The Greatest Teacher

Arnulfo B. Dela Cruz

What does it mean to be a greatest teacher in the world? Of course if you are not one of them, you will surely think of credentials, knowledge, and all other faculties of intelligence are important. You would also think of its success or maybe his or her popularity. However, a great teacher should be much more than credentials, experience, and intelligence.

What lies in the heart of a great teacher? “I think his personality in class makes him the best”, “Students love his class because he has a unique way in dealing with them”. I think you’ve already heard these comments and probably also your observation from your past teachers.

Yes, the teaching style, attitude, charisma and kindness of a teacher influence the students. But teachers aren’t really born. Each of them will undergo a process to become the perfect one. It’s not easy to transform, it’s a long road, the journey is full of battles until when you learned the right formula.

But who are really the greatest? They are the ones who can change a student’s life. Teachers are responsible for more than just academic enrichment. They connect with their students and reach them on multiple levels, because the best teachers are committed to their students’ well-being both inside and outside the classroom. By forging strong 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 term papers and standardized tests.

It is not easy to change a student’s life that is why it takes a great teacher to do so. To become an inspiration for them is an incomparable huge achievement. It’s tough. I think that is the greatest.

--oOo-

The author is Teacher III at Sto. Rosario High School, Minalin, Pampanga