Ever since I was a child, when I would write on a chalkboard with colorful pieces of chalk in my bedroom, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. Back then it was a game I would play to pretend to be someone more than I was at that age. But as time passed, I realized I did not have to pretend anymore, and the desire to teach grew following me into adulthood.
I remember what it was like to look up to someone in the classroom. To have a champion, an adult that displayed belief in me consistently every day, in turn made me want to become like them - in mannerisms or knowledgeability. The power teachers carried with them, inspiring in every action was something very few adults could match. It was inspiring just being in the same room as them, eager to learn and grow - not only as a student but to push my development as a human being to full capacity.
Today, I myself teach and encourage the sharing of new ideas and experiences which can erupt into conversations that were probably not had earlier. As famously said by Martin Luther King “The function of Education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” I enable students to think outside the box and come up with solutions and simultaneously develop numerous other skills. The role of a teacher is something that stays persistent and dynamic. Being able to connect with students on an intellectual level and watch them grow into brilliant minds of tomorrow is a privilege we get to witness first hand.
Teaching is such a rewarding career - not only for the words of appreciation from students but also in everyday instances such as watching a student discover their passion for art or even something as simple as watching a child who was shy initiating conversation with their peers.
Although they may seem like tiny matters, just simple words of motivation can help truly change lives. We have all heard the saying of how little drops of water can help make a great ocean, similarly it is the teachers today that can create that mighty ocean by moulding the society of tomorrow.
Despite the challenges of the modern teacher there are some elements of the job that will never change, regardless of what the world throws at us. The fulfilment in knowing that you can change the course of a child’s life for the better and in being able to build a community that will only continue to prosper with time. And that is why I love to teach.
Future Education is a leading placement agency for educationists in London.
