October 5th is World Teachers’ Day. This day is “a global event launched by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1994.” It recognizes the hard work that dedicated teachers of all grade levels do to educate children and young people. Teachers are not just authority figures who are extensions of the adult world. They can be guides, counselors, mentors and protectors.Teachers are some of the first role models that children encounter outside their homes.
Some children look forward to seeing their teachers in the classroom. Others may not have had such a positive experience and are dreading it. I have had a mix of both. For me, what made school worthwhile was having kind teachers who still had high expectations of me. They cared about me, but also wanted me to do my homework and take part in class. They cared if I learned something and could go to the next grade level. Those were the teachers that I trusted more than my family. They taught me more than the subjects found in books. They led by example and gave me a behavioral blueprint that I could follow. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” I have learned that teaching can be many things. It can be formal instruction, schooling or tutoring. Teaching can be coaching or training. It can even be informing others for educational purposes. Perhaps most importantly, teaching shapes attitudes towards learning itself and can encourage students to have high expectations of themselves.
Many of us will find ourselves teaching and learning things beyond the classroom. Those of you who are parents teach your children how to behave in and outside the home. Managers and supervisors train subordinates and new hires at work. Those who do not have a person to teach them look for books, internet articles and videos to help them learn something new. These are precious resources because not everyone can afford classes or formal training. The essential ingredient is curiosity which prompts one to explore. Teaching can spark that curiosity.
In the 1980’s, I recall seeing a bumper sticker which said, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” I am grateful for the teachers who helped me learn how to read and write. Those are fundamental skills for any person. Basic literacy is the foundation from which other skills can be acquired. I am sad that there are people who feel that there is no need to learn anything new once they are out of school. One does not grow or develop unless they willingly learn new things. Also, no two people learn in the same way. Some need to hear things, others are more visual learners. Still others are more “hands on” and need to be shown how to do something until they master it.
Exceptional teachers are willing to adapt to different learning styles. They know that everyone does not learn the same way. To keep their class together, they must find ways that appeal to as many students as possible. This makes learning accessible to more people. While it’s true that the student bears the responsibility of reading the assignments and doing their homework, the teacher must facilitate the learning process so the student can absorb the information. Good teachers find ways to motivate their students to learn.
Many still consider teaching a vocation – a calling. Some bible passages refer to teaching as a spiritual gift (Romans 12:6-7, 1Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11-12). It is physically and emotionally demanding to deal with 20-30 individuals while teaching a lesson. It requires enthusiasm, lesson preparation, presentational skills, care with grading, persistence, and a love of your subject and your students. The concerns of teachers extend far beyond the classroom. Teachers interact with parents, their school administration, with colleagues at other schools, and with the public, if they have other duties like coaching or leading extracurricular activities.
Furthermore, schools in America have new challenges in dealing with different demographics. There are children with special needs who require special attention. Many children are immigrating to this country from war torn areas and have unique concerns. They are suffering from violence and trauma; their families are looking for refuge and help. They come from Africa, Afghanistan, the Ukraine, and Latin America. Finding bilingual and culturally competent teachers is crucial. Teachers and administrators cannot ignore these children, but must include them in the classroom so they can become integrated into society and in turn help to integrate their parents and families.
Also, many Black and Brown children have longed to be understood and cared for, but they mostly attend underfunded schools in neglected areas. The same can be said for children in rural areas as well. The unfortunate narratives that are circulated in the news and social media reinforce negative stereotypes and do not tell the whole story about the inequality and discrimination these children and their families face. How can someone learn if they are hungry, afraid, sleep-deprived and burdened with problems that they cannot share because they are either too ashamed or too afraid of getting themselves (or their families) in trouble?
Some parents and teachers have spoken up for their children, and are striving to obtain the resources and talent to touch these young lives. I know some teachers who use their own money to provide school supplies, food, and in some cases clothing for their students. These teachers are the real heroes in our society. But they cannot care for these children alone. They must have help from their leadership, their school districts, and us. We must also encourage and support them in whatever way we can: we can donate; we can vote for policies that protect education; and we can take an interest in our children as they learn new subjects.
As we remember teachers around the world, let us honor their role in educating our children, who will become our citizens and our future. Let us support teachers on all levels, for they are passing on the knowledge which makes our children aware of our history, and the attitudes to enable them to engage in the future. Let us train our children in the ways of kindness, wisdom and industry so that when they mature, they will not depart from these social, ethical and deeply spiritual values. May we recognize and celebrate all teachers so they will be encouraged to impart their wisdom to our children and to us.
A nice tribute to our classroom advocates, and all those that inspire and spark curiosity and continued learning.