Stand and Deliver : A Tribute to Teachers

“Teachers believe they have a gift for giving; it drives them with the same irrepressible drive that drives others to create a work of art or a market or a building.” ---A. Bartlett Giamatti

It’s the time of year once again that we give acknowledgement and appreciation to a much-deserved person: our TEACHER. Why shouldn’t we? They strive to meet us everyday, prepare lesson plans, check our quizzes, and cope with the struggles of the so-called ‘teacher-student relationship.’ We may not notice the amount of hard work they’re doing, but to think that they sacrifice many things for to achieve quality education, wouldn’t it be nice if we give them a break?

Becoming a teacher is not an easy task. For you to become one, you have to 1)attain a 4-year college degree, most preferably in the field of education (e.g. B.S. Education); 2)have good communication skills (can interact with the students); 3)should be well mannered and confident; and lastly 4)has to love the job. The latter’s a handy note to get motivated, don’t you think?

Now onto the next level: the ‘real thing’ called the classroom. From chalk dust-laden platforms to the chairs in disarray, everything seems to be bursting with activity. And the students, of course! Teachers encounter many kinds of students: good students, tough students, etc., etc. There could be a problem here and there, like if their students are prone to failure. But deep inside they remain hopeful that somehow things could change for the better. And when they are, the simplest and most rewarding of all is a smile of satisfaction to themselves.

If you ask me, teaching is one of the noblest professions. In fact, it shouldn’t be looked at as an unprofitable career. Let’s take it this way: Eight young individuals were under this really good teacher who taught them a great deal of things. A couple of decades later these people were on the top of their successes. They earned millions; while their teacher still had that decent enough salary. In that case, who should really earn more?

Teachers help shape the minds of the youth. They, in a way also enhance every person’s potential. Famous statesmen, leaders, and remarkable people couldn’t have gone through life without recalling what their mentors have done for them. In the movies I’ve seen, a teacher can inspire and become role models. Can they be heroes? Absolutely.

For teachers don’t just teach lessons that we should learn, they are more than that. They teach the lessons of life.

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Note: This article appeared in The Judenites, Sept-Dec 2002 issue.
(as Features Staffer)