Teachers can change lives of pupils

Madam,

I always wanted to be a teacher, and this is because I was inspired by my primary school teachers. But now, as I look back at the quality of teachers at my schools, both primary and high, what were the characteristics of the teachers I was fortunate to have. They were enthusiastic about their teaching.

I remember my Grade III teacher, in her classroom, she went out of her way after school to assist us with Maths. Our primary school head teacher, with his messages of inspiration; another with his athletic prowess that made us one of the top athletics primary schools.

MOMENT

At high school we were exposed to top-class teachers. One of the finest Maths teachers boasted of the most beautiful blackboard handwriting. We had a teacher who could contort his face to suit the moment.

We had a teacher who tutored Maths at his home free of charge and all he expected of his pupils was for them to do well. We had a brilliant Biology teacher who, I am sure, if he wanted, could have become a university professor but he preferred to remain a teacher. We had a teacher who we said spoke ‘Oxford’ English and an enthralling Physical Education and Geography teacher.

I raise the issue about the teachers who taught me because of their efforts, and many teachers who taught me who I did not mention influenced my life and many other pupils’ lives.

CAREER

I am sure many of you reading this will look back at your schooling life and remember all the great things teachers did for you while you were at school.

Many schools have reunions to remember the pupils and, especially, the teachers who made a difference in their lives.

If you are still able to, pay a visit to the schools you attended to honour these teachers, or visit them at their homes to reminisce about the contribution they made to your life. I know that the comments made by former pupils and ex-parents are worth more than all the gold in the world.

Brian Isaacs