“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men,” this quote of Frederick Douglass signifies the tremendous importance that rests on the aspect of teaching in order to develop ethical and responsible global citizens. Not everyone is called to become a school teacher, but certainly everyone can become a teacher in their own way. Achievements of any individual are because of the teachers; some of them are formally appointed in school while the others are the parents, friends and motivators. True, the home and parents play an important part, but since the child spends a good portion of his formative years in acquiring an education, school life and its environment are critical factors and school teachers play a pivotal role in shaping and moulding his future. Teaching is more than just a job. It’s a calling for a divine work. Nobody can satisfy the amount of work done by good teachers. It will always be less in comparison to what they give to the society. Only God can reward them richly. The committed teachers will always keep their enthusiasm going because they are fully aware of their calling and the joy they get suffices everything.
Teaching is challenging yet it is totally beautiful, wonderful and amazing. It is the innocent enthusiasm of young children that keeps teachers going with a smile even through the most frustrating moments. As a teacher, the greatest gift you bring to the classroom each day is your own unique personality coupled with your individual gifts to inspire, lead, and motivate students making lasting impressions on them. Good teachers enter the education profession because they want to make a difference in the world and their communities. This is a noble purpose that a teacher should always keep in the forefront. Dear teachers, no matter the challenges you face, your work truly has encouraging effect on your students, their families, and their future. Henry Adams has rightly said, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”
Rewards of teaching are innumerable. You have the opportunity to be amidst hundreds of young bubbling lives, touching their hearts and minds. For many, their work is a means to an end but teaching is a vocation and not a job. It gives a sense of service. Teaching offers a great deal of variety where every teacher can experience the joy of making a difference in young lives. Senior teachers have seen the challenges and joys of teaching with generations passing through them. They have all loved knowing their students, helping discover their talents, celebrating their successes and watching them blossom. All this has given them a sense of satisfaction, more than a paycheck. While teachers spend time in nurturing children, they also find personal fulfillment doing something they truly love and are passionate about.
John Dewey has beautifully stated, “If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” Teachers have to be lifelong learners who relish the chance to grow and evolve. Good teachers always ensure that they are upgraded and are open to learn new things and improve their teaching ability. They wish to grow and continue to make teaching meaningful and engaging.
Teaching is a gratifying and a humbling experience. It gives an opportunity to transform the future generations into intellectually and socially environmentally engaged citizens. On this teachers’ day, I exhort every teacher to experience the joy of making a difference in society, the greatest gift of all. Dear teachers, give your best to each student and remember: “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them”. (Bible)
(The author is the Managing Director of Ryan International Group of Institutions)
Grace Pinto
