Teaching is one of the most remarkable professions. It's a medium to give back what you obtain and, in the process, obtain more. Teachers to me are the PILLARS of a NATION. Why? Without this set of dedicated individuals who wake up as early as 3am, some 2am to study notes to their understanding in order to share the knowledge with children who aren't theirs, who can be obnoxious and discouraging, how on earth would we have engineers, doctors, nurses, pilots, and even lawyers?
There is no denying that most teachers are found wanting in their responsibilities, but, as we know, there isn't any profession where you won't find absentminded or uncommitted people. Yet, this does not in any way reduce the impact teachers have in a society.
When I was in primary class, I noticed that at the end of every term parents will come with different kinds of gifts for their children's teachers and even the headmistress. I didn't know what all that meant or why they gave them gifts; I thought perhaps they had enough and felt like they should share it with someone. But now I know and understand why. Those gifts are given to them as a token of appreciation for their sacrifices and efforts. In some schools, teachers are not paid well despite the impartation they have of pupils/students, and honestly, those gifts they receive from parents have served as an encouragement to keep up the good work.
Not until my graduation from high school did I realize the kind of stress teachers go through and how much of our appreciation and approbation can go a long way to make them feel valued, as what they are paid isn't doing that.
After my high school, I took a job as an assistant class teacher in a nursery class, and of course, I was paid peanuts. I didn't mind because I've always found joy in teaching others. Oh boy!!! What I faced from the pupils was not what I envisioned. The noise, the slow learners, the uniform wetters, and the slow eaters. Many think nursery classes or even primary classes are the easiest, while I debunk that belief. In the nursery section, you have those who still do not know how to write, and you as the teacher have the duty to teach them by holding their hands, which is one of the most difficult ways to teach, especially when they are close to 4 or 6 children. You will have to hold hands before they can even curve the number two. Then come those who would rather pee in their clothes than tell you they are pressed; you know what that means. Of course, you will do the washing.
Going through this process took my mind back to when I was in nursery one. We were close to 40 or a little bit more than that in class, and we had just one teacher who did everything for us. Opening our snacks, holding our hands while we write and paint, taking us to the restroom, and of course getting us to recite the alphabet. I can imagine how that was arduous for her, considering she was the only one carrying out all those tasks with such a number of students. She laid the foundation for us and taught us well, and today, we can count and recite the alphabets.
Now come the high school teachers. This level of education is far more different from the nursery and primary because here, nobody wants to know if your handwriting is good or not. Their concern is teaching you to become good with your essays, mathematics, literature, and government. One interesting thing about this set of teachers is they try not to miss their classes; they go far and beyond teaching to cater for those students who need support one way or the other and create extra tutorial classes for the students.
High school teachers are the bedrock of students' career paths. When I got into SS1, where we were taught in a broader sense, there was no doubt for me that I wanted to study law. My core subject teachers didn't just teach us to know; we were taught to understand and, in turn, display our understanding during tests and exams.
After my parents, my teachers are the best! And I use this medium to give a shout-out to all teachers out there. You may feel you are not doing well or being appreciated for your efforts,endurance and consistency.
Today!! I want you to know that you are valued, loved, respected, cherished, and of course "doing well." Don't stop, because as long as students become teachers like you, engineers, and doctors, fingers would always point back at you as the one who cleared the pathway.
Thank you, teachers!!