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Teachers: The Unspoken Heroes
Words Ashley Straker
As a child, the heroes we were often in awe of, wore bright, shiny costumes and came to save the day just at the nick of time. This idea can easily make someone overlook the heroes we encounter in our day-to-day lives. From midwives to nurses, to delivery men or store workers. If this pandemic has proven anything, it is that teachers at times are those individuals that can also be overlooked. The important yet under-appreciated role teachers play, in our children’s lives, has become more evident during this global crisis. Many parents have come to recognise the level of patience required within teaching, let alone teaching their children or a room full of 30 different pupils. I believe this time has allowed the development of a stronger parent-teacher relationship and a new level of recognition for educators. Leading us to also wonder, what about teachers makes them so special? And what ‘powers’ do these ‘heroes’ supposedly possess?
The Power of adapting
The past few lockdowns saw schools and teachers quickly adapting and altering their usual teaching methods to teaching online. Some schools were able to do this quickly and smoothly, whilst others took slightly longer. However, it may have appeared, we know it did not come about easily. The formation of rotas, the training of new software and systems. Teachers around the nation had to adapt to all the changes quickly and efficiently. They had to relinquish everything they were trained for and bring the basic aspects of teaching beyond the physical school building. All this, while still trying to remain engaging and energetic for their children. In an ideal scenario, children learn best in real-time situations with the ability to interact with their teachers and peers. Teachers had to bear this in mind and remain resourceful, whilst making their lessons interactive and accessible.
Some schools were able to provide pupils with online sessions whilst others opted for packs. It was clear that these professionals were not going to back away from the problem that had presented itself. Instead, they showed their resilience and rose to the challenge. From the teaching assistants and office staff to the dinner ladies and caretakers. A community of people showed their ability to work hard and adapt to ensure our young people’s futures were not fully jeopardised.
The Power of selflessness
As an educator myself, I have come to appreciate the significance of what I do every day and the impact it has on our society. The reasons for becoming a teacher may vary for many, but I doubt it is the excitement of the long working hours or the never-ending admin work. I believe and hope that many individuals become teachers to inspire and equip a generation of our worlds next leaders, creators, and inventors.
From starting as a teaching assistant to studying to become a qualified teacher, I quickly realised that it was not about the figures at the end of the month but my overall impact on a child’s life. The influence of an inspiring teacher can lead many to great life choices or career paths. For many years, teachers have played vital roles in children’s early life and development. Most of a child’s time is spent within the classroom setting, alongside their teachers and peers. As noted by educator and child psychologist Haim Ginott, ‘parents possess the original key to their children's experience; however, teachers have a spare key and can access the minds and hearts of a child’. Teachers find the ability to do it all and still accept the small acknowledgement or praise given to them from time to time. However, the satisfaction goes beyond the pay. If it were about that, we would have fewer educators in the world. There is not a teacher out there that has not had to use their finances to ensure a lesson or classroom is equipped enough. The passion and care that goes into our children’s education, is truly admiring.
The Power of balance
This year, we witnessed teaching and learning go beyond the four walls of the classroom. Not only did many teachers go online with their classes but at times, they had their children to teach or personal lives to lead. The idea that their work ends at 3:30 is a total myth. The thinking, planning, meetings, or training never stops.
As a parent wears many different hats in a day, you find that teachers do the same. From being a lawyer and listening to all sides of the story from a playground dispute, to being a nurse and putting the plaster on a graze or trying not to gage from the site of a nosebleed. Holidays are never really ‘holidays’. Whether it is an Autumn, Spring or Summer break, most school holidays are a time of preparation. Teachers continuously work hard to stay ahead and ready for the following term. All this, whilst still finding the time to have a social life or do something non-school related. Knowing when to stop or switch off, maybe the real area of growth here.
The Power of patience
Patience is a virtue and as a teacher, you come to understand this daily. Most parents realised how much patience was needed when teaching their children during this pandemic. As an educator, you come to understand the patience needed for each child’s learning process. Adapting strategies to see what works best for a particular child. Appreciating the fact that everyone’s comprehension is different, and you may not see results immediately. It would be crazy if a teacher got frustrated every time a child did not understand something. You realise it is part of the package and you must allow a child to learn at their own pace. Teachers do not give up on their children and end up repeating many things previously taught. But the moment a child showcases the knowledge of a particular teaching, all the hard work pays. Patience at times is not about having the ability to wait, but the attitude you have whilst you wait.
The dictionary defines a hero as a person admired for their courage, achievements, and qualities. Many people can be associated with this definition and teachers are one of them. The education of our future prime ministers, entrepreneurs, artists, or doctors have been entrusted in the hands of these individuals that work tirelessly throughout the year. It is easy for many people to think back at a particular teacher that made a difference to their own school experience. And yes, they are simply people like everyone, but I like to believe in the hilarious but comforting words of crisp eating comedian Elsa Mojimbo, that ‘not all heroes wear capes.’