Let’s celebrate teachers who strengthen profession and inspire
FOR many of us, the influence of a single teacher during our school years has set us on a path of discovery that ultimately transformed our lives for the better.
I am struck by how often I meet inspiring people who attribute their own success to that one teacher who triggered a passion, pushed them when they needed it, or demonstrated a belief in their potential.
While the impact of the individual teacher cannot be underestimated, it is also important that we focus our attention on the systems, structures and supports that mean that all students are given the opportunity to reach their potential, even if they are not fortunate enough to have an inspiring individual teacher.
We should therefore not only celebrate great teachers who influence the lives of the students in their classroom, but also those who contribute to strengthening the profession of teaching.
A good example of such a person is Griffith University’s mathematics educator Dr Kevin Larkin.
He was named Australian University Teacher of the Year in 2018 at the Australian Awards for University Teaching.
Dr Larkin has more than four decades of teaching experience, both in schools and now as an educator of future teachers at Griffith University.
A talented maths teacher himself, he now inspires pre-service teachers to overcome negative perceptions of mathematics, to learn to their full potential, and begin their careers with confidence in their ability to teach mathematics.
Dr Larkin’s overarching goal is to inspire the next generation of creative, motivated and knowledgeable teachers to recognise the importance of developing numerate citizens.
He says: “I achieve this with a deliberate blend of theory and practice, by modelling mathematics education pedagogy to create personally, socially and educationally-rich learning and teaching contexts.”
While we rightly celebrate individual teachers who go above and beyond to reach students at critical moments in their lives, we must also remember the importance of creating the right work environment for them and the right education to prepare them.
The most dedicated teacher can burn out if overworked or unsupported in their schools.
The teacher with great potential will never fulfil that potential if not given the right preparation for the classroom.
Those who contribute to the goals of better supporting teaching as a profession also deserve to be recognised.
Education is critical to creating a better future for all.
Let us celebrate great teachers, but let us also give all teachers the educational tools, environment and training that they need to succeed in their critical role.