If you asked teachers, What do you do? in all likelihood you’d get an answer along the following lines:
"We help students learn the prescribed subjects. As part of our duties, we assign homework, grade tests, and document the student's progress while keeping up with parent communication."
We need to make a confession at the outset here. The above note is what we found as a job description for a teacher on a recruitment portal.
Yes, that’s the job. But that isn’t all that teachers do, really, is it? Particularly when you consider the students at the primary and secondary levels.
There are all types of children. All fresh minds. Some are excited about being in school, some scared, and perhaps confused about what they’re feeling. Each represents a different thinking process. Each has his or her own strengths and weaknesses. Among these, quite possibly, is a shy child who doesn’t speak up easily — but is incredibly interested in music. He or she may not have access to a musical instrument at home that they can reach out to and play. Let’s admit it. With the fast-paced lives that modern parents lead, it’s quite easy to not spot a child's talent. What happens then? (Some may argue that true talent would find its path anyway. But that’s a debate for another time.)
Often in cases like these, it’s the teachers that spot these sparks. It’s the teacher that notices that sparkle in the eye of the student in music class. It is the teacher that encourages the shy child to reach out. And with this, they create the musical legends of tomorrow.
So did the teacher simply ‘teach’ or did they spot potential? We’d argue that the teacher created the potential. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
For most children, their first role model besides their parents is the teacher. It is the teachers that the children look up to for inspiration. But there’s more to a teacher than being a positive role model. Through their actions, teachers shape lives. Something as simple as an uplifting smile from a teacher can make a little girl believe that she can become an astronaut. A word of encouragement could tell a student just how unique she or he is. A little nudge in solving a study problem could help inculcate critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It tells a child that any obstacles can be overcome. A timely pat on the back could build confidence, making the student a leader tomorrow. And who knows who these students could go on to lead? They could lead colleagues at work perhaps; a team of sports players; a battalion; actors on Broadway or; simply the world. Why not?!
The slight actions of the teachers help set the foundation for future leaders. As doctors, engineers, gamers, artists, politicians, and businessmen, the teachers’ students have the potential to make lives better for all.
No, teachers don’t just ‘teach’, do they? They change the world.
