This side of Heaven it is impossible to determine which career is the most valuable.
Who is to say that a firefighter or a medical attendant or a train engineer is performing the best for mankind? However, it must be acknowledged that being a teacher must rank at the very top as a worthwhile job.
First of all, it must be stated that this columnist has a son who is a school teacher. One recent study states that the impact of a good teacher cannot be overemphasized. Many very successful people have attributed their good fortune to an inspiring teacher.
In most instances in Canada teachers’ pay has climbed significantly, so being a teacher is not a handicap to a fortunate life. Teachers, of course, have to work at most eight months of the year, reflecting the long summer break and the regular holidays, plus school closing due to inclement weather. However, teachers do work long hours after classroom time during the day. Exams must be marked, report cards written, and time set aside for interviews with parents.
If a teacher is really involved in the subject matter themes often are presented say around Canada’s participation in wars, or school debates during elections. Whether or not school should be teaching sex education certainly is a question.
Computer instruction can handle some of the routine teaching, saving the time of teachers, but by no means all of the work.
In elementary grades, projects or plays become learning experience. Teachers’ enthusiasm is conveyed to students so what is required is an instructor who is deeply interested perhaps in history and can make it more than a recital of dates, but a great story. The curriculum provided by the Ministry of Education is only a bare outline.
For example, a CBC commentator has been responsible for an exciting story describing war and geography, something that is certain to entrance many youngsters. He could be a guest lecturer and show a film too.
Teachers should foster classroom discussions, providing youngsters with an opportunity to express themselves.
It is no easy task to be a good teacher. The rewards are immense, too, though it should be noted that those who had good teachers earn more as adults, are more likely to attend a post-secondary institution, and to have successful children.
The ability to get along and inspire youngsters would be a tremendous help in the long run in the future careers in public service or in any profession.
Clearly, teaching as a career is without equal in the opportunity it presents; one that advances the status of individuals and all aspects of the nation.