Teachers Shape Nation

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
 makes life a wonderful journey.

            Aristotle once said: “Those that know, do. Those that understand, teach.” It is undeniable that teachers understand the importance of education and they work hard to create a good future for children. The intention is noble.

            However, many may wonder what is wrong with education that makes children bully, disrespect, procrastinate, cheat and fail? What happened to positive values schools vowed to inculcate in schoolchildren? While some believe in schools as educational institutions that produce intellectuals with exemplary manners and attitude, others think that schools bring negative influences to children, especially with the rise of juvenile crime.

            At home, parents are role-models but in school, teachers take responsibility for nurturing and educating children to make them good members of society. To realise this dream, we need inspiring and disciplined teachers who not only help students excel in examinations but also practise what they preach.              

            I believe that students will be disciplined only if teachers are disciplined. Take teachers’ appearances when they come to work, for example. Some teachers commit mistakes when they turn up without name tags, socks and neckties. Others come to school with long nails, unkempt hair, and wear the wrong shoes. Ironically, students are reminded during school assemblies that they need to appear neat and clean. Obedient students may follow but some may question why they should take advice from undisciplined teachers.

            While schools stress on the importance of time management, it is likely to be more challenging to make students punctual if teachers fail to manage their time wisely. Some teachers turn up late for work, especially when there is no action taken against them, making them feel that it is okay to clock in late. This attitude is unethical and unfair on students who are expected to be on time for lessons, practices, co-curricular meetings and school events.

            Smoking is another issue. Some teachers puff away in school during their free time. This encourages students to smoke, too. Not only is the practice against the rules but smoking is also bad health. So, teachers should stop smoking in school.

            To gain knowledge, students are encouraged to read. But, how will students start reading if teachers are not passionate about it? Many teachers read only for lessons but they lack motivation in reading inspiring books to help them change into better teachers and individuals. Consequently, students read only for academic purposes, forgetting that reading can open their mind and make them mature thinkers.    

            Teachers need to realise that they shape the nation’s future. Small mistakes may result in big consequences. To err is human, to learn from mistakes is divine. 

Courtesy of New Straits Times

21 January 2015