TEACHER: CHANGING LEARNERS’ LIVES
MYLIN E. LIWANAG
Is it a hyperbole to say that a great teacher can change a student’s life? Do you agree or not? It is not always easy to change a student’s life, which is why it takes a great teacher to do so. There are ceaseless amount of great teacher stories that attest to the benefits of a strong relationship between an educator and learners.
As some of the most persuasive role models for developing learners, teachers are accountable for more than just academic improvement. If you want to be a great educator, you must connect with your learners and touch them on several levels, because the best teachers are committed to their students’ well-being both inside and outside the classroom. By building tough relationships, educators are able to affect virtually every aspect of their students’ lives, teaching them the important life lessons that will help them succeed beyond quizzes and periodic tests.
It is a challenge to change a student’s life to be a great teacher. Some just need an extra push like the student whose grade is becoming lower; some will come to school late: others may be going through something troubling in their personal lives and need someone to talk to. Whatever the student needs to help them excel, a life-changing teacher will be there for them.
While you will devote your entire career learning the different ways you can change your students’lives, here are the three facets that are straightly affected by great teachers:
1. Education
A great teacher creates learning fun, as exciting, engaging lessons are essential to a student’s academic success. Some students who are more prone to misbehavior, truancy or disengagement are more dependent on an engaging teacher. Making your classroom an exciting environment for learning will hold the students’captivation, and students learn best when they are both challenged and interested. It’s part of motivating students, which may not be easy, but which will benefit students immeasurably in the long run. 2. Inspiration
Have you ever had a teacher who inspired you to work harder or pursue a particular goal? Were you inspired to become an educator by one of your own great teachers? Inspiring students is important to ensuring their success and encouraging them to fulfil their potential. Students who are inspired by their teachers can accomplish amazing things, and that motivation almost always stays with them.
3. Guidance
Teachers can be a trusted source of advice for learners weighing important life decisions. Educators can help their learners pursue higher education, explore career opportunities and participate in events they might otherwise have not thought themselves able to. Students often look to their teachers as mentors with experience and knowledge, and, as an educator, you will almost definitely be asked for advice at some point during one’s career.
With these, teachers undoubtedly have the ability to change the lives of learners.
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The author is Secondary School Teacher at Arenas, Arayat, Pampanga