Flora Teckie
World Teachers’ Day, observed annually on 5 October, is a reminder of the valuable services that those who undertake the education and training of children render to our communities.
The Baháí Writings state that, “The education and training of children is among the most meritorious acts of humankind and draweth down the grace and favour of the All-Merciful, for education is the indispensable foundation of all human excellence and alloweth man to work his way to the heights of abiding glory”.
The teacher is a pivotal factor in the development of our children, and the teaching profession is one of the highest to which one can aspire.
Teachers contribute to individual growth as well as to the transformation of communities.
While teaching is a great a privilege, it is also a great responsibility.
Teaching is, of course, more than mere information sharing. Teaching should release inherent capacities of our children. Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith states: "Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom”.
Thus, human beings are created with many potentials, with “gems of inestimable value,” therefore, teachers must see great potential in each student, recognizing that a lack of opportunity is different from lack of capacity.
In addition to its contribution to the growth and development of individuals, education is a key instrument for the transformation of society, and in the creation of harmonious, just and peaceful communities.
Through appropriate education, teachers can assist in cultivating in our children “such attributes, skills, virtues and qualities as will enable them to contribute their share to the building of an ever-advancing civilisation.
True education releases capacities, develops analytical abilities, confidence, will, and goal-setting competencies, and instils the vision that will enable them to become self-motivating change agents, serving the best interests of the community”, states the Bahá’í International Community.
Teachers, besides imparting academic knowledge and skills, should become role models, transmitters of morality and builders of character.
The Bahá’í Writings explain that: “…schools for academic studies must at the same time be training centres in behaviour and conduct” and that “Knowledge is praiseworthy when it is coupled with ethical conduct and virtuous character”.
An education which can enrich the mind and the spirit should also develop moral attributes – including love, compassion, justice, courtesy, generosity, truthfulness, and trustworthiness.
Acquiring such qualities will bring about harmonious and productive families and communities.
Education should be relevant to the true needs of a community, and contribute to the unification of mankind. The prejudices that are dividing people, and often cause conflicts and wars, are not just the result of ignorance but they are at times the product of a biased education.
Teachers must nurture love for all people and instil tolerance of differences. They must give up all prejudices – be it racial, religious, gender or occupational – and treat all children as equals. They should instil in our children the awareness of the oneness of humanity, and prepare them to live in peace in an atmosphere of understanding, dialogue and respect for others.
Teachers need to have a full understanding of the role that a child’s self-esteem plays in determining school success and should create a climate of encouragement in the classroom.
While teachers are normally well equipped to teach, there is always a great deal to learn during the process of conducting their important and meritorious responsibility.