IDEALS OF INSPIRING TEACHERS

Feb 17, 2017 Editorial, Features / Columnists

In Guyana as in other countries, teachers have a lot of power, but most of them do not even know it. Many believe that their job begins and ends in the classroom and that they are powerless to make changes. It is said that a major dimension of being a teacher is leadership in and out of the classroom. Most students view their teachers as their idols, role models and leaders and emulate their pattern of behaviour. On the other hand, teachers inspire students to pursue their goals and dreams. They enjoy a fair level of moral authority in the classroom and in society.
This reality makes the power of teachers all the more credible and makes them morally acceptable in society. Such moral authority can either be enhanced or diminished based on the conduct and attitude of teachers. Teaching can be both positive and negative, but without doubt provides an excellent opportunity to enhance and develop leadership capacity. Some teachers have occupied many leadership positions in their communities where they have been highly respected. Not only students look up to teachers but also adults.
Being a teacher is a privilege. It is a highly esteemed profession. As a teacher, one is given the golden opportunity to significantly impact upon the lives of students. Their actions and behaviour should always be beyond reproach in order to be admired and respected by all in society. It is important for teachers to remember that they are under constant scrutiny within the school environment as well as by the wider community.
Many teachers have used their potential to make a positive difference to the lives of many in society. Others have restricted their practice to the classroom as educators. By adopting such a narrow view of the job, they have significantly diminished their role outside of the classroom, and at the same time reduced the level of satisfaction that their job offers. They have also reduced their potential to become leaders.
We reiterate that teachers are considered the moral authority in society, and as such are obligated to maximize their impact by acknowledging their management roles, and by exposing themselves to opportunities to develop and refine their skills. This can be achieved within the school setting by accepting responsibilities to be involved in the curricula and extra-curricular activities.
More teachers need to accept the responsibility to lead communities to plan and organize functions and develop programmes in order to gain experience. And even though it is extra work, it should not be seen that way, but rather, as a chance for personal growth and development. This would lay the foundation for teachers to enhance the impact on the lives of people around them. It would also provide them with the opportunity to realize their potential outside of the classroom that many do not even know they have.
It is said that teachers are inspired to be great leaders in the communities with the ability to change the lives of people. The moral authority associated with teachers enhances their capacity to generally be inspirations. Teachers could inspire all of our citizens to do great things, as do great leaders.
However, teachers must be mindful that integrity and moral authority are earned; they are not given or cannot be demanded. It is earned through the exemplary behaviour displayed by projecting the image of a true professional at all times, with humility and decency. In short, teaching is the genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of people, especially students.
These are just some of the ideals of inspiring teachers who have ultimately helped to change their environment and the lives of so many.

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IDEALS OF INSPIRING TEACHERS

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