Dear Editor,
It is World Teacher’s Day today. The United Nations’ Organisation has since 1994 set aside October 5 to commemorate the work of teachers and the organisations that represent them in their efforts to provide quality education.
Teachers, more than anyone else, are key to the improvement of our education system. They change lives through the gift of education. They have the power to help students learn, believe in themselves, make wise decisions, become independent thinkers, develop desirable relationships, become independent thinkers, communicate effectively, appreciate differences, develop their creativity, develop problem-solving skills, assertive skills, negotiating skills, empathy skills, refusal skills, coping skills (all so important in today’s world), and so, so much more. Their role in children’s lives, in moulding the next generation is huge, and they must step up to the plate. As Ken Blanchard said, the role of a teacher is even more important than might have been imagined.
This year’s theme, Empowering Teachers, Building Sustainable Societies, is apt, as we all recognise the integral and multifaceted role of our teachers in ‘creating societies based on knowledge, values and ethics.’ Teachers must be empowered through adequate training and focused support, provision of more resources, motivation (several kinds) and so on. Teachers must not only seek empowerment from others, but must recognise that their empowerment requires action on their part, too. Empowerment also requires being proactive in their personal and professional lives, as well as networking/sharing with colleagues. This empowerment is a decision that requires action, a conscious decision on being different from the norm; on what they listen to; on how they perform in the classroom; on whether or not they honour themselves; and how they show up in the world every day.
At this time they must be determined not to let the sins of indifference, immorality, lack of integrity, lack of good manners, unpunctuality, absenteeism, unprofessionalism be found among them, for they belong to the profession of all professions. They are teachers.
They will take education in Guyana to the next level.
Happy World Teacher’s Day!
Yours faithfully,
Jennifer Cumberbatch
