Jane celebrates the work of teachers on #WorldTeachersDay
An unknown author once said: "Teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions". It is for this reason that Jane has decided to dedicate Friday's 'Jane's World' to teachers in and around KZN.
Listen as Naresh Veeran from Embury Institute of Education shares a special message on #WorldTeachersDay, or read the details under the podcast.
Being a teacher is known as one of the most underrated professions in the world, and also one of the most difficult. Not only do they dedicate their lives to empowering and educating the youth, they sometimes have to put up with kids who really don't want to learn.
Over the past few months, we've heard numerous stories in South Africa concerning violence against teachers by students, and it really breaks my heart when I read these headlines.
While prepping for the show and realising that Friday, 5 October is World Teachers Day, I immediately thought back to the drama teacher in high school and my Afrikaans teacher who were both go-to people. The Afrikaans teacher, Mevrou Evans also happened to teach my mom, and my sister.
Read: Ghanaian teacher's creative way to teach students about computers
My drama teacher was one of those teachers that really got me and got the best out of me. The drama room was a place for me to really let go, and she allowed me the space to create, design, and explore different characters and scenarios.
Mevrou Evans was very patient with me, and I loved rocking up to her classroom to read a copy of the Huisgenoot magazine. Ah, the carefree days.
It is reported that the origins of World Teachers Day began back in 1994 by UNESCO as a day to "focus attention on the contributions and achievements of teachers, and to highlight teachers’ concerns and priorities regarding education."
A teacher really has the power to either fuel or stifle a child, and I want to take this day to celebrate not only the extraordinary teachers in and around KZN, but also globally.
Also read: Kindergarten teacher shares four tips on how to better handle children
To celebrate the day, Newsweek has put together a list of inspiring quotes about teachers, and I wanted to share four of them with you:
- “A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning” - Brad Henry
- “Teachers can change lives with just the right mix of chalk and challenges" - Joyce Meyer
- “Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition” - Jacques Barzun
- “Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world” - Malala Yousafzai
We have this one day in the entire year to celebrate these individuals responsible for educating our future leaders of South Africa. Let's use this day to lift them up and tip our hat to them for their dedication towards building a better future.
To Mrs Louise Taylor (nee Blatch), thank you for being such a beacon of light and inspiration in my life.
Do you have a special teacher that has made a positive difference and impact in your life? Feel free to share your stories with me below.