Happy Teacher's Day!!!

First of all, Happy Teacher's day to all teachers who have taught me whether formally or informally :) May god bless u all abundantly as u have blessed me..

Thought i would write something about teachers as its their day..

I had an interesting conversation with one teacher the other day. He says that teachers are now watch dogs and not bloodhounds. That got me thinking. How then are teachers to educate, instill discipline, mold a person, etc when they are "toothless-tigers".. For one like myself, u can roar all u want till ur throat bleeds and i still wouldn't care what u r roaring about.

I personally feel that teachers are in a position to impact and change lives. The power to create a new generation-mindset is in their hands. But its sad that many dont really noe how to utilize this gift. Many teachers today wants to show who is boss and that they are in authority. Students dont need another authority. We need mentors, "grown-up-friends", a role model. And that is what i believe teachers should be in today's society.

Its no more spare the road spoil the child as the rod is a no no today. Teacher hitting a student is apparently abuse. Gone were the days of our parents where "get canned in school, go back tell parents, get canned again". Teachers are not even allowed to stare at students according to the secular on teacher's ethics. As our society gets more sophisticated, educated, demanding and outspoken, i think its time for teachers to change tactics.

Teachers have to wage a psychological warfare. Its about being a role model and getting respect. Yes, its bad that people today base respect on what u can do and not who u r. One can b d PM and yet get no respect if he has bad governing skills. Thats the same in school. Many students dont respect teachers because they are teachers anymore. And that is why the "listen to me because i'm in authority" doesn't work. Teachers need to prove to their students that they are of substance and quality.

Teachers need to come into class not with reference books anymore but with only maker pens plus the lesson in their mind. This will show students that hey, i really know my stuff and u better listen to me. Its not uncommon i hear teacher teach any say i dont need to memorize all this as i am not the one who is sitting for the exam. This should not happen. Teacher who know their stuff will gain respect from students. Perhaps teachers should take teaching into a new dimension. A play for an example, life lessons out of social studies, perhaps an "out-of-the-syllabus" project in physics class. If an advertisement has an average of 16 scene changes in one promo, and games with HD graphics and thousand moving characters, i dont think students can stay awake listening to teacher talk for 2 hours. Here in comes the "its-history-nap-time".

I also believe that teachers cant take teaching as just an occupation anymore. Teaching today has to be a culture or habit. Teaching does not end right when the school bell rings. Even after school students who meet their teachers will still address them as teachers. Why? Because for students, these elite group of individuals are not only their teachers in school. Teaching has to take counseling and mentoring into account. SMM (sistem maklumat murid) has only our exterior details. Teachers need to know what is going on behind the mask we put on everyday. In that way, teaching can be more personal and life changing. Though teaching in class, teacher would know how to address their students on a personal basis if they really know them. Perhaps just coming to the canteen and watch students, or just waiting outside the staffroom to see how their students come to school, how students interact with their parents. These initiatives and "short scenes" will tell a teacher alot more of their students.

And, teacher need to carry themselves like a role model. How are students to respect teachers when they come in with sports attire though its not PJ period. How about the half not tucked in shirt, the no socks feet, the stench of cigarette and the walking style of a person on holiday. And these same teachers are the ones who are suppose to teach us to carry ourselves and tell us what discipline is?? dont think that will work out well..

Anyway, i realise that perhaps i'm talking on the ideal extreme. Any teacher will be able to complain to me about the excessive red tape routine, the unnecessary load of paper work, the non-teaching responsibilities like doing exam results analysis, printing certs, etc. WHILE the poeple in the office sit and enjoy air cond while chit chatting everyday.

For teachers to play their role well, society needs a changed mindset as well. NOT ALL STRAIGHT A's STUDENTS ARE DOCTORS!!!! and teachers are not a straight A's scorer churning machine!! I believe teaching is not about the A's. Teaching is about shaping a person and molding character. If the character is of an A grade, the academic results will fall into place along side with it. Whats the point of getting "smart students" with a crap ass attitude? a nuisance to society with their arrogance, boastfulness and over confidence. And please dont leave maktab perguruan as a "last resort" choice. Save this righteous profession for the sake of our generation, future generations and the live of our country..

Thank u again to all teachers who have impacted my life. Not only teaching my whats in the syllabus, but what is also needed for me to survive. Thank you for inspiring me to be better, for giving me chance after chance to change and for taking in all my crap. God bless all of u :)

HAPPY TEACHERS DAY!!!!