with using a more proficient approach. Originality/value: The model presents the various characteristics that were developed out of a number of attributes identified in the literature survey in a comprehensive and simple manner. It extends a wide scope for professional standards in teaching. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.)