E.P. Bertin once said: “It’s not how much we pay students, it’s what we grow that matters.”

In celebrating World Teachers Day, we should reflect on how they taught us valuable lessons that made us who we are today.

From nurturing a love of learning to providing a safe and supportive learning environment, teachers play a vital role in shaping the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers.

In today’s digital world, teachers are more like guides than lecturers, helping students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As a result, their role has shifted to that of a coach and mentor rather than just a content provider. In addition, teacher professional development is also becoming more comprehensive and integrated, incorporating elements of digital literacy, character development, and leadership training.

World Teachers Day is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the countless contributions of educators around the world. Teachers play a vital role in shaping the minds and futures of children and adolescents, teaching them essential academic lessons, life skills, and social values. They are the foundation of education, laying the foundations for a better and hopeful future for our world.

The tables turned a few years ago as the world battles the pandemic that changed everything and our usual schedules. In such a global crisis, teachers have expressed their resilience and dedication by quickly adapting to new teaching and learning methods. They adapted to virtual classrooms, used creative and engaging approaches to engage and motivate students, and went beyond their intended duties to provide emotional and psychological support.

Additionally, their contributions extend beyond the classroom, as they work selflessly to promote education and equal opportunity for all. They support social justice and human rights, campaigning for gender equality, inclusion, and literacy. They are also leaders in protecting the environment, working to educate students about sustainable practices and conservation efforts.

At the end of the day, the teacher’s job is not limited to the classroom but extends beyond shaping the future of our world. Their dedication, empathy, and compassion are essential for their student’s academic success and their overall development as responsible citizens. Let us take a moment to recognize the contributions that teachers make to our society.