Appreciating nation’s unsung heroes
HOW often do we hear of graduates not landing the job of their dreams?
Special education teacher Mohd Azri Elias was no different.
A Bachelor of Education graduate in Information Technology and Mathematics from Universiti Utara Malaysia, Mohd Azri was close to giving up, but seeing his specially abled students’ improvement and progress kept him going.
It was this determination that led to him winning the McDonald’s Malaysia Inspirational Teacher Award in 2017.
The award was introduced in 2017 to recognise teachers who have gone the extra mile in nurturing their students.
McDonald’s Malaysia managing director and local operating partner Azmir Jaafar said the company wanted to appreciate the nation’s unsung heroes.
The award received 1,000 submissions in its first year, with six winners, while 2018 saw an increase of 2,000 submissions, with 25 teachers winning the award.
The Inspirational Teacher Award is a collaboration between the Education Ministry and McDonald’s Malaysia.
Azmir said submission is open until the end of this month, and can be done through the McDonald’s Malaysia website (https://www. mcdonalds.com.my/bm/anugerahguruinspirasi).
“Winners will receive a cash prize worth RM5,000, a certificate and a trophy, while the person who nominates a teacher will receive a McDonald’s voucher worth RM200,” Azmir said during the launch of the McDonald’s Malaysia Inspirational Teacher Award 2019.
Entering his 11th year as a special education teacher, Mohd Azri said the award made him feel appreciated.
“In my first school, there weren’t readily available classrooms which could be used for the students.
“I was given a store room which was in a dilapidated condition to be used as the classroom instead.
“I used my own money to turn the store room around because I wanted to attract the students’ attention to come to school,” he said.
At the time, Mohd Azri’s school had six specially abled students and he was the only special education teacher.
He taught the students almost all subjects and looked after their well-being.
“I almost gave up but over time, I became attached to my students and it gave me joy to see them progress.
“In special education, the students’ progress cannot be assessed by looking at their grades alone, but in other aspects like, their ability to eat on their own and holding their pens or pencils on their own,” shared the teary-eyed teacher, who is currently teaching in SMK Permatang Tok Jaya in Butterworth, Penang.
Wong Lieat Hiong, another former Inspirational Teacher Award recipient, said the award will open people’s eyes towards the sacrifices teachers make.
The English teacher from SMK Tumpat, Kelantan faced objection frommanywhenshetookinherstudent, Fatin Nur Syahzanani Zakaria, to live with her for two years.
“Fatin’s family moved to Negri Sembilan when she was in Form Four.
“When she joined a new school there, her mother called me to say that her daughter was depressed and wasn’t enjoying her new school.
“She requested if I could look after her, if they sent her back to Kelantan,” said Wong.
Describing Fatin as her own daughter, Wong has known her student since she was 11, through basketball where Wong is the school team’s coach.
“I provided a room for her so she could pray and study.
“We did everything together, from going to basketball practices to spending time outside school.
“It didn’t feel like an extra burden because as a basketball coach, I’m used to having players come by my home to have a shower, change clothes, or even eat!
“When she first moved in, many objected due to the differences in our religion. I asked teachers of the same faith as Fatin if they would like to take her in, but she insisted on living with me.
“Cost doesn’t matter (when someone is close to your heart),” said Wong, a mother of two.
Mathematics and Engineering Drawing (Lukisan Kejuruteraan) teacher Romizal Amir Rosdi utilised technology to the best of his creativity to make classroom learning more engaging.
The former Inspirational Teacher Award recipient has been uploading YouTube videos for 10 years, using green screen technology and visualisers as teaching aids.
“I record my classroom sessions as I teach, and once my lesson is over, I will upload it on YouTube.
“Digital devices bridge the gap between a student and a teacher.
“In school, students are learning continuously from morning until afternoon, so it’s not surprising that by midday, they blank out.
“With YouTube videos in place, students can go back and view the lesson when their minds are more alert,” added the SMK Sultan Abdullah, Chenderong Balai, Perak teacher.
A former engineer, Romizal wants his teaching techniques to reach a wide range of students, even after he retires.
“Many retired teachers have experiences that cannot be taught from textbooks and sadly, it ends upon their retirement.
“So for me, through my videos, generations of students can learn simple Maths techniques, even after I have retired,” he added.
Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik, who was present at the launch, said a teacher’s impact lasts forever.
“Teachers inspire the outcome of their students,” he added.