Dear Editor,
Teaching is by far the noblest profession in the entire universe! It is the occupation that carves the features of every nation. Unfortunately, not everyone who is in this field has received that invitation. However, the teacher who is summoned to serve his or her students, parents and community, is never satisfied and is forever driven by an irrepressible passion to fulfil that calling. This means that it takes an exceptional individual to immerse him- or herself, into this dignified vocation.
With this view, being a teacher is not what the individual does or possesses in terms of diplomas; more importantly, it is who the person is. Therefore, this special person is a teacher long before he or she became that educator. From this premise, there is absolutely no doubt, that the heart is what controls the classroom. It is the compass that guides the teacher’s decisions; the loyalty that keeps him or her anchored; and the passion is the engine that propels the vision to achieve continued excellence.
A teacher who is called to the profession is like a shepherd. He or she is always alert and ready to protect the flock from imminent danger. This educator of the nation uses observation as the barometer to measure the strengths and weaknesses of every single student. Here is where pertinent information is gathered, analysed carefully, and stored as a reference guide.
To maintain an even-handed environment, the teacher integrates the familiar quote by Maya Angelou, as a core value within the classroom. It simply states, “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” In addition, the popular saying, “People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care,” is also applied as a reinforcement of this principle. Hence, every time the teacher walks into the classroom, the feelings of the students become the primary focus and teaching remains secondary.
The teacher who is called upon to share knowledge is also conscious of the various levels of developments and learning styles within the classroom. He or she never rushes a lesson just to follow the curriculum.
Instead, the teacher focusses on how to help each child internalise that curriculum. So, no matter how successful the previous lesson may have been, the teacher who possesses the qualities to serve always begins the next lesson with a review. Here is where the educator highlights the intricacies of the subject matter and then invites the students to ask questions.
This method expands the possibility for the teacher to assess where the children are. It also opens the avenue for the educator to adjust the lesson plan to match the developmental levels of all the children.
Patience is an element that promotes security within the classroom and so the teacher, whose purpose is to serve, exercises a great amount of patience as an instrument to allow each child to unfold naturally. He or she further applies this vital component as a technique, to maintain a peaceful environment. When all of the above principles are implemented with the aim to counteract mediocrity, children will better understand the importance of education and develop a greater interest to participate.
Likewise, when the teacher acknowledges that parents are equal partners in this quest to excellence, he or she opens the door to dialogue. It does not matter how obnoxious a parent may be, the recognition of the union and keeping the line of communication open is the key to preserve the relationship. The teacher who is called always finds the time to assist the parents where necessary. When parents feel valued, they will eat out of the teacher’s hand and protect him or her in the same manner as a defence attorney.
The educator with the qualities to serve is committed to his or her community, knowing that he or she has the obligation to cultivate and deliver well-rounded students – intellectual minds, who are ready to take up the mantle to lead in every facet of this country. Consequently, no amount of certificates can substitute for the teacher who is summoned to serve. It takes the heart of an exceptional individual to be a bona-fide teacher – a heart that is filled with genuine love for self, the profession, all children, parents and the community in general.
To all the educational enthusiasts: your dedication is the mirror into your heart and a deed that is unequalled to any financial compensation. Continue to be that source of inspiration for the children; reach out to their parents and make them a priority to build a superb society!
Joslyn Morton
