Those who can, teach

On a sunny morning way back in January 1976, I entered my Grade One classroom at the Asoka Vidyalaya in Colombo with some trepidation. This was my first day in school and the biggest day of my life at that point of time. Mother left me at the door and I had to go in and find my desk and seat. I fought back the tears. It was a strange experience, even though I had been to kindergarten. But school was different. It was more formal, more intimidating even. All the other boys too, clad in the standard uniform of blue shorts and white shirt, looked ill at ease, not knowing what would come next. Then walked in someone who would change my life. Literally. She walked to the classroom with poise and grace and addressed us in a calm, soothing voice. "Good morning children, I am your teacher". Teacher. What a magical word. She worked her magic on all of us and in the very first week itself, our collective fear was gone. We learned to enjoy ourselves. She made learning fun. I could read and write before I went to school, but for those students who couldn't, she was a guiding light who showed with finesse how easy it was to read and write, tell the time, draw simple shapes, respect friends and elders, play and sing with all your heart and even simple things such as how to behave at the dining table.

Really, she taught me everything I ever wanted to learn, the simple skills of life. That's what teachers do. They not only teach you lessons from textbooks, but they also teach the lessons of life. In a way, it is the latter that finally makes you a fine man or woman, someone who is useful to society and others around you.

Parents may guide you, but it is the teachers who mould good future citizens. And having had a mother who was a teacher herself, I know that all too well. To her, all students were her sons and daughters, not just her own children. That is how teachers think. It is a noble, selfless thought.

Teaching is undoubtedly the most noble profession on Earth. And not everyone can be a teacher. Although we hear of "trained" teachers, it is mostly an inborn talent. This is why an advertising campaign aimed at recruiting teachers in the UK had the catchy slogan "Those Who Can, Teach". Indeed. Teachers are people worthy of celebrating for what they bring into our lives: Knowledge, discipline, values and skills. You don't have to make a wish, such a day is already there on the calendar. It is called World Teachers' Day (WTD).

Falling on October 5 every year, it has been celebrated worldwide under the auspices of UNESCO and Education International, the global teacher' trade union, since 1994. The declared aims of the WTD are celebrating the teaching profession and improving international standards for the profession, mobilising support for teachers and ensuring that the needs of future generations will continue to be met by teachers.

According to UNESCO, World Teachers' Day represents a significant token of the awareness, understanding and appreciation displayed for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and development. It is observed under a separate theme every year. The theme for 2011 is Teachers for Gender Equality. An appropriate theme, given that the majority of teachers are female, at least in this country. I, for one, did not see a male class teacher until Grade Nine (there were male teachers for some subjects).

Teachers, especially female teachers, are the most suitable persons to talk about gender equality (or the lack thereof) in our society. All my teachers, male and female, ingrained in us the idea that women are equal to men in every way and that they should always be respected.

Nevertheless, inequality remains an issue within and outside the teaching profession. The teaching profession itself and the authorities should tackle this issue. As for taking the message of gender equality to the wider society, teachers are in a prime position to spread the word by moulding generations of good citizens who take gender equality seriously.

Teachers also face a myriad of other problems and challenges in the modern world. Teachers, some of whom are reluctant to move ahead with the times, face the risk of distancing themselves from students in an educational landscape becoming increasingly techno-centric. Yes, even textbooks could be a thing of the past in a decade or so, as they are moving to fully interactive tablets (iPad, Kindle Fire etc) and e-readers.

Today's students are perfectly at home with their computers, which has become an ideal learning resource thanks to the Web. Teachers, and educational systems, must adapt to these changes. Teacher training must necessarily include these technological aspects. Teachers too must never stop reading and learning. A love for the subject is essential to enliven the teaching process.

Another challenge facing teachers in most countries is the threat of action over "sexual harassment" of children.

Today, a teacher hesitates to (physically touch) and console a child who is mentally or physically hurt, lest he or she be charged with sexual abuse by parents. Granted, there are people in all professions who engage in such behaviour and this profession is no exception. But one cannot become a teacher without an inherent love for children. However, with this development, teachers face a great predicament, one which may end their career.

Teachers (and students) are also affected by the lack of facilities in certain rural schools. This makes it difficult for teachers to effectively discharge their responsibilities. It is heartening to note that the Government is taking steps to rectify this problem.

The World Teachers' Day must be celebrated more widely in this country so that students will develop an even greater level of trust in their teachers that will last a lifetime. After all, teachers are for life, not just for the formative years."Give your teachers the respect they deserve, because they are the ones who can help you get where you need to go."

- Richard Howard, American poet and teacher