Salute to our teachers

At this time of school reopening, once all the excitement of the new Grade 1’s has subsided, focus falls on the teaching profession.

It’s a tough job, and it’s getting increasingly tougher as the classroom competes with the effects of social media – issues like peer pressure have gone up by many notches – and information that can be gained from a million Google sources.

Aside from the traditional teaching role, they must now watch out for bullying, drugs, gender abuse and violence.

A massively strenuous and stressful occupation (and not the best paid), the educator fulfils a multitude of roles.

Teaching of a prescribed subject, which requires painstaking hours of preparation if it is to be properly done, is just one facet; because the true ‘subject’ is the learner him/herself.

Long after the content has been forgotten, they would have imparted life lessons that last a lifetime.

Apart from imparting knowledge, teachers aspire to educate, to inspire and to affect growth and positive change.

And not only does the teacher impact the life of the pupils, this influence also extends to their families as well as to the broader community.

They are teachers, mentors, coaches, counsellors and confidantes of the young charges we entrust to their care.

Each grade has its own unique challenges relating to the ages, ability to comprehend the stage of personality formation.

The hours are long and the workload is heavy as they not only prepare learners for the ultimate (matric) exam, but also for life itself.

And so they must have a passion for the pupil as much as for the subject, especially as they understand they are the role model for the child, largely determining their attitude towards school and education itself.

Many have entered the teaching profession because of the influence of their teachers.

But teachers need support both from within and without.

The hierarchy in the Education Department must ensure teachers’ needs are met, including with regard to safety

and security. Headmasters and heads of department within schools should give all the help and motivation they can to new teachers.

Parents need to also support those who teach their children, rather than, as many do, siding with the lazy or rebellious child.

Parents should also get involved in their child’s school activities and attend school functions.

It is not the educator’s job to teach good manners, respect for others and positive behaviour – that onus lies with the home.

Good luck to our teachers as you face the challenges of a new school year, and know you are appreciated.