Educators Have a Huge Responsibility

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

             Like many other significant days that are celebrated every year as a sign of respect, remembrance and appreciation, May 16 is synonymous with Teachers Day. With this year’s meaningful theme, “Teachers: Builders of Knowledge and Character”, it is perfect to describe the important roles teacher play inside and outside the classroom.

            From my experience of teaching in three different schools, I have encountered various school scenarios and multiple personalities of both teachers and students that are, at times, unexpected and unbearable but, nevertheless, intriguing to study and learn from.

It has been said that a doctor’s mistake may kill a patient but a teacher’s wrong move may kill an entire generation. This saying suggests that teachers are the ones responsible in determining students’ direction, decisions and even ambitions, because these teachers are, undoubtedly, the builders of not only knowledge but also character. However, are all educators aware of this huge responsibility? Are future teachers ready to shoulder challenging roles in helping the country produce quality individuals?

Truth be told, there are teachers who think that students’ academic performance is the only thing that matters, which is contradictory with the objectives of the National Philosophy of Education that aims to optimise the intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical potentials of learners.

Some teachers also fail to understand the right concept and purpose of education when they label, discriminate and doubt the ability of students in becoming successful individuals with the potential to become dedicated and productive workers.

Teachers need to realise that to focus only on excellent students and deny weak learners their fair share of attention is uncalled for. When teachers develop a negative perception towards underprivileged students, it will make the situation worse. Students will stop believing in themselves, lose their confidence and develop an inferiority complex. Consequently, there will be a gap between the advanced and weak learners when the smart become smarter and the weak, weaker.

Children are gifted with multiples intelligence and abilities. It is teachers’ responsibility to activate and develop students’ talent and skills especially when parents fail to discover their children’s hidden potential. Sometimes, teachers need to expect the unexpected. Some students in weak classes may show better enthusiasm in learning than those in the top class. Quiet and problematic learners may be creative and critical thinkers, who are able to innovate, solve problems and contribute mind-blowing ideas. Unfortunately, these students are often overlooked and not given the opportunity to shine as their teachers have forgotten that every child is special and there is a good side of everyone. The fact that some teachers are prejudiced, discriminative and emotional towards their students that they forget to think and act positively, wisely and rationally is disappointing.

  True teachers are a source of inspiration to students and society. Their contributions are countless and their sacrifices and priceless. Let us, in conjunction with this special day, thank our teachers for their passion, sincerity and perseverance in helping us to stand where we are now.

A blessed Teachers Day to those in the teaching profession.

Courtesy of New Straits Times

16 May 2015