It is clear from the documentary evidence that Franck was a compassionate, patient, and exemplary teacher. The success and welfare of his students was always at the forefront of his thoughts. He was generous with his time, often giving private lessons in the early morning hours, or late into the evening, and his concern for his students did not stop after they achieved public success or recognition. Even with younger pupils, such as the Sanches sisters who studied piano with him, Franck demonstrated a paternal interest and concern for their musical progress and personal well-being.

According to Charles Tournemire, Franck's classroom instruction was based on sound principles and “his own examples.” Often the teacher would preside at the console in his organ class and demonstrate for the students, providing them with themes and examples to continue developing. Tournemire continues to document that Franck was a most supportive teacher:

Franck's teaching style was in no small part influenced by his generosity of spirit, overall kindness, and self-deprecating personality. Tournemire testifies to his teacher's humility which “protected him from the dangers of the intolerable pride of mediocre men who acquire a reputation.” Franck, he states, neither played politics nor masked himself in pretensions. His goodness “was immeasurable.”Even in his early teaching career, working with students of marginal promise or little degree of talent, Franck gave his best, worked long and grueling days, and was “never diminished” by the experience. These observations made by Tournemire regarding Franck's character and personality were by no means unique. Other famous musicians, including Cherubini, Massenet, and Fauré, had some truly great students, whereas Franck had some students who may not have been great talents, but because of his unique skill as a pedagogue, he was able to draw out their gifts. Many of these students affirm Franck’s abilities as a teacher as well as his genuine warmth and concern as a man. Tournemire continues: