"The truth behind teaching is that teachers give 20% and students do the rest."
I heard this from a teacher I had. And the reactions were not good. But then we found out that we'd just misinterpreted him. He didn't mean that teachers don't have to either work hard or hold back anything, he was referring about the student's own willingness to fully embrace education.
In order to be enlightened, students have to feel that itch in their hearts and minds that propels them to discover knowledge. It is like food for the soul.
As for the teacher side, they should give it all in terms of passion, motivation and knowledge. They must be guiders and examples.
But when I heard the statement above, I also wondered how these professionals feel. And little I knew that this was going to be something that I would experience myself some years later.
The way how we perceive things will eventually show us that everything is not permanent. Our thoughts, convictions, beliefs change over time. And we learn to appreciate and sympathize with others and their jobs.
So, contrary the series I'm developing, teaching from a teacher's angle, I'd like to take this entry to a more personal level where you can feel what they feel.
One known premise
Your mental health affects your physical condition. That's a fact. And we've known this quite well. How we feel inside will always reflect in the outside. No matter how many masks we use so that we can conceal it, the physical appearance and even our behavior will give us away.
So, when the pressure is overwhelming, it is inevitable that teachers don't succumb to it. That's why, as in any profession, we must be stress-free in order to perform well.
And when we address education (the foundation from which the society pillars must rise), it is highly imperative that teachers reach a state of harmony with their inner being and their surrounding.
The work of a teacher is sometimes diminished. There are several misconceptions that have grown and settled throughout the years which have produced ill-assumptions. And it turn, it has hindered teaching.
The unexpected challenges
In certain regions, teachers have to deal with issues that shouldn't be of their concern. Problems like infrastructure, food and security are daily issues teachers encounter.
And they end up worrying about these things while education is put aside. The authorities in charge usually put other responsibilities on the their shoulders, and that generates a chain of reaction that can put them off. From the usual characteristics, we can identify:
- Worry
- Disappointment
- Jadedness
- Disgust
Honestly, we don't need to be physicians to know that eventually these symptoms will have effect on our physical health. Others can manage this through apathy, which is not a solution because even if teachers could toss away worries, the same thing would happen with learning. How many teachers have we met that don't have vocation? And we normally think that they just don't enjoy their career.
But when they are going through these phases, teachers are just questioning their chosen path. Doubt comes over them. And they end up wondering if they made the right decision, which ultimately leads them to lower the level of teaching.
A dagger in the back
This is a social problem that becomes an unbearable burden. When a teacher begins the journey, he/she normally dreams of enlighten people's minds. Their motivation is high and expectations are promising.
But all crumbles down when they later realize that everything is not how they imagine. There are things that escape from their hands. And that takes its toll on them at the end of the road. This scene can be easily observed in third world developing countries where the deplorable conditions and poor treatment are the status quo.
So, how worth is the labor of a teacher?
Invaluable! Naturally, all depends on the eye of the beholder, so to speak. But how can we expect educators put their best on the table IF the adequate conditions are not met?
Teacher's Health
As you would have seen, some teachers dedicated more than just their time. Their commitment goes beyond being simple communicators. They form bonds and are always present when students need them. This attitude is admirable because it is time-consuming. However, they must understand that their lives matter too. Besides, if they wants to give it all, they should be in good shape, mentally and physically.
The idea of this post is to highlight the value of the people who are responsible for opening our minds. Much emphasis is always put on the student side that teacher's wellness and mental stability tend to be placed in the background.
Teachers are to give it all which is understandable because the commitment they make, but they also have to care for themselves.
We come to this world to fulfill a purpose and face challenges. Our life on earth is a blessing, but it is not eternal. The chronological time of our body is limited here. So we must live each day fully but healthily.
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Hello @edave,
Congratulations on having the Monday Post Of The Day.
I would like to participate on adsactly.
Please can you show me how?
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Hi @mwanjo. In order to participate, you just need to use the word "adsactly" as one of your five tag in a post. Then, in case you haven't, you need to join the adsactly discord: https://discord.gg/BB2xtA
And then just paste your post link in the correct adsactly section, where it says "post promotions adsactly tag."
That's all. You can be eligible for "Post Of The Day" in the adsactly community.
Learn a few new things reading through your post and I must say it really educative.
Thanks for taking the time to read it, @saintopic. There are parts about education that can be overlooked by some people, specially from the teacher's side.
Great post, i truly believe that student do the most job, because its their willness that opens the door of discovery both for them and the teacher....but teacher need to be more motivating.
Students need to have the flare of enlightenment alive in their hearts while must facilitate the proper environment to make education flow in the best way.
Good post @edave... It is indeed true that students have to invest themselves to gain knowledge... Without their interest, even the best teacher in the world cannot make a difference.... It was a good read....
4 of my family members are teachers and this helps me gain a new understand for them and their work. Thanks!