Teachers are Born and Made

Teachers are a combination of both "born" (possessing innate qualities like motivation and traits such as patience) and "made" (developed through training, experience, and reflection). While natural inclination can provide a foundation, effective teaching skills are acquired and refined through formal education, consistent practice, and ongoing professional development.

Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”. A teacher serves the society by instructing and guiding countless students through the different stages of their growth. A teacher plays different roles in a student’s life. A teacher is a philosopher enlightening their students about the ways of the world. Apart from their mothers, children spend maximum time with their teachers. A teacher carries a big responsibility on their shoulders, the job of shaping the minds of the students. Teachers look after the best interests of the students and genuinely play an important role in the society. They can make or break a future generation; such is the power that rests in the hands of the teachers. We all know that our teachers play a great and most important role in our lives. They help us improve our knowledge, skills, confidence as well as shape us in the right shape towards success.

Teachers the best minds in the Country: We as a society have the responsibility of acknowledging and appreciating the service of teachers. Teacher’s Day, which is celebrated once a year on 5th of September, is a great chance for us to spend a day for them and say thanks. Since 1962, the day has been observed, commemorating the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakhrishnan, a great teacher and a staunch believer of education, who was also known for his contribution towards the education system of India. According to Dr. Radhakhrishnan, “teachers should be the best minds in the country”.

The birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakhrishnan came to be celebrated as Teachers’ Day when some of his students requested him to allow them to celebrate his birthday -- 5th September. Dr. Radhakrishnan said, “instead of celebrating my birthday separately, it would be my proud privilege if September 5 is observed as Teachers’ Day”. Since then, 5th September is observed as Teachers’ Day throughout India. It is a great privilege to be a teacher and their work is not just about imparting knowledge but also about cultivating values, encouraging curiosity, and fostering creativity. Teachers’ Day is much more than a day of appreciation; it is a day that reminds us of the critical role that educators play in our lives. Teachers are the architects of society, responsible for moulding young minds and shaping the nation’s future. They do more than teach academic subjects; they inspire, guide, and mentor students, helping them develop into well-rounded individuals.

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving world, the role of teachers is more important than ever. The challenges of the 21st century, such as rapid technological advancements, globalisation, and the need for sustainable development, require a new generation of thinkers and leaders who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate this complex world. Teachers are at the forefront of this mission, preparing students to meet these challenges and to contribute positively to society. Teachers’ Day is an opportunity for all of us to express our gratitude to teachers who have made a difference in our lives. It is a day to recognise their hard work, dedication, and the sacrifices they make to ensure that their students receive the best possible education. It is also a day to reflect on the importance of education and to reaffirm our commitment to supporting and empowering teachers in their vital roles.

In India, teachers are held in high esteem. They are seen as the torchbearers of knowledge and the builders of character. They are responsible for imparting education to our children, who are the future of our nation. Teachers in India also face many challenges. They often have to work in difficult conditions, with limited resources. But despite these challenges, they continue to work tirelessly to educate our children. We are grateful to all the teachers in India for their hard work and dedication. They are the backbone of our education system. They are the ones who are shaping the future of our country. Teachers are also the ones who guide us through our most difficult times. They are there to offer us support and encouragement when we need it most.

They are the ones who make us believe in ourselves.

A good teacher can ignite the imagination: A teacher’s job is to show their students how to use their imaginations and how to be creative inside and outside of the classroom. Creativity is so important to young students. Teachers should be able to awaken the minds of students instead of just teaching facts so the students can spit them out during tests. We as teachers need to get away from the idea of memorisation and teach our students how to think and come up with their own ideas on how to answer a question. The use of this divergent thinking will make schools more enjoyable and relaxed for our students and will prepare them in a better way for their future endeavours. It will take the stress of memorisation out of the equation and students will be able to recall facts because they have used their own minds and their own creativity.

Conclusion: Teachers’ Day is a celebration of the educators who dedicate their lives to shaping the future of their students. It is a day to honour the legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who believed that teaching was the noblest of all professions. As we celebrate Teachers’ Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the importance of education and the role of teachers in our lives. Let us express our gratitude to the teachers who have inspired us, challenged us, and guided us. Many different teachers have many different passions and beliefs when it comes to education. Overall, education is about shaping our students into becoming the best humans they can be. I think that using creativity and teaching from experience are two of the best ways to proctor learning. All students can learn and that all students have the right be taught. We need to make sure that we are treating our students with care and respect. We, as teachers need to remember that we are shaping the minds of the next generation. And let us commit to supporting and empowering teachers so that they can continue to make a difference in the lives of future generations."A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning" – Brad Henry

Rev. Fr. C. Joseph,

Counsellor, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous) Jakhama.