“Teacher, good evening!” That used to be the case long ago whenever the teacher was spotted.
He was a wonder to behold! News about a new entry into the profession easily spread in the village and residents bowed in respect while greeting him. The children admired him. The parents would want him to marry their daughter out of reverence.
The teacher, it was believed, had the magic to unlock a child’s future. But respect is earned. If the teacher carried himself with dignity, the society reciprocated with honour. There were teachers who offered the best services both in school and college.
Teachers competed about who will be the best in their subject, who will produce the most grade As, whose pupil will join the most prestigious national school, or whose pupil will feature in national sports events.
Reuben Chore Nango, a primary school headteacher in the ’80s and ’90s was respected in the greater South Nyanza for music, dance, and drama. He had the voice, the passion, the energy. That is why I write about his days as achievements as my teacher. An inspiration.
Retired Chief Justice of Kenya Willy Mutunga says his teachers were instrumental in his choosing a Law degree at Dar es Salaam University.
In other words, everyone needs a mentor. The teacher is the first and extraordinary mentor. There are many occasions on which many learners mistakenly bypass the teacher’s crucial role because of fanciful ideas they have obtained from the society.
For example, one poultry-keeper frequently jokes about teachers fleecing our economies. His thoughts suggest the teacher is an exploitative, lowly, and overwhelmed member of the society marooned by desperation.
Pupils unable to prepare well for challenges or parents sleeping in harbours of success unfairly scoff at teachers. Instead of appreciation, the society has openly criticised tutors.
But that is as far as less successful students may go. It is near impossible to remove the landmarks that the teacher builds in the life of a learner.
The teacher, whether he was good or bad never exits a student’s life. So many times you will remember him for bad deeds or good. Whoever looks for teachers to blame will find them.
But to accomplish anything of substance, to impress new knowledge on the young learner’s “tabula rasa” until he becomes a successful individual, the learner needs the teacher.
Nonetheless, alcoholism, absenteeism, corporal punishment and sexual exploitation make the list of some of the ills teachers are accused of and they have failed to acquit themselves well. This group of tutors hurts the profession.
Teachers engaged in all manner of cruel dispositions ought to know students deserve more in terms of knowledge, love, and mentorship. Teachers are the second line of parents who spend the bulk of the time with learners.
Just as domestic happiness is essential to the growth of the child, so is happiness at school. Raising disciplined children requires a partnership between parents and teachers.
History, however, shows the teacher is loved and hated depending on success and perceived failure.
At the end of the day, everyone is indebted to a friend, foe or the teacher who first drew him away from darkness and made him who he is.
