[Review]: Teachers and the Honour Teaching in Present Times -By Caleb Onah

It is said, “If you have to put someone on a pedestal, put teachers. They are society’s heroes.” – Guy Kawasaki.

Teaching is a noble profession that has been around for centuries. It is an act of imparting knowledge, skills, and values to learners. The World Teachers’ Day which is celebrated annually on October 5th to honour and appreciate the contributions of teachers worldwide was established in 1994 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to commemorate the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. The day is celebrated in over 100 countries, including Nigeria, with various activities such as conferences, workshops, and seminars organised to recognize and appreciate teachers’ efforts.

This year’s theme is “The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage”. The celebrations focus on advocating for a dignified and valued teaching profession, analysing challenges faced by teachers, showcasing inspiring practices to attract, retain and motivate teachers and educators, and examining ways in which education systems, societies, communities, and families recognize, appreciate, and actively support teachers.

The act of teaching is a “blessed” one because it is an opportunity to make a positive difference in the world. Teaching is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s also about inspiring and motivating ‘students’ to learn. A good teacher is someone who can connect with their students on a personal level and create an environment that fosters learning.

They are patient, kind, and understanding, and they have a passion for what they do. This is supported by the Springer Link research that pedagogy, teaching style, and teaching effectiveness significantly affect student perception. The Act of Teaching requires stamina, spirit, humour, and full attention. It is a physical, emotional, and intellectual act that requires a lot of effort. However, with proper training and development, teachers can acquire the necessary skills to become experts in their field

According to the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, there are only 2.3 million registered teachers in Nigeria as of 2023. This number is barely enough to cater to the over 20.1 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, according to UNESCO.

The Universal Basic Education Commission said there were 354,651 teachers for 7.2 million students in pre-primary schools; 915,593 teachers for 32 million students in primary schools; and 416,291 teachers for eight million students in junior secondary schools. Over the years, the federal and various state governments have tried to address the problems.

Joyce Meyer stated. “Teachers can change lives with the right mix of chalk and challenges.” That why, as we celebrate this years’ day, it is important we know that teaching is the cornerstone of human progress. From the earliest days of humanity, knowledge was passed down through the generations via oral traditions and storytelling. As civilizations evolved, formal education systems emerged, and the role of the teacher became increasingly important.

It thus remains a fundamental component of modern society, which educators should use as guides and mentors to future generations. At its core, it is conveying knowledge and information to learners. Whether it’s basic arithmetic, complex scientific theories, or the nuances of literature, teachers play a crucial role in making knowledge accessible.

The act of teaching is not limited to the classroom; it can take place anywhere and at any time. Parents teach their children, coaches teach their athletes, and mentors teach their mentees. Teaching is a lifelong process that never ends, and it’s something that we all do in one way or another. Teaching is also an act of service. It’s about giving back to society and helping others achieve their goals.

Beyond the dissemination of facts, teaching helps individuals acquire essential skills. From reading and writing to problem-solving and critical thinking, educators equip students with tools they will use throughout their lives. Effective teaching goes beyond academics; it nurtures personal growth.

Teachers inspire self-confidence, encourage creativity, and instil values that shape students into responsible, compassionate citizens.

Research also revealed that the trend of professional development strategy is more collaborative and using a collegial learning environment and the trend of learning outcomes which developed through PD programs is more focused on the ability to teach, ability to manage the classroom, and ability to understand the subject field.

In addition, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) released a joint statement with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Education International (EI) to mark this day.

The statement highlights the need for better salaries and working conditions for teachers and calls on countries to ensure that teachers are trusted and recognized as knowledge producers, reflective practitioners, and policy partners

Teaching is a blessed act that requires dedication and hard work. Recent empirical verifications have shown that with proper training and development, teachers can acquire the necessary skills to become experts in their field. As we continue to navigate through these challenging times, it is important to remember that teaching is a noble profession that has the power to change lives.

Teachers play a vital role in shaping the future of our society by educating the next generation of leaders, innovators, and thinkers. It’s an opportunity to make a positive impact on the world by imparting knowledge, inspiring others, and giving back to society.

Whether you’re a teacher in the classroom or simply teaching someone something new, you are making a difference in the world. Hence, we should all embrace the act of teaching whether the cultures, tribes or religions around the world.