In India we celebrate 5th of September as ‘Teachers’ Day’, in remembrance of the birth anniversary of a scholar, a great teacher and the former second President of India Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. This day is also dedicated to all our doting teachers.
Gone are the days when grades and academic performances were the only yardsticks to evaluate performances of students and teachers.In fact, the need for dynamic, charismatic and well-informed teachers has never been felt more than in today’s rapidly changing world, whose impact on students stretches far beyond, not just academic numbers, but in areas of discipline, culture, ethics, behaviour, character, personality and team building, all of which shape an individual to face the world.
Teachers leave a deep impression upon their pupil’s personalities and lives. Students carry what they are taught at a young age for the rest of their lives. They will apply what they have learnt to influence the society. It is said that the subject matter can be forgotten but not the discipline or the values that are inculcated in a student’s life. It doesn’t take years to change the life of a child but just an advice, suggestion, personal experiences or a piece of wisdom can work wonders.
A teacher-student relationship is among the most selfless of all relations. Teachers are like ladders where students use it to climb and achieve greater heights and yet a ladder remains a ladder without expecting anything in return. It is the physical presence of the teacher and student which is of utmost importance which creates the bond between them. And it is this bond which enables a teacher impart valuable skills such as leadership, communication, compassion, presentation, organisation and team building.
Teaching is a Science. Teachers constantly collect data by observing their students in order to see if learning is taking place and how best they learn. Like a scientist, they experiment with new techniques and strategies to see how they work in these changing times; playlets, group discussions, debates, educational games,are some of the techniques used.Teaching is an Art. When required they must bring themselves fully into teaching. To be effective they use their own teaching philosophy& strategies, unique talents and personal teaching style that would suit a particular situation.Teaching is also a Craft, in a way where teachers develop over time through experience, continued research and reflection.
Teachers know when to push the students, when to give a gentle nudge in the right direction and when to let students figure out on their own. It is their innate ability to understand what is best for a child. When the going gets tough they refuse to surrender, instead they act as a support system that is lacking elsewhere in a student’s life. They can be role models and an inspiration to go further and to dream bigger.
As William Arthur Ward says;
“The mediocre teacher tells,
The good teacher explains,
The superior teacher demonstrates and
The great teacher inspires”
Dedicated to all our teachers not only by profession but to all parents and every other individual who in some way or the other assumes the role of a teacher.
HAPPY TEACHERS’ DAY!!
Creta Colaco è Dias