Nurturing the future
GREAT teachers empathise with kids, respect them, and believe that each one has something special that can be built upon (Ann Lieberman).”
The influence of a good teacher can never be erased.
World Teachers Day was celebrated on October 5 around the globe.
The theme for this year’s World Teachers Day - Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future - emphasises the fact that our teachers need to be motivated and empowered so that in turn they return the favour to the children under their care.
The COVID-19 pandemic grappled many economies and resulted in widespread devastation from economic impact to deaths and separation of loved ones.
Hence, the focus for this year’s World Teachers Day must be to appreciate the roles our teachers have played during the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of preparing supplementary notes and activities and uploading videos and learning resource materials on social media platforms.
For governments around the world, the mission for this year’s World Teachers Day must be to promote the value of and role of teachers in society.
From school to college and college to university children meet new teachers every time and all of them mold these children to be a better person and inspiring them for a better future.
Children carry things that are taught to them at a young age throughout their life and there is no doubt they are the future of every nation.
They are the future leaders, doctors, engineers and influencers, but they need someone to guide them to reach that stage of life. Teachers have the power to change the world because their opinion and ideas matter as these affect the minds of students who are the future of every nation.
Teachers help children figure out the true talent hidden in them and how to use that talent. There is always one teacher in everyone’s life that has the most impact in their lives and the student always looks up to them and inspire them. Great teachers can make great students and great students can make a great future not only for themselves but for everyone around them.
This year proved very dramatic for people all around the world because of the drastic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries had to impose lockdowns to contain the effects of the pandemic, but the damage was huge. It led the world to a crisis.
Therefore, the WTD theme - Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future - appreciates the work teachers are doing during a time when countries are fighting to tackle the pandemic.
Taking online classes and trying to deliver proper concepts is hard, but our teachers tried their best so that the future of every student was secured. The main idea is to make people understand that the value of teachers continues to carry weight.
Teachers must be valued and not threatened or demoralised as this will affect productivity. Societies that have empowered and valued teachers have progressed and made strides as teachers have been the pillar of strength and have produced doctors, nurses, accountants, ministers, politicians, dentists and ambassadors.
Those who have respected teachers have been successful while those who show disrespect continue to face mountains of hurdles and challenges.
Teachers act as a support system that is lacking elsewhere in a student’s life. They can be a role model and an inspiration to go further and to dream bigger.
They hold students accountable for their successes and failures and good teachers won’t let their talented students get away with not living up to their full potential.
Teachers can also expand students’ limits and push their creativity. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly added to the challenges faced by already over-extended education systems throughout the world.
It is no exaggeration to say that the world is at a crossroads and, now more than ever, we must work with teachers to protect the right to education and guide it into the unfolding landscape brought about by the pandemic. Teachers are the ultimate role models for students.
The teacher-student connection is invaluable for some students, who may otherwise not have that stability. A great teacher always has compassion for their students, understanding of their students’ personal lives, and appreciation for their goals and achievements.
Teachers are role models for children to be positive, always try harder, and reach for the stars. Teachers provide the power of education to today’s youth, thereby giving them the possibility for a better future. Teachers don’t accept failure, and therefore, students are more likely to succeed.
Teachers know when to push students, when to give a gentle nudge in the right direction, and when to let students figure it out on their own.
Teachers provide guidance to students and are able to see each child’s strengths and weaknesses and provide assistance and guidance to either get them up to speed or push them higher. Teachers are also a source of inspiration and motivation.
Teachers inspire students to do well, and motivate them to work hard and keep their academic goals on track. Teachers not only listen, but also coach and mentor their students.
They are able to help shape academic goals and are dedicated to getting their students to achieve them. Teachers have patience for their students and are understanding when a concept isn’t taking. Teachers do what they do because they want to help others.
Teachers typically believe in the power of education and the importance of providing children with good role models and are teaching because of that belief. They are dedicated to the cause. Finally, teachers’ dedication is shown by their ‘round-the-clock work habits.
Teachers don’t stop working when the school bell rings. They are marking papers, making lessons notes and exam papers during weekends. Teachers also arrive earlier than school starts to set up their day and provide assistance to the struggling students.
Teachers play a great role in the economic development. Education is a fundamental aspect in the development of a country. If the youth of a society is educated, a future is born. Teachers provide the education that improves quality of life, therefore bringing so much to both individuals and society as a whole.
Teachers increase productivity and creativity of students and therefore, of future workers. When students are pushed to be creative and productive, they are more likely to be entrepreneurial and make technological advances, ultimately leading to economic development of a country.
As I conclude, I remind teachers that the following attributes make the difference between a good teacher and a truly great teacher who becomes an inspiration to their students: compassion, patience, passion for learning and children, understanding, ability to be a role model, communication and the willingness to put in the effort.
I would not have been today what I am without the support, advice and teaching of my teachers. I am glad that we have among us teachers who have their children at heart and take the extra mile to ensure that their educational needs are met.
Apart from teaching inside the four walls of a classroom, teachers are counsellors, guide their students spiritually, act as coaches and managers and supervise extracurricular activities. Hence, our teachers deserve respect and dignity from everyone.
May I, on this occasion of World Teachers Day that will be celebrated on October 5, wish our noble teachers a happy and blessed celebration with the thought that a teacher may to the world be a teacher, but to his students, he remains a hero. Happy teacher’s day gurus and qasenivuli and thank you for your dedication, commitment, and sacrifice! May you reap the rewards of your hard work and passion!